What's Buggin' You? Organic Pest Control Part 3

Uugh! Slugs!

Fear not, we have some kid safe/pet safe tips and organic solutions to help fight the slimy little suckers.

1. Sluggo, an all natural, pet safe, proven snail and slug killer. As it says on the bottle, "makes slugs disappear!" One package covers 1,000 square feet, and it remains effective through the rain!

2.Spread or spray Diatomaceous Earth. Diatomaceous earth is the sharp, jagged skeletal remains of microscopic creatures. It lacerates soft-bodied pests, causing them to dehydrate. A powdery granular material, it can be sprinkled around garden beds or individual plants or put in a sprayer, which we also carry.

Diatomaceous earth is less effective when wet, so use during dry weather. Wear protective gear (safety glasses and a dust mask) when applying, as it can irritate eyes and lungs. Be sure to buy natural or agricultural grade diatomaceous earth, not pool grade which has smoother edges and is far less effective. We carry the agricultural grade by the bag.

3. Bait and kill slugs is with pans full of beer. The slugs are attracted to the yeasty smell and then drown in the brew. The only problem with this home remedy is that with all the rain we've been getting, the beer may get diluted, or flooded out entirely.

4. For the brave, pick off the slugs in the early morning or evening with chop sticks (so you don't get the slime all over your hands) and drop them in a bucket of salted water. Or pick them off with your clippers, and cut them in half as you do. (I know, so gross.)


Other tips:

Use cocoa mulch. Slugs don't like the smell or the texture. (Dog owners beware, dogs will sometimes eat the cocoa shells, and it can make them sick.)

Put very finely crushed eggshells around plants you wish to protect.

Spread coffee grounds or aluminum sulfate around plants.



What's Buggin' You? Organic Pest Control Part 1

What's Buggin' You? Organic Pest Control Part 2