How can a creature so slow, so bored-looking, so ugly...create such havoc in such a short amount of time? Experience, my dears, experience. They’ve been around the garden for centuries. The only good news is, they haven’t evolved much. They don’t get much smarter and they’re always up to the same old tricks. So here’s a few tips to keep the little buggers at bay. The bad news is, you have to keep it up, because they never learn their lesson.

Diatomaceous Earth which is sold in our Garden Department area. Slugs do not want to cross it. It’s coarse texture tears their thin skin.

Water before noon and let the ground dry during course of the day. This simple trick is very effective because slug like dark and damp. By nightfall your hostas will be less “juicy” to chew.

Copper strips about 4 inches wide. Some people swear by this, some say it does not work. The theory is that slugs will get zapped if they cross the copper. Who knows? But worth a try.

Lay a board down over some wet ground. In the morning, or whenever, go out with a bucket of soapy water. Pick up the board carefully and look at the underside. There will probably be slugs on it. Scrape or pick them off and throw in bucket.

Beer traps made from margarine tubs or soda bottles and placed around the area you wish to protect also can be effective. The critters are attracted to the smell and once they take a dive, can’t crawl back out (hic!). There’s worse ways to go.

Escargo, Sluggo, or Worry Free. These organic snail baits are very effective. Ask our Lawn and Garden experts which one is best for you.