Snails and Slugs
Slugs and Snails are gardener's worst nightmares. Impossible to get rid of once and for all, you need to keep up a constant battle to keep them under control.
It pays to know your slugs!
Types of Slug
The Keeled Slug
Grey in colour, with a ridge down the back they are generally larger than the Grey Field Slug (about 2.5 inches or 6 to 7 cm). On the whole they are regarded as mainly subterranean in behaviour, living and feeding under ground.
The Grey Field Slug
The most common and serious slug pest. Highly variable in colour (but usually light grey or fawn) it measures 3 cm (1.5 inches)
The Garden Slug
Similar in size to the grey field slug, but with a much tougher skin. Usually darker in colour (grey to black), with their underside a distinctive yellow, which also characterises their slime trail.
The Black Slug
Measures up to 8 inches (20 cm) and is black in colour (but the young stages can be yellowish with dark tentacles). Due to its large size, its body volume to surface area ratio is far greater than the smaller slug species, making it less prone to desiccation (dehydration). Therefore, you are more likely to see this slug during the daytime.
How to Treat Snails and Slugs Naturally
While slugs play a role in the garden ecosystem, too many can wreak havoc on your precious plants. Fortunately, there are numerous natural and organic methods to keep slug populations under control without resorting to harsh chemicals.