SLUGS--BARRIERS

Hardwood, softwood and diatomaceous earth barriers against slugs can be used if kept dry. Diatomaceous earth may be lung health hazard if breathed; face masks should be used when applying.

Copper barrier strips create an impenetrable barrier to slugs. Copper flashing or sheets available at hardware stores can be cut and attached to wood frames. Slugs will not crawl over the copper barrier used as strips around individual plants. Any slug already in the area when barriers are put down will not be killed or affected. It might be wise to check an area before creating a barrier. Slugs will not cross copper due reaction between the copper and their bodies.

Ducks, chickens, toads and rove beetles will eat slugs, though neighbors may complain about the noise from the first two. Other birds may eat slugs, though they are seldom active during the same hours of the day.

The use of salt to "melt" a slug isn't recommended. While it may kill the slug, the salt will cause problems with the soil and surrounding plants.

See: Slugs--Baits; Slugs--Biology; Slugs--Control

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