what an interesting theory pips, I've not heard that one. I like conkers too, there are three in my bag at the moment, I picked them up on the way from the station this afternoon.
Now slugs -- who keeps bringing slugs in downstairs? I have disposed of four in the last couple of weeks, they've been sliddering about all over the place. Can't think why, there is nothing for a slug as far as I can see why are they appearing, how do they get in?