Slugs are common garden pests in western Washington. They resemble snails, but lack shells. They may vary in size from as little as 1/4" up to several inches in length, depending on age and species. Foliage of older plants is raggedly chewed, while younger plants may be totally consumed. Slugs leave behind a characteristic slime trail, which appears silvery when it dries. Slugs typically feed at night and do more damage during cool, moist weather.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Encourage predators such as birds, garter snakes, frogs, ducks, and predacious ground beetles. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
Hand-pick and kill slugs when noticed.
Clean up weeds and debris which may provide shelter. Cut tall weeds and grasses around the garden and clean up rocks, boards, and other shelters.
Trap slugs with cans of stale beer sunk into the ground.
Use chemical baits with caution, as pets can be poisoned. Iron phosphate-based baits are safer for pets!

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Broadcast to seedbed around border and between rows. Do not apply directly to plants. NOTE: Lilly Miller Slug & Snail Bait is registered for use on CUCUMBER AND SQUASH ONLY.

Images

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Caption: Slug damage and slime Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Brown slug Photo by: C.R. Foss
Caption: Slug damage on iris Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Caption: Slug Photo by: C.R. Foss
Caption: Slug damage on tulip Photo by: A.L. Antonelli

WSU Extension

Hortsense