While snails feed all day long, slugs are nocturnal which makes them more difficult to remove or control. You may have tried slug pellets in the past and now want to try a more natural solution.
The only way to control slugs without using any intervention at all, would be to encourage their natural predators into the garden – at volume. Frogs, birds and hedgehogs will do the job of eating slugs, but you would need them to show up regularly and in consistent numbers to control the average slug population!
The next best way to control slug infestations - organically - is to use a natural control like nematodes.
What is Biological Slug Control?
Nematodes act as parasites on pests like slugs. The specific species that parasitise slugs is Phasmarhabditis sp.
Phasmarhabditis sp. actively seek out a variety of slugs, feeding and multiplying inside them, then infecting them with a bacterium.
Once infected, the slugs will stop feeding and die. The nematode will then leave the dead slug and go on to seek out more slugs, repeating the cycle. Nematodes also reproduce inside the slug larvae, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area.
You are unlikely to notice dead slugs as they will retreat underground to die. Biological slug control is a highly effective, safe treatment that can be used on all edible crops and ornamentals. They are safe for pets and other wildlife and the perfect choice for organic gardeners.
How Many Nematodes Do I Need?
We sell biological slug control in packs that cover the following areas:
• 25m2
• 40m2
• 100m2
• 800m2
There are millions of microscopic nematodes in each pack – carefully worked out to ensure accurate application for each specific area listed. Each application of nematodes will provide at least six weeks control of slugs.
How to Apply Biological Slug Control
Apply to moist compost/soil, when the soil temp is above 5ºC using a watering can or sprayer.
Dissolve the pack contents in a bucket of water to create a stock solution. Then further dilute some of this stock solution in more water in a watering can.
Specific dilution and application rates are shown on our product page and depend on what size pack coverage you select.
Once you have the stock correctly diluted, you simply pour the solution directly onto the affected turf.
Nematodes are harmless to other wildlife, earthworms, bees and birds, and can be used successfully in an organic gardening programme.
This choice of biopesticide will provide long-lasting control of leatherjackets and can be used alongside other biological controls.
