Best ecological slug killer

I normally leave slugs to their own devices but I've noticed this year they're killing my plants by eating the young growth on my Dahlias/Hostas before I've planted them out (they're in pots on top of a table).

I'd rather use ecological control methods, so am thinking of using nematodes. Has anybody tried them and if so they are any good?

What else is good? I've read about oats, beer traps, etc but I need something over a pretty large area so needs to be effective.

Thanks.

 

Brick A and brick B works quite well.
I tend to use those so called organic pellets, they seem to work.

 

@merleworld ...I've a border which I've tried 2 doses of Nematodes 4 weeks apart and I'm not really convinced...last year everything got munched in that border virtually overnight,this year although much better results it's been a very dry Spring and I didn't plant out until many of the plants were well established so as I say it's a difficult one to judge.

 

All i do is kill them when i see them. So snails get stamped on and now slugs get stabbed (they use to get salted)

It seems to keep them in check

 

The way that is becoming popular here is to use what we call (translated) a "slugbar."

Its a kind of plastic box with an opening that is placed in strategic places, and filled with 15 or 20 grains of a proprietory mix of iron phosphate and scent. The slugs - usually kind known as spanish slug - go in, eat a little, then disappear underground. There, they stop eating and perish. Eco friendly and no need to handle the things! Couldn't be better!

 

Iron Phosphate pellets are sold as safe but research is showing they are more toxic than normal slug pellets to earthworms & soil bacteria. Iron Phosphate is harmless so ask yourself what else is added to these pellets ?

 

I've not heard of those research results before. As far as I am aware, all that is added here is a scent to attract the slugs. What that is, I have no idea. Personally, if the grains are put in a covered plastic tray, the slug eats them, and then dies, I cannot see the reason why the scientists have come up with those results. My way of thinking is that they eat them, they go to their homes, die, and rot. Surely that would promote bacteria? As well as leaving more food for worms? It would be different if they were just placed on the ground, of course. In that instance, I could understand the reason for the results.

I have no idea how it is in the UK, but here, the only slugs we ever see nowadays are the Spanish Slugs (Arion vulgaris) for the simple reason they have competed out the ones that are found naturally. They dont seem to have any natural enemies either. Hedgehogs and other wild life that would naturally prey on slugs dont touch them! When they are so numerous in some areas that people have taken to wearing Wellingtons when they go for a walk - even when its dry, something has to be done, if only to prevent more damage to other species.

 

I've had some success with these ...



... downside is, they may well eat the slugs, but then they go on to eat the shoots the slugs were after in the first place!

Back to the beer can method and then empty the contents into the compost bin.

 

I'm going to try beer traps and coffee. Let you know how I get on

Thanks for the input.

 

I have used product called Envii Feed & Protect off amazon/ebay that has worked and is pet safe (well not had an adverse effect on my dog and chickens...unfortunately chickens had an adverse effect on some bedding plants which had been treated with it!!) .
Its a plant food with a ingredients that repel slugs and snails, really like how easy it is to use, just dissolve powder in watering can and water plant and area surrounding.
Seen the Nematodes but my only thought was that they seem to have a short life as need toi be kept in fridge and used within 4 weeks which makes me wonder how stable they are, and i suspect could be affected by weather/temperatures or any resdiual biocides in soil.

Number of slugs and snails really seem to have dropped away since using....chickens not so happy about that but i am smiling!!

 

sorry, just read my post again and meant to say pesticides rather than biocides.

 

Beer traps get me everytime

 

Stop falling down into them then!

 

Did I say about the time I left my beer on the patio in the dark?

 

Trouble is my Labrador likes beer...............so there is very little left for the slugs/snails
Therefore went for a solution he can't drink, eat or get sick from.