Topic: Slugtastic

[bupster]

I got bought "50 ways to kill a slug" for Christmas, and in it is a suggestion that both live and dead slugs should be put on the compost heap - the live ones eat the dead ones as well as breaking down organic matter. Is this true? I do hope so as it would be much easier - once I've built my compost heap  :-[ - than my current strategy of seeing how far I can fling them...

[MutantHobbit]

I'll have to try that...  Not for the squeamish though! :-X ;D

[supersprout]

I'd be afraid the live ones would end up giant size bupster  :-X
I recommend snipping crossways, not lengthways, you get more slugs per snip  ::) sorry snail  :'(

[bupster]

They're the size of footballs anyway. The theory is that they're so happy in the heap that they don't return to attack your plants.

[supersprout]

Size of footballs, ewwww!  :P
In that case they could be removed by seiving when it's time to use the compost - do you think they would lay eggs or does that only happen under rocks etc.? I'm always looking for an alternative to snippety-snip  ;)

[bupster]

They're supposed to bugger off once the pile is well rotted, but I suppose you could turn it to expose eggs to birds etc then sieve the compost if you're still concerned. I understand the buggers love compost anyway so all you're really doing is moving them from one annoying habitat to where they can do you some good.  ???

[gunnerbee]

you can buy an insect that apparently kills slugs eats them from the inside out, otherwise a couple of hens work wonders, or the local wildlife trust may need a hedgehog that needs re-homing???

[MutantHobbit]

The insect is Nemaslug, but it's pretty pricey, especially as it's my understanding you have to keep buying it every 6 weeks or so, at about £20 a shout. :(  They're also microscopic and I don't suppose for a moment there's any way of keeping them in your plot, and not buggering off to your neighbours. ;D

[gunnerbee]

LOL !!! no the veggies arnt good enough here, im packing my shell and going to geoffs next door!!! sorry its the way you said it, made me crack up, pmsl.

[bananagirl]

I got 50 Ways to Kill a Slug for Christmas. Yay!!!! Can't wait to try some of them out!