I've planted a few lettuce, and laid down some slug pellets. Trouble being I am not sure if the pellets work on snails, I caught them in the act eating the lettuce.
I put down plenty of pellets but the have just ignored them. Is there any sure way of killing of these slime balls.
Was thinking of trying copper rings, vaseline or beer.
QuoteWas thinking of trying copper rings, vaseline or beer.
Beer beats lettuce hands down. 8)
I think the idea is to go into the growing patch after dark with a torch and some beer. Drink beer whilst shining torch around said patch looking for slugs and snails. When you find them, either squish 'em or give them flying lessons. Even better, if you know anyone who keeps hens, the slugs are a good source of free food, our chooks love'em :)
Snails V Slugs
Fight I was looking for the video link ;D
Pellets will work on snails, I live in a chalky area so snails predominate but pellets still get them. I have a hedge next to my plot and its a battle line. I regulary scatter pellets there just to get the buggas before they get on the plot. Come late autumn your can hear their shells crunch as you walk over the dozens of empty shells... great feeling.
It may be that you just need to get the polulation under control. Regular application, especially after rain, will help.
Never used copper of vaseline, beer traps I have had limited sucess with, drink most of it myself :P
I recommend using the "Growing Success" variety of slug pellets. These only contain ferric phosphate as opposed to metaldehyde. Ferric phosphate is relatively none-toxic and is considered organic.
You could also try putting sharp sand around your plants which slugs just cannot travel over.
The beer traps do work but to be honest they are a mess to sort out and its just a waste of bloody good beer! ;D
Quote from: ManicComposter on April 15, 2009, 20:37:12
I recommend using the "Growing Success" variety of slug pellets. These only contain ferric phosphate as opposed to metaldehyde. Ferric phosphate is relatively none-toxic and is considered organic.
You could also try putting sharp sand around your plants which slugs just cannot travel over.
The beer traps do work but to be honest they are a mess to sort out and its just a waste of bloody good beer! ;D
I use Growing Success pellets too - never used the metaldehyde ones. I also use beer traps - they are messy but I have an arrangement with my local who supply slops from the trays when I remember to take my polypin.