If you’ve noticed holes in your lettuce leaves or seedlings that have disappeared overnight, snails or slugs might be the problem. These pests are most active at night or in damp, shady areas during the day. They leave behind large, ragged holes in leaves and a slimy trail that gives them away.
What They Are
Snails and slugs are soft-bodied pests. The difference is that snails have a shell, while slugs do not. Both can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, especially in wet or humid weather.
What They Like to Eat
They prefer tender plants and are especially drawn to:
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Lettuce and leafy greens
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Strawberries
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Beans
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Cucumbers
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Tomatoes
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Young seedlings of just about anything
How to Deter or Get Rid of Them
Here are a few ways to control them in the garden:
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Crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth: These create a rough surface they don’t like to crawl over.
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Handpick at night: Go out after dark with a flashlight and drop them in soapy water.
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Clean up hiding spots: Slugs and snails hide under boards, rocks, and dense mulch during the day. Remove these hiding places to make your garden less inviting.
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Beer traps: Bury a shallow container and fill it with beer. They’re attracted to it and fall in.
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Encourage predators: Birds, frogs, toads, and beetles all help control slug and snail populations.
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Use organic bait: Products like Sluggo use iron phosphate and are safe to use around people, pets, and wildlife.
The key is to be consistent. Regular checks and a mix of methods usually give the best results.
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