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While planting out should I have to worry about slugs yet?

14 years ago

Hi all,

I have started to plant out some of my WS perennials and annuals now. Do I have to worry about slugs just yet? It's pretty chilly here in northeast PA, mid 40's - high 50's predicted for the rest of the week. Are slugs active yet? I had bought SLUGGO about a month ago, should I sprinkle some around my seedlings after I transplant? Or can I wait awhile? Thanks :))

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Comments (11)

Edie
14 years ago
I don't know about slugs, but I saw a bunch of snails yesterday. They are tough little slimeballs. They definitely looked ready to chomp on seedlings. I've never used Sluggo, so go with the package directions.
karendee
14 years ago
I would treat for them to be sure. Last year I did not and lost seedlings early! I treated this year and I am hoping that does not happen again.
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tammyinwv
14 years ago
I also treated about a week or so.
Tammy
kqcrna
14 years ago
Yes, would be best to treat. Slugs become active at a soil temp of 40Â°.

Karen
austinnhanasmom
14 years ago
I read another post, perhaps on another site, that said newly ground coffee - applied heavily - will keep the slugs/snails at bay. The caffeine (needs to be fresh, not yet used) kills them as they slither through it.

I'm on my way to Costco to get their cheapest bag of beans and try it out. I read in the same post that Sluggo kills beneficial bugs too.

I used Sluggo last year and it worked well.

I'll use it again if the coffee fails.
caryltoo Z7/SE PA
14 years ago
I've also seen that a dish of beer will attract slugs and they'll drown. Or is that snails?

Caryl
karendee
14 years ago
I heard the coffee grounds too... I spread some slug/snail bait and hoped it works. Since the worms love the coffee grounds I may get some of those as well.

Karen
janie58
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi all,

Thanks for your advice about treating for slugs ... nasty little buggers! I didn't realize they could be destructive this early and at cold temps. Last year we had a lot of rain in June and July and they were just awful! I had tried the beer, the egg shells, even scattered pennies around my plants (read that they can keep slugs at bay - DID NOT WORK). So I will use the Sluggo! Thanks :))
tammyinwv
14 years ago
I had an awful problem with slugs the past few years. So I bought the Sluggo late last fall to give it a try. The were eating all my hosta's and every seedling I put out.
Slimy trouble Makers!
Tammy
richdelmo
14 years ago
caryltoo, beer works great for drowning them, I put the beer in a small margarine bowl or a tuna can buried to the brim. When they are active there are many dead ones in the beer each morning.
kterlep
14 years ago
I saw slugs in SE Indiana the other day. If that helps you...I'm near Dayton.

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