In the colder parts of NC, only the eggs overwinter. Eggs are resistant to summer heat, excessive moisture and prolonged drying. They are laid in clusters of about 25 on the soil surface in concealed moist locations. In spring eggs hatch and young slugs appear. They resemble adults but may be lighter in color and smaller.
Most slugs become mature and lay eggs in the fall of the first year of their life.
If not killed by cold weather, they may live for two or more years. Slugs are active at night. Their silver-colored slime trails are quite noticeable each morning. Feeding and Injury Slugs feed on molds, decaying organic matter and live plant tissue. It is the damage to foliage, flowers and fruit that is significant to the homeowner.