Combatting the garden menace: Eco‑friendly strategies for Spanish slugs

Spanish slugs were first observed in Canada in the 1990s. They are one of the most voracious species of slugs, reaching lengths of 3 to 6 inches and appearing in various colours, from brown and red to orange and even yellow. Notably, they lack shells.

Spanish slugs' presence in the garden can cause substantial damage. They eat young shoots, bulbs, and leaves, leading to gradual plant decay. As omnivorous mollusks, they can lay up to 400 eggs in a single season, making them quite challenging to manage.

In addition to destroying crops, the Spanish slug is a carrier of dangerous parasites, such as nematodes. Parasite larvae can embed themselves in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of dogs, cats, foxes, and even wolves, posing a serious threat to animals.

An increasing number of gardeners are turning to eco-friendly methods to combat slugs. One effective approach is to scatter coffee grounds, which contain caffeine known to repel slugs.

Studies have shown that coffee grounds can serve as a fertilizer, enriching the soil with phosphorus and potassium, and effectively repel pests. Grounds should be applied directly to the soil, especially after rain, to avoid harming the slugs.

In addition to coffee grounds, consider planting slug-repelling plants such as sage, chamomile, marjoram, wormwood, garlic, onions, or yarrow. Spanish slugs dislike these plants, which can help reduce their population in the garden.

You can also catch slugs using simple traps. One of the most effective methods is to fill a shallow dish with beer. The aroma of beer attracts slugs, which fall into the trap and can be easily removed. Alternatively, you can pour water, milk, and honey into a plastic trap, which will also lure garden pests.