Pest Severity: Medium ⚠️ Contagious

Slugs and Snails: How to Identify & Treat Fast

Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.

Spread speed

Medium

Recovery time

14 days

🔍 Symptoms

Main Symptoms

! Irregular holes in leaves with smooth edges
! Silvery, shiny slime trails on leaves and soil
! Missing or completely eaten seedlings
! Ragged leaf edges and damaged tender shoots
! Damage concentrated at ground level
! Visible slugs or snails on plants during evening/night

Visual Signs

Irregular holes in leaves with smooth edgesSilvery slime trails on leaves and soilMissing seedlings and young shootsRagged leaf edgesDamage concentrated near ground levelVisible slugs or snails on plants at night

Affected parts: LEAVESStemFlowersFruits

❓ Possible Causes

→ High moisture and humidity levels
→ Dense plant growth providing hiding spots
→ Mulch, leaf litter, and debris near plants
→ Overwatering and poor drainage
→ Cool, damp weather conditions
→ Presence of host plants with tender foliage

💊 Treatment

⚡

Quick Fixes

~7 days

Step 1

Apply iron phosphate baits (Sluggo) around affected plants following package directions

Step 2

Scatter pellets in evening when slugs are active, using 1 teaspoon per square yard

Step 3

Focus application near hiding spots and damaged plants

Step 4

Handpick any visible slugs during evening inspection

Step 5

Reapply bait every 7-10 days or after heavy rain

Step 6

Monitor for reduced damage after 3-5 days

Step 7

Continue treatment for 2 weeks minimum

Materials needed:

Slug bait pelletsIron-based granulesRepellent sprayCommercial barriers

🌿

Organic Treatment

~14 days

Step 1

Handpick slugs and snails during evening hours when they are most active

Step 2

Set beer traps by burying shallow containers filled halfway with beer near affected plants

Step 3

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in a 2-inch wide barrier around plant base

Step 4

Wrap copper tape around pots or create copper barriers around beds

Step 5

Remove hiding spots like boards, rocks, and dense mulch

Step 6

Water plants in the morning only to reduce nighttime moisture

Step 7

Check traps daily and refresh beer every 2-3 days

Step 8

Reapply diatomaceous earth after rain or watering

Materials needed:

Crushed eggshellsWood ashBeer trapDiatomaceous earthCopper tape

🔬

Expert Treatment

~21 days

Step 1

Conduct comprehensive garden assessment to identify all hiding spots and moisture sources

Step 2

Remove all hiding spots: boards, pots, dense mulch, leaf litter, and debris

Step 3

Install permanent copper barriers around vulnerable beds and valuable plants

Step 4

Apply iron phosphate or ferric sodium EDTA baits strategically in problem areas

Step 5

Implement drip irrigation system to replace overhead watering

Step 6

Adjust watering schedule to morning only, allowing soil to dry by evening

Step 7

Create wildlife-friendly areas to encourage natural predators (birds, frogs, ground beetles)

Step 8

Set up monitoring traps using boards to check population levels weekly

Step 9

Apply diatomaceous earth barriers around new seedlings and transplants

Step 10

Handpick during evening patrol 2-3 times per week for first month

Step 11

Establish companion planting with slug-resistant plants (lavender, rosemary, fennel)

Step 12

Monitor and maintain barriers, reapplying baits every 10-14 days as needed

Step 13

Document progress with photos and notes to adjust strategy as needed

Step by Step

1
Remove visible slugs and snails by handpicking in evening
2
Set up beer traps by burying containers level with soil
3
Apply diatomaceous earth barrier around affected plants
4
Create copper barriers around valuable plants or pots
5
Monitor plants regularly and repeat treatments as needed
6
Reduce moisture by adjusting watering schedule

🧪 Solutions

🌱 Natural Solutions

✓ Beer traps placed near affected plants
✓ Diatomaceous earth barriers around plants
✓ Copper tape or mesh around pots and beds
✓ Handpicking during evening hours
✓ Crushed eggshells or coffee grounds as deterrents
✓ Encourage natural predators like birds and frogs

💉 Chemical Solutions

✓ Iron phosphate baits (Sluggo) - organic certified
✓ Ferric sodium EDTA baits for faster action
✓ Metaldehyde baits (use with extreme caution around pets)
✓ Commercial slug pellets containing iron phosphate

🛡️ Prevention

✓ Remove hiding spots like boards, pots, and dense mulch
✓ Water plants in the morning to reduce nighttime moisture
✓ Create barriers using copper tape or diatomaceous earth
✓ Reduce dense plant growth to improve air circulation
✓ Keep garden clean by removing plant debris regularly
✓ Use drip irrigation instead of overhead watering

🌿 Common in These Plants

Bird's Nest Fern

Delta Maidenhair Fern

Mexican Gem

Amaryllis

African Milk Tree

Purple Shamrock

Moon Orchid

Common Houseleek