How to Effectively Get Rid of Spanish Slugs in the Garden: Effective Control Methods
Spanish slugs cause significant damage to garden crops, destroying over 150 species of plants. They even consume those plants that other pests avoid, including marigolds. These mollusks particularly favor grapes, strawberries, cabbage, peppers, potatoes, carrots, and beets. Experts note that slugs do not shy away from dead animals and may even eat members of their own species.
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Behavior and Reproduction Characteristics of Slugs
During the day, these pests hide in the soil, sometimes at depths of up to one meter, where they gnaw at the roots of plants. With the onset of darkness, they come to the surface in search of food. High humidity and warmth create optimal conditions for the reproduction of Spanish slugs. In the fall, they lay eggs in soil cracks or moist shelters, and a new generation appears by May. Weeds, frequent watering, and a large amount of plant debris left in the field can contribute to the spread of these pests.
How to Combat Slugs: Simple and Accessible Remedies
In October, when warm and humid weather persists, slugs are particularly active in consuming perennial and other green plants left in the beds. To combat them, ulicide is often used—an ecological remedy that, however, is quite expensive and requires significant amounts for complete pest eradication.
Experienced gardeners recommend using a more accessible, yet equally effective mixture:
“To get rid of slugs, you need to take 300 g of fine cornmeal, 100 g of leftover morning coffee (dry the coffee grounds beforehand), a packet of dry ground mustard—100 g, and 20 g of ulicide itself. Mix thoroughly and scatter in the areas where slugs gather in the evening. After such treatment, in the morning you will find an incredible number of neutralized pests. If done consistently, you can get rid of them.”
Regular application of this mixture will help significantly reduce the slug population and protect the harvest from their destructive impact.