Slugs-nothing works!

No, I haven't. Have read about them with interest though as I try attacks on all fronts.
My hostas have a copper band round the containers, silicate spray on the container, pellets and a layer of horticultural grit around the base of plants. I also put some pellets in the base of containers when planting up, or a few pellets round the base- the slugs can get in at the bottom as others have said. So far they are fine [the hostas, not the slugs:0]. The other thing to watch for is that you don't make 'bridges' from one plant to the next for any successful slug to climb over.
This is the silicate spray:
http://www.shop-com.co.uk/Doff_Socusil_Slug_Repellent_750ml-45174191-p!.shtml
I am surprised you haven't found copper tape helpful.
Good luck!
Hope someone else has tried matting or Slug Bug*ers!

 

HAKAKAHN. I know this will not help you, A few years ago I had a slug problem I would go out on a damp night & I could fill a small bucket full with slugs. But I dug a pond filled it with goldfish & plants and within two years I can grow plants like hostas, and no slug damage due to the frogs that inhabit the pond

 

Agree with Geriatric. We have frogs, and not much slug trouble. Our Hostas are rarely touched. I do provide some cool dark damp places for the frogs to rest up in during the day.

If you look on the pests topic there is confirmation that the nematodes do seem to work as a means of killing slugs

 

If you see strange happenings in your next doors garden at 2am, torch light in dark corners, not to worry, it's only me.

Yes I use pellets, seems to be the only thing that works for me but it is amazing where the devils can get. Many of my plants in the back are raised up, on tables, benches, special made things, mostly because we have a pet rabbit that has the run of the yard but no matter where, the slugs get there. Be vigilant and search for them.

 

But I've come up with a brilliant solution to the problem: the slug-slinger. In truth, this is nothing more than a common or garden orange pooper-scooper, bought for 99p from the local supermarket. It's shaped like a child's seaside spade, but with a criss-cross framework of slats. The slats make it ideal for slug-slinging, as they cut down on air resistance, as well as giving the slug less to stick onto.
By a process of trial and error, I have worked out the best method for using the slug-slinger. First, find your slug, then tap it lightly with the slug-slinger. This causes the slug to shrink its body size and to grow more rigid (both of which make it easier to sling). Next, scoop the slug onto the end of the slinger. This is fairly easy, as slugs thoughtfully provide their own mucus adhesive. Next, run down to the bottom of the garden and catapult the slug into the field. The first time I tried this, I got the trajectory all wrong and ended up sending the slug in a loping parabola, way too high, so that it came down SPLAT! on top of the wall. I have since worked out that it's all in the wrist action: aim low and snap sharply with your wrist at the end of your catapulting motion. This helps dislodge the slicky slug from the scooper and gives you an extra three or four yards' range. With any luck, you can propel the slug a good dozen yards or so into the field.
It gives a whole new meaning to the term slinging in the rain.
I don't think slugs have a homing instinct, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled to see if any of them try to sneak back over the wall.
THERE'S ANOTHER OF THE LITTLE illegitimate children ON MY PATIO NOW!
I'm off to do some more slinging.

 

innter thats brill

ive thought of an imprvment

atach about a foot may more (test length to sute)of broom handle to the patented SLUG CHUCKER. your range could improve ten fold . if tunned propperly a slug could be propeled some 200 yards .
i wonder wot the world record is for chucking a slug
:thumb:

some carp fishermen use a sim device for baiting up at long range
http://www.yateleyangling.co.uk/description.phtml?II=4280&UID=2008062400504290.192.204.227
it only a quick search but should tell wot im on about
:thumb:

 

See below.

 

Nah, I'm sorry, but your all wrong.

I imported some specially trained SAS slugs from Hereford.

I feed them on a couple of Hostas. They prowl the garden at night and exterminate any foreign slugs.

I can tell which one's are the SAS slugs, cause they carry bergens and wear sandy coloured berets.

 

Another slug chucker- goes further, holds several at once, no need to touch:
http://www.amazinganimal.co.uk/fetch-ball-thrower-launcher-p-24036.html

 

Lol, funny to hear your stories. I'm going to get the slug pellets this week.

I tend to have a problem ever growing anything so I don't want to loose (what little) I have-chives, tiny rocket leaf plant(!not sure why the leaves are so small), honeysuckle, that I've had about 2 summers, last year I had one flower...everyone else's seem to bloom!

That and a few plants left by the previous house owners and some strawberry plants, this is their third summer and I have two very slow growing strawbs finally after the first flowers this year, I just DON'T have green fingers....everything just dies....

 

Hakakahn Bob and I are slug warriors and regularly go outside at night armed with a bowl of salt, trowel and torch light. Just like any good CSI agent we pace ourselves walking side by side catching the little slimey critters in our wake there are some casualties but it's all out war in our garden after all a good slug is a dead one although the snails are quite pretty I don't want them munching on my hostas so I'm afraid its crunch time for them!:(

We do use showerproof slug pellets and these work amazingly well (their on offer at Wilkinson's at the moment two for £5) but you do still have to pick up the mountains of corpses thats left behind.Hel.xxx.

 

I think that's expensive paying £2.50 per pellet, two wont go very far will they? .

 

Try nematodes which are microscopic worms which live naturally inthe soil. Nemaslug is a popular brand name. Water the pot surface and see if that works. over 90% of slug damage is caused by slugs that live underground. most feed only underground but some come to the surface to feed. Thing about neatodes is that immediatley the worms infect the slug it stop sfeeding and will die in about three days time.

Doesnt work wellon snais though as they are permanantley on top. Worth a try. Dont harm wildlife pets or children.