Publication E-45
February 1974
Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service
Entomology Department

SLUGS IN THE HOME AND GARDEN
Donald L. Schuder, Extension Entomologist

Slugs are soft-bodied, greyish or mottled, slimy creatures measuring up to 4 inches long. They can become serious pests in and around the home and in greenhouses.

Slugs feed on molds, decaying organic matter and also on the foliage of plants.
They must have a large amount of moisture to survive and prefer darkness. Ideal habitats include damp basements, beneath boards, trash and other debris and in crevices. Slugs are active at night and leave a silver-colored, slimy trail wherever they travel. These trails can be seen on foundation walls, basement floors, walks and plant leaves.

CONTROL MEASURES: SANITATION
Slugs can often be controlled by eliminating their hiding places. Remove rotting boards and debris left on the ground or stored in the basement. Pay special attention to keeping the crawl space under the house free of trash. In greenhouses, rotting boards, flower pots and debris beneath the tenches usually harbor slugs.

CONTROL MEASURES: INSECTICIDES
Zectran sprays provide excellent control of slugs and snails. Water the area thoroughly. Mix 2 teaspoonsful of Zectran
2E in one gallon of water and apply to 130 to 180 square feet of area. Soak the debris and soil beneath infested plants. Repeat as necessary. Do not use on food crops.

Metaldehyde and Mesurol, in bait form, are the preferred materials for killing slugs in home and greenhouses. Most garden supply centers have a "slug and snail bait" containing metaldehyde or Mesurol. Apply the bait according to package directions.

A 15% metaldehyde dust is preferred for slug control in greenhouses. It is not generally available except from greenhouse suppliers. Three treatments at 10-day intervals are usually sufficient. Wear a respirator, and apply evenly to surfaces over which slugs crawl.

A chlordane dust or spray is also helpful. A 5% dust can be applied to plants and also to other surfaces where slugs are found. To spray plants with chlordane, use 2 teaspoonsful of 45% emulsifiable concentrate in one gallon of water. Treat areas without vegetation with a residual strength spray consisting of 10 table spoonsful of the concentrate in a gallon of water. Apply either one in late evening to foundation walls, walks and other surfaces where slugs crawl.

Small pans, can lids or dishes at least 1/2 inch deep sunk into the ground and filled with beer attract and drown garden slugs. Place the pans 3 to 4 feet apart. Refill the pans after every rain.

The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service is implied. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.	
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Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H.G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette, In. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.