Close-up of several slugs
Slug larva on a pear leaf
Slug seen from above
Leaves eaten by slugs
Contents
Find all our tips in the application
Slugs
Contents
Find all our tips in the application
Slugs belong to the gastropod family, like snails. But unlike their cousins, they have no shell. They measure between one and thirty centimetres.
Slugs are omnivores. They eat plant tissues, fungi, detritus, etc. They play a role in the decomposition of organic matter and contribute to enriching soil quality.
The three most common slug species in France are :
The three most common slug species in France are :
- the red slug ;
- the grey slug ;
- the horticultural slug.
Contributing factors
Slugs are more numerous and dynamic in spring and summer. In fact, they like mild temperatures. When the mercury drops below 5°C, gastropods take refuge in the soil and are less active. Below -3°C, they die.
Another factor favoring slug activity and reproduction is humidity. They take advantage of rainy days to leave their hiding places and feed in your vegetable patch and garden.
How it works
At nightfall, when weather conditions are favorable, slugs come out to eat. Salads and cabbage are among their favorite foods. With their two toothed jaws, they nibble leaves and roots until they're full. In one night, they can ingest half their body weight!
You can catch slugs in the act at night, in the rain. But you're more likely to see the damage in the morning. The culprits leave traces of slime all around the gnawed leaves.
You can catch slugs in the act at night, in the rain. But you're more likely to see the damage in the morning. The culprits leave traces of slime all around the gnawed leaves.
Symptoms
Slug damage is mainly visible on the foliage. The cuticle of the leaf blade is cut away and eaten. Only the veins remain.
The invasion causes a drop in crop yield, aesthetic damage or the death of young plants.
The invasion causes a drop in crop yield, aesthetic damage or the death of young plants.
Treatment
There are natural methods for getting rid of slugs. They are more or less effective, depending on the weather and the virulence of the parasites.
Slug predators
Hedgehogs, chickens, blackbirds, shrews and toads feed on slugs.
Eggshells and coffee grounds
Eggshells , ash and coffee grounds prevent slugs from reaching your plants. You can place them at the foot of your plants to hinder the progress of gastropods and keep your plants free from pests.
But this barrier is ephemeral. It's washed away by the rain, and you have to put it back in place after each shower.
But this barrier is ephemeral. It's washed away by the rain, and you have to put it back in place after each shower.
Iron phosphate-based granules
Organic slug pelletsare based on iron phosphate. They are non-toxic to children, dogs, cats and slug predators.
Place them in a dish near the most fragile plants. After contact with iron phosphate, slugs and snails die of dehydration.
To avoid counter-productive overdosing, follow the instructions on the product. These organic granules are available from garden centers and specialist online retailers.
Place them in a dish near the most fragile plants. After contact with iron phosphate, slugs and snails die of dehydration.
To avoid counter-productive overdosing, follow the instructions on the product. These organic granules are available from garden centers and specialist online retailers.
