Symptoms
- check_circleIrregular, ragged holes in leaves — especially young or soft growth
- check_circleSilvery slime trails on leaves, soil, or surrounding surfaces
- check_circleSeedlings disappearing overnight
- check_circleDamage worse after rain or in humid conditions
Causes
- arrow_rightSlugs and snails sheltering in moist, shaded areas near the plant
- arrow_rightDense mulch or ground cover providing hiding places
- arrow_rightMild, wet weather increasing slug activity
- arrow_rightNight feeding making damage appear without visible culprit
How to Diagnose
Check for slime trails on and around the plant. Go out at night with a torch — slugs and snails are most active after dark and in wet weather.
Treatment
Hand-pick slugs at night and dispose of them. Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around affected plants. Create barriers with copper tape or crushed eggshells. Nematode slug control (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) is effective as a soil drench.
Prevention
Remove slug hiding places — lift debris and dense mulch away from plants. Water in the morning rather than evening to reduce overnight moisture. Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs, frogs, and ground beetles.
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