Department of Entomology
Entomological Notes

Slugs are closely related to snails and differ from them by the absence of an external shell. Slugs feed on flowers, vegetables, and ornamentals, and are especially injurious to seedlings. Moreover, they get into cellars, on walks, and similar places around the house, leaving a trail of mucus or slime. Occasionally they feed on stored vegetables and other plant materials. In Pennsylvania, snails are usually of little concern as pests in home gardens and for this reason we will concentrate on slugs.

DESCRIPTION

There is a number of species of slugs; fortunately, their behavior and control is somewhat similar. The following information is applicable to most of them. Slugs are 1/4 to 10 inches long, depending on the species. Most are less than one inch long. They vary in color from cream to gray to black; some species are covered with dark spots.

LIFE HISTORY

Slugs have three stages in their life cycle: eggs, immature stage and adults. The young are similar in appearance to the adults except for size. Slugs may overwinter in any stage. They may survive the winter by living in protected places such as in burrows and under decaying vegetation, clods of earth, stones, boards, logs, and loose bark, to mention a few places. Slugs begin to move, hatch, feed, and lay eggs when the temperature is above 40o F. They become adults in 3 to 12 months, depending on species, food available, temperature, and humidity. Warm, damp weather in the spring and fall favor their development. Hot, dry summers are unfavorable. Although slugs are ordinarily nocturnal, they will move and feed on cloudy, damp days. During hot weather, they will be found in damp vegetation, under boards, stones, and in other cool places.

CONTROL

Sanitation -- Remove the resting and breeding places of slugs, such as loose boards, bricks, stones, trash piles, compost piles, weeds, and other such material.

Traps -- Set out boards or burlap bags in the evening. Wet the traps and immediate surroundings. Remove trapped slugs the next morning and drop them in kerosene. Another way to trap slugs is to bury a shallow metal tray in the ground so the tray edge is level with the soil surface. Slugs are attracted to beer placed in the trays; they then fall in and drown.

Natural Enemies -- Toads, some beetles and their larvae, parasitic flies, birds, chickens, and ducks are natural enemies of slugs but are not very dependable. Cultivating the soil will hasten drying of the surface and in turn will reduce slug activity.

DISCLAIMER

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by The Pennsylvania State University or Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is implied.

Entomological Notes are intended to serve as a quick reference guide and should not be used as a substitute for product label information. Although every attempt is made to produce Entomological Notes that are complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears the responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Works, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. D. Jackson, Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.

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