Battle the garden invader: Spanish slug removal tips

Spanish slugs are one of the most voracious species of slugs. They reach a length of 3 to 6 inches and come in various colors, from brown through red, to orange, or even yellow. Additionally, they are shell-less.

Their presence in the garden can cause enormous damage. Spanish slugs eat young shoots, tubers, and plant leaves, which leads to their gradual dying off. They are omnivorous mollusks that can lay up to 400 eggs in one season, making them much harder to combat.

The Spanish slug not only destroys crops but is also a carrier of dangerous parasites, such as nematodes. The parasite larvae can nest in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of dogs, cats, foxes, and even wolves, posing a serious threat to animals.

More and more gardeners are turning to ecological methods of slug control. One effective way is to sprinkle coffee grounds, which contain caffeine that repels slugs.

Research has confirmed that coffee grounds can serve not only as a fertilizer enriching the soil with phosphorus and potassium but also effectively deter pests. The grounds should be applied directly onto the ground, especially after rain, to prevent slug suffering.

Besides coffee grounds, consider planting slug-repellent plants such as sage, chamomile, marjoram, wormwood, garlic, onion, or yarrow. Spanish slugs are not fond of these plants, which can help reduce their population in the garden.

Slugs can also be caught using simple traps. One of the most effective methods is filling a shallow dish with beer. The aroma of beer attracts slugs, which fall into the trap and can be easily removed. You can also pour a mixture of water, milk, and honey into a plastic trap to attract garden pests.