Slugs are not only unattractive when found in gardens and yards, but can also be very disruptive to the growth of many plants and vegetables. Some common ways to get rid of slugs include promoting an environment that supports their predators and preventing an environment that is favored by them. Gardeners also may be able to use beer and copper in certain ways to get rid of slugs.
One of the best ways to get rid of slugs is to promote an environment that can support slug predators. Typically, the primary predators for slugs include garter snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards, and birds. Hanging a number of bird feeders can be a great way to encouraged birds to enter yards that are rich in slugs. In addition, providing high amounts of shady areas can help to support amphibian life. Luring these predators to a yard rich in slugs is a great way to keep a slug population under control.
Another way to get rid of slugs is to reduce the environments in which they thrive. While promoting an environment for slug predators can be a great way to get rid of them, preventing the development of an environment enjoyed by slugs can be just as effective. Typically, slugs thrive in environments that contain high amounts of moss, leaves, small branches, and other forms of debris under which slugs can hide. In addition, slugs love moist climates, and thus removing any obvious sources of moisture is a must when trying to get rid of slugs.
One natural way to get rid of slugs is through the use of beer. Research has shown that slugs are attracted to the smell of beer, and will seek it out. Individuals who are interested in using beer to get rid of slugs should first dig a shallow hole in the ground that is as deep as the pan that will be used to trap the slugs. Once the hole is dug and the pan sunk, it should be filled with beer. Slugs will be attracted to the beer, enter the pan, and drown.
Copper can also be used with get results when trying to get rid of slugs. As much as slugs love beer, they hate copper just as much. When a thin layer of copper is placed over flower beds and other areas that slugs enjoy, the copper interferes with the slime on their body, and is toxic.