Slug Thoughts

[Easywriter]

Seen postings to this list about slugs and copper tape. I've used copper tape, and it seems to be effective, but I've only tried it at home with things I've got in pots on the patio.

Tape wouldn't stop subterranean slugs though, I suppose NEMATODES would be the answer then, although that solution is expensive.

Any further thoughts from the list on tape vs nematodes on the allotment?

[Easywriter]

[amphibian]

pair of scissors. Snip, snip, snip.

It is the only measure I use and it works.

[Crystalmoon]

I use copper tape on pots at home & it works very well but I have found the tape needs replacing after about 2 years so it can be quite costly.
I have also used nematodes once at my allotment, the first year I had it, because it had become quite overrun with all types of slugs. I think it may have worked reasonably well but it was hard to really know as I had nothing to compare results with & I still had some slug damage.
Now I tend to agree with amphibian & find that using scissors to cut them in half works really well, gives the birds & local toads something safe to eat too & I seem to be getting no increase in slug damge while using this simple method.   

[OberonUK]

I use beer traps and they seem to be quite successful as long as you clean and refill them regularly.  Are African/French Marigolds not supposed to be beneficial too? I believe they put out a chemical through their roots which keeps even underground slugs at bay. (Underground slugs sounds a bit like the slug Mafia, so watch out for the buggers carrying miniature violin cases).

Actually I have been wondering if the inclusion of marigolds will render Nematodes less effective. Is it either/or with them or can both methods be used simultaneously?

[macmac]

My marigolds get eaten by slugs ??? ::)

[katynewbie]

 :-\
My marigolds got eaten by slugs then severely frosted. R.I.P Marigolds!

[Alimo]

This year I am using Slug - gone, which is pelleted sheeps wool.  Sounds odd, but it does seem to have worked  :D

Fingers crossed that the little bu&&ers keep away.

Alison

[Vinlander]

I use copper tape on pots at home & it works very well but I have found the tape needs replacing after about 2 years so it can be quite costly.

Looking at the price of copper tape  :o ! I reckon you could get the same length and width for the same price by buying copper pipe and flattening it with a lump hammer. Bend it into circles - dead easy - a child could do it.

Then when it 'wears out' you just need to scrub it with a scourer to reveal fresh active copper.

Of course you don't have to buy it.

Ever wondered how much builders earn? sorry, get paid? - has to be a real packet judging from the amount of copper pipe I see in skips...

PS. if you're really mean and have strong hands then it's simple to trim 1mm off each side of the flat pipe with a good pair of snips - then you have two lengths instead of one.