Greenhouse Update - January 7, 2005
Happy New Year!

Slugs and Snails
A few growers have been having problems with slugs and snails. Look for slugs, clusters of slug eggs (with a gelatinous shell and a somewhat milky appearance) in moist, damp areas. Slugs can feed and reproduce year round in greenhouses. As they feed, you can see chewed leaves. Look for dried, silvery trails on the leaves, especially early in the day or in the evening, to distinguish slug feeding from damage from caterpillars. (Caterpillars would also leave fecal droppings).

Combine physical, cultural and chemical controls to best manage slugs.

Cultural tactics:

• Inspect incoming plants and underneath containers for slugs.
• Improve drainage to eliminate wet floors with standing water.
• Avoid overwatering. Water early in the day, so foliage dries before nightfall.
• Practice good sanitation and eliminate debris.
• Keep weeds under control.
• If you are seeing slugs and their damage on plants grown on benches, try wrapping copper tape (available from organic farm supply stores) on the bench legs. The slugs receive an electric shock when their moist bodies contact the copper.

Chemical Tactics:

The 2005-2006 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide – A Management Guide for Insects, Diseases, Weeds and Growth Regulators lists the following materials.

• Methiocarb (Mesurol 75-W) is labeled for slugs and snails, as well as aphids, mites and western flower thrips at a lower rates. This wettable powder can leave a residue.
• Baits are often used under greenhouse benches and floors.
• Baits containing methiocarb (Mesurol Pro). Lightly water the area to be treated before applying the bait. Do not use on plants grown for food.
• Baits containing metaldehyde (Deadline M-Ps or Deadline Bullets). Irrigate before applying to encourage slug movement. This bait is toxic to animals, such as dogs and cats. Care must be taken that household pets do not have access to treated areas. Slugs stop feeding; produce large amounts of mucous, dehydrate and die. If they ingest a sub lethal dose, they can recover. Try not to water heavily for 3 or 4 days after bait placement.
• Baits containing iron phosphate (Sluggo). Slugs consume the iron, a heavy metal, which is toxic to them. Sluggo is not toxic to cats and dogs.

Baits containing methiocarb may be more effective under cool, wet conditions.

Metaldehyde baits may be more effective if days are sunny and warm, so that the slugs dessicate and then die.

GREENHOUSE IPM COORDINATOR (commercial interests and growers)	LEANNE PUNDT	860-626-6240
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HOME GREENHOUSE QUESTIONS (homeowners)	UCONN HOME & GARDEN INFORMATION CENTER	phone toll free 1-877-486-6271 or email

Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.

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