Slugs are soft-bodied, shell-less gastropod mollusks that are common garden pests. They belong to the same biological class as snails but lack the external spiral shell that snails typically have. Slugs thrive in damp and humid environments and are known for feeding on a variety of plants often causing damage to leaves, fruits and seedlings in gardens. They move by gliding on a muscular foot and leave behind a trail of slime as they move. Slugs can reproduce rapidly, making them a challenging nuisance for gardeners. Dealing with slugs in your garden can be frustrating but there are several methods you can use to control their population. Here are some effective ways to get rid of slugs:

1. Handpicking
This involves physically picking slugs off your plants and manually disposing of them. You can do this in the early morning or evening when slugs are most active. Use gloves or a tool to avoid direct contact, as some slugs can excrete mucus that can be irritating to the skin. Check the undersides of leaves, the soil surface, and other hiding spots.
2. Barriers
Copper tape is a popular option because slugs receive a mild electric shock when they touch it. Diatomaceous earth is made from the remains of tiny aquatic organisms and has sharp edges that can pierce a slug’s body, leading to dehydration. Apply these barriers around the base of plants or pots to create a barrier that slugs will avoid crossing.
3. Beer Traps
Sink containers, like plastic cups, into the soil so the rim is at ground level. Fill the containers with beer, preferably a non-alcoholic variety. Slugs are attracted to the smell of beer, and they will crawl in and drown. Empty the traps daily and replenish the beer.
4. Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators like frogs, toads, birds, and beetles to your garden by providing shelter and water sources. Toads, for instance, can consume large numbers of slugs. Avoid using pesticides that might harm these helpful creatures.
5. Handmade Traps
These traps exploit slugs’ attraction to certain food items. For example, place a halved grapefruit or melon upside down in your garden. Slugs will gather under these moist hiding spots. In the morning, collect and dispose of the trapped slugs.
6. Mulching
Applying materials like crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or rough wood chips around plants can create an abrasive barrier that slugs find uncomfortable to crawl across. This can discourage them from approaching your plants.
7. Cultural Practices
Watering your garden early in the day allows the soil to dry out during daylight hours, making the environment less favorable for slugs. Removing debris and weeds that can serve as hiding spots for slugs also reduces their populations.
8. Natural Repellents
Garlic, onion, ginger, and certain essential oils (such as cedar, pine, and eucalyptus) have natural repellent properties against slugs. You can create sprays by blending these substances with water and applying them to the areas you want to protect. Alternatively, place chopped or crushed garlic cloves around your garden.
9. Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that actively seek out and infect the larvae of slugs. These nematodes are harmless to humans, plants, and other beneficial insects. You can purchase them from garden supply stores and release them in your soil according to the instructions.
10. Chemical Control
If you choose to use chemical slug baits, read and follow the instructions carefully. Apply the bait sparingly and only in areas where slugs are a significant problem. Be aware that these baits can be toxic to pets, wildlife, and other insects, so use them cautiously.
Remember that no single method is foolproof, and a combination of approaches often yields the best results in controlling slug populations in your garden. Regular monitoring and adapting your strategies based on the effectiveness of each method will help you achieve success.