Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash: Slugs

• Categories: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash Insects Vegetables
• Last review date: 2025-10-19 05:00

Biology

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

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• 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!

Chemical Management

• Broadcast to seedbed around border and between rows.
• Do not apply directly to plants.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Escar-Go! Slug and Snail Bait
  Active ingredient: iron phosphate
  EPA registration number: 67702-3-56872
• Monterey Sluggo [Organic].
  Active ingredient: iron phosphate
  EPA registration number: 67702-3-54705
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.