Lusitanian slug invasion: Effective garden control strategies
Lusitanian slugs are among the most troublesome garden pests. Their presence in gardens can result in significant crop losses and the destruction of ornamental plants. Getting rid of them necessitates effective strategies. What are the best ways to combat these unwelcome visitors?
They are one of the most voracious slug species. They reach a length of approximately 8 to 15 centimeters and come in various colours, from brown through red to orange or even yellow. Additionally, they are shell-less.
These slugs wreak havoc in the garden and pose a threat to animals
Their presence in the garden can cause significant damage. Lusitanian slugs consume young shoots, tubers, and plant leaves, which leads to their gradual decline. They are omnivorous molluscs that can lay up to 400 eggs in one season, making them particularly challenging to control.
The Lusitanian slug destroys crops and carries dangerous parasites, such as nematodes. The parasite larvae can nest in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of dogs, cats, foxes, and even wolves, posing a serious threat to animals.
Ecological methods of combating Lusitanian slugs
More and more gardeners are turning to ecological methods of slug control. One effective method is sprinkling coffee grounds with caffeine, which repels slugs.
Research has confirmed that coffee grounds can serve not only as a fertiliser enriching the soil with phosphorus and potassium but also effectively deter pests. The grounds should be applied directly onto the soil, especially after rain, to avoid slug suffering.
Besides coffee grounds, consider planting slug-repellent plants such as sage, chamomile, marjoram, wormwood, garlic, onion, or yarrow. Lusitanian slugs are not fond of these plants, which can help reduce their population in the garden.
Effective traps for slugs
Slugs can also be caught 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. You can also pour water, milk, and honey into a plastic trap to attract garden pests.
