slugs
Last post 12-05-2012 1:30 PM by Rhubarb. 25 replies.
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02/03/2012 06:54 PM
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Hello I was wondering if anyone can help. For last two years I had a problem with slugs whose ate literally all my plants in the garden unless they have been big and mature enough. This year i am having a in bloom first time crocuses. But when i was checking this morning I saw that most of them had been eaten and only stamps have been help. I have tried last year loads of tricks including, foil tapes, eggs shell, organic products nothing stopped them. This year I am planning to attract lots of birds in to my garden. But please help what shall I do to stop them. Many thanks, LG
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02/03/2012 07:55 PM
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Hi Lenka, welcome to the forums, Have you tried using nematodes? They aren't very cheap, but they are very effective. They work best when the weather is wet and slugs are active. Slug poison pellets are better in dry weather. I've never tried copper bands, but I've heard people say that they work. Have fun, Ed
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02/03/2012 08:06 PM
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- courierdude
- cambs/suffolk border
- 14 Feb 2012
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213
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plant some marigolds as sacrificial plants that you are prepared to let the slugs devour. ...can anyone recommend any other plants that slugs love?
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02/03/2012 08:58 PM
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I have tried that but they are everywhere and there's is loads of them. I tried marigolds, pellets and i was collecting them every night with torch but still they eaten all beans, lilies, now crocuses. I guess I need something more drastic, the think is I don't want use anything chemical which would kill birds etc. But thanks for your advice, very much appreciated. LG
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02/03/2012 09:02 PM
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Hi Ed. No I didn't try this so definitely will look in to it. My garden is 30 x 15 m big so it looks like I would need to spray it all. Anything what will protect this summer my plants. Thank you very much. LG
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03/03/2012 05:49 AM
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- Julie
- London
- 28 Apr 2009
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410
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Are you sure it's slugs doing all the damage? I think it's a bit early for slugs but I have squirrels damaging my new spring bulbs, eg literally biting a daf off - I'm finding them around the garden. They also ate all the new tulip and crocus bulbs I planted last Autumn. Later I would use slug pellets - I don't like messing about! When I use them I have a slug graveyard for a while but they do the job.
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03/03/2012 12:18 PM
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Hi Julie. That's an interesting thought. I am definitely sure that last 2 years it have been slugs who eaten my plants because of slimy paths, I used to also pick them up directly from plants during night and because of the way it was bitten bit by bit. I was assuming they are slugs because when I was lifting yesterday some pots in my garden already sow them. I have checked this morning and it I am 70% sure its them. I'll check tonight when it gets dark. Thank you! Lenka
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03/03/2012 12:21 PM
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Anyones know about garlic liquid made at home? Someone was talking about it last year on tv that is very cheap and efficient. Unfortunately I can't find it. Thank you
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03/03/2012 12:57 PM
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- Susiq
- Northumberland
- 16 Feb 2008
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3,125
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Hi Lenka - slugs are indeed the bane of our lives! The ONLY solution I've found to be totally effective are nematodes. I've heard of a garlic liquid, but didn't think it was for getting rid of slugs. Good luck, I've already got my nematodes on order for this coming season!
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03/03/2012 03:26 PM
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Nematodes are already twice mentioned here and I read some good reviews. It's just a very expensive option unfortunately :( Thank you
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03/03/2012 09:34 PM
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- Snark
- Suffolk
- 12 Jan 2011
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265
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Sadly I have tried nematodes twice and found them a total waste of money.I think that this is because they need really damp soil for several weeks to work well. Both times I tried them we had little rain for several weeks. The slugs stopped because of the drought but resumed in full force as soon as it rained again.In this dry part of the world I cant spare valuable water and watering time to keep the ground wet enough for them to work properly. Sorry!
For the Snark was a boojum you see
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03/03/2012 09:39 PM
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interesting thanks for sharing your experience! ohh slugs. i was jus checking them now and yep they are slugs so early. they are tiny but it's them!
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04/03/2012 04:32 AM
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- courierdude
- cambs/suffolk border
- 14 Feb 2012
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213
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you sound like you are definitely in need of a couple of slug eating moles from my garden lenka...)
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04/03/2012 04:26 PM
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- Snark
- Suffolk
- 12 Jan 2011
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265
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We have lots of moles and loads of slugs. I think moles are more into worms than slugs. If you want me to be really depressing the much loved hedgehogs (and like everyone else I like hedgehogs)probably eat 80% of their diet as worms and beetles which most of us regard as beneficial.I have been involved with hedgehog rescue and at least one of the rescue centres wont let you take a hog if you say you want it to help with slug control because slugs carry nematodes which can kill hedgehogs.
On the other hand the so called organic slug pellets based on ferric sulphate rather than metaldehyde are supposed to be wildlife safe and are fairly effective - need topping up more frequently than conventional ones.I'm not sure what weaselly definition makes ferric sulphate organic but then I dont pretend to garden organically anyway.(probably get shot for saying that these days)
For the Snark was a boojum you see
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04/03/2012 11:16 PM
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As Snark says, nematodes need wet conditions to work. Slug poison pellets are the most effective option for year round control.
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