DIY Solutions

Hand-picking can be a very good method of control if performed regularly. Initially the slug-hunt should be performed daily just after dark. Search for them with a torch, looking in the places where you've seen plant damage first as they often will return to the same place to feed. Gloves are a benefit when picking the slimy creatures up as the mucous is particularly thick and sticky. After a week or so the numbers of slugs should be significantly reduced and the frequency of the hunt can be performed less frequently, about once a week. If you enjoy the thrill of the chase (!) and there are not enough slugs to satisfy your blood-lust you can extend the night-time search to include their resting places, under leaves, stones and in dark corners of the garden.

This low-cost, low-tech method has the same potential drawback as the various trapping techniques - just what do you do with the live creatures you've collected. This is discussed in gruesome detail in the Traps section of this guide.