Slugs

[potiche]

My dalek composer if full of slugs. This is the first time I've noticed this. I moved it to a new position about 2 months ago so there's not much in it. What's best to do? Blast a load of slug pellets in or ditch it all into brown bin to remove from site? Presumably there'll be eggs already. I can imagine total infestation next spring if I do nothing. Apologies in advance to slug lovers...they might have their place but don't want them taking over.

[Noe-schitt]

iron sulphate

[ladybirder]

Thrushes and Blackbirds feast??

[woofgang]

It depends what kind of slugs they are. some slugs feed on dead material and are part of composting.

[rsvp]

Suppose you don't have access to a duck do you - they are absolutely the best slug control officers ever. Failing that, give them to the birds.

[Togo]

//Slugs love compost bins and they can provide an ideal breeding ground for them. However, because the compost bin is such a haven for them, they are quite happy living there and therefore are not interested in heading further afield to your plants and veg. In this respect they shouldn’t prove a problem in your garden. Slugs are part of the process of compost making – they play a part in breaking down the material. Many people actually throw slugs they find in the garden onto the compost heap/bin as they are beneficial there!//
I have slugs in my composter potiche. Horrible things I agree. But as long as they are not the black ones you will be ok. Strangely when I empty the compost to my veg patch in the spring I seem to have little trouble there. It may be because of the natural nematodes produced during composting.
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/slugs-in-my-compost-pgid1400.html

[janbee]

Hedgehogs love slugs. Unfortunately, not too many hedgehogs around when you need them.

[Chipchopper]

I wouldn't put slug pellets or any sort of pesticides in the composter.
The slugs play a major part in turning green waste into compost and when the material is fully decomposed, it should free of slugs.

Instead I would try to encourage wildlife into the garden, such as hedgehogs, frogs, toads and birds etc, to help control slug numbers.

Turning the compost regularly with a fork, to allow air to circulate, which will also help with the breakdown.

[ladybirder]

Togo can you explain your comment about 'Black' slugs please.

[Togo]

Lady up here we live quite close to a heavily wooded area. We have snails and slugs in abundance, but are fortunate to have the birds and even hedgehogs, frogs come up from the stream so we have some help with the blighters. The slugs that seem to inhabit the compost darlek are usually of the light brown or even paler variety. When we had the huge black ones with the little horns on their heads, nothing seemed to touch them and I had to literally empty the composter to clear them off. This was about 4 years ago, and we have not seen them back since. I seem to remember Monty Don recommending that it was best to be free of them but the other varieties were tolerable. There was nothing sinister in the recommendation I can assure you.

[potiche]

Thanks all... they are brown & the idea that they'll stay put in the restaurant is great. I'm feeling less wary & expect the compost will cook quicker with their help.

[ladybirder]

Thank you for the explanation Togo. Sounds idyllic where you live.

Good for you potiche, just look on them as little helpers.