h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Good job too - I'd never waste so much as a smidgeon.

well, i just found some snails in OUR kitchen... i really was surprised, in our last place there were never any... maybe it's because we were on the 7th floor!

I just came across this when looking for someone from Sheffield (long story!)

I am so glad I am not alone having slugs intruding in to my space I have exactly the same reaction to the two similar species, slugs and snails.

However, I did try something the year before last which seems to have reduced the numbers considerably. Nematodes. A bit expensive but the other remedies make me feel

I feed the birds and it seems the slugs have a passion for the cereal and seeds. I couldn't step outside at night without a light, or but having one or two coming in to feed was just the limit. I love wildlife but you have to draw the line somewhere

If you are still having a problem try Nematodes (from a garden centre or birdfood supplier). They definitely made a difference.



Websailor

Interesting. What are nematodes? I'm told that they're what's currently eating away underneath the surface of Yeovil Town FC's pitch.

I bought an organic slug killer thing last year. It's a square green box with a lid on it with a sort of letterbox slot in it, and they advise digging it into your garden leaving the lid just above soil level, filling it with beer and adding two spoonfuls of salt.

I got some Tesco Value bitter for the purpose. There has to be SOME use for that stuff.

My garden's infested with slugs and snails though. This year I'm going to have a proper go at them - bark, eggshells, beer traps, copper tape - they'd better watch out, frankly.

Actually, GD, I'd recommend buying some copper tape from a garden centre and sticking a couple of strips across your surface. They can't cross the stuff without electrocuting themselves, as I understand it...

nematodes are worms. proper worms, not larvae or earthworms, and there are thousands and thousands of species. these ones probably parasite the S&S and good on 'em too.

much cuter would be to get a family of hedgehogs to take up residence in your garden, that's what i'm going to try. i've built a hedgehog shelter, but my problem is that my place is completely walled in, and unless they can fly, the little fellows can't get in.

a neighbor of mine calls his place "hoglet house", with cute picture of said beastlet on the sign. no empty claim either, as i've seen more than one pancaked on the street in front of his house.

i'm going to try to talk him out of a breeding couple, even though it's illegal to displace these creatures. don't tell!

Nematodes are naturally occurring parasite which attacks slugs and keeps on working. I am waiting to see what this season brings, but certainly the number were way down after I used the preparation. Take a look for nematodes on the Net or this one:

http://www.greengardener.co.uk/slug.htm

You could also check out this article for more information and suggestions about how to get rid of slugs and snails.

A32256849



Websailor

Somehow the idea of filling my kitchen with parasitic worms doesn't seem entirely preferable to having the odd visiting slug...

Or my entry, A2876862, which is obviously the best the Guide has to offer.

Very interesting article, but I think there is room for us all. The Edited Guide is not everyone's I will bear your article in mind if the slugs come back in force, but I agreed with the 'what not to use' section, as I found some of the revolting.

Websailor