Slugs tend to congregate in large numbers in these shelters and may be counted and destroyed during daylight hours. Set monitoring traps near field borders. The traps will not function as well in weedy fields or with crops like cabbage which provide adequate shelter for slugs beneath large-frame leaves close to the ground. The literature suggests applying control measures when one to five slugs per trap are found. Maintain good weed control within the field and along borders to eliminate daytime refuges of slugs.
Baits are much more effective at controlling slugs than are foliar applied insecticides.
Therefore, it is important to distinguish between caterpillar and slug injury. Apply baits in a clean cultivated strip along the margins of fields to intercept slugs entering fields from weedy borders. Metaldehyde use is prohibited after edible portions of the plant begin to form. Follow label application instructions carefully for best results. The information in this material is for educational purposes.