In many parts of the country, the start of the fall season has brought with it extra humidity and rainfall. Unless the temperatures in your area have turned suddenly frigid, all the additional moisture is sure to bring out more pests and diseases. Slugs are one such pest that loves the mild, wet weather, making them happy and hungry...and headed straight for your favorite plants!Slugs can Damage...everything!If you have certain plants in your garden, such as hostas or freshly planted lettuce transplants, then you are no stranger to slugs. Slugs favor these lush and leafy garden favorites. But know that even though slugs have their favorites, they'll each pretty much any plants that are available to them. And despite their small size and slow speed, you might be amazed at just how much damage they can cause in a short period of time.These shell-less mollusks can eat up to twice their body weight every day! When slugs are not managed properly, they can quickly eat an entire crop of vegetable plants, tender new perennials or colorful annuals you just planted in a just a few days.The iron phosphate in Sluggo will kill off slugs when sprinkled around the base of your plants and is safe to use around pets and wildlife. Keep Slugs at Bay NaturallyThere are natural ways to prevent slugs from overtaking your garden. You just have to know their favorite spots, then make your landscape appear less than hospitable. Because slugs prefer dark, moist areas, look for them under leaky faucets, under shrubs in poorly draining soils, beneath pots and rocks, or all over your shade garden.Landscapes that are watered at night or have poor drainage are susceptible to slug infestations. An organically maintained landscape will encourage beneficial slug predators in your garden and take care of some of them for you. Are you a backyard urban farmer? If you have chickens, collect the slugs to feed them as a special treat.There are also natural products, such as iron phosphate and diatomaceous earth, that can be spread in your garden beds to kill slugs where they are feeding.Safer Diatomaceous Earth is OMRI certified. DE is a dust-like product that, when ingested by insects or as the insect crosses through the powder, the DE will cut their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.The Oakstump Slug trap attracts and kills slugs without poisons!Remember, slugs can quickly become more than a nuisance. Left uncontrolled, they'll take down your garden! Check out all our slug controls HERE.
