Natural Predators
The slug is the enemy of the gardener, but slug itself has its own enemies. These enemies are the natural predators that will happily devour this nuisance. So those who enjoy growing lush plants and mouth watering fruit and vegetable yet spend so much time on slug control reflect that there are other creatures that would lend them a hand.
Below are listed some of the more common predators of the slug that you could encounter in garden.
Toad
The humble toad does enjoy chomping down on a fat juicy slug. I have been lucky on my allotment as in the last two years I have found a number of toads taking up residence on my plot. Although I have to be extra careful now when I mow the grass so I not to harm these little soldiers. The little fellow below I found under one of the plastic covers that was covering the ground over winter. He is more than welcome to stay.
Below are listed some of the more common predators of the slug that you could encounter in garden.
Toad
The humble toad does enjoy chomping down on a fat juicy slug. I have been lucky on my allotment as in the last two years I have found a number of toads taking up residence on my plot. Although I have to be extra careful now when I mow the grass so I not to harm these little soldiers. The little fellow below I found under one of the plastic covers that was covering the ground over winter. He is more than welcome to stay.
'I'm sure we can come to some arrangement'
Hedgehog
Hedgehog's will eat the odd slug or two, but despite what many people believe, slugs and snails do not make up a large part of their diet. Still I am grateful for all the help I can get. I have seen them in my garden, but none on my allotment which could really use the extra help.
One important point regarding the hedgehog is that if you see one and are inclined to feed it, do not give it milk or bread, this is very wrong. Believe or not it is best to give them cat or dog food.
Hedgehog's will eat the odd slug or two, but despite what many people believe, slugs and snails do not make up a large part of their diet. Still I am grateful for all the help I can get. I have seen them in my garden, but none on my allotment which could really use the extra help.
One important point regarding the hedgehog is that if you see one and are inclined to feed it, do not give it milk or bread, this is very wrong. Believe or not it is best to give them cat or dog food.
Cuteness also has purpose
Birds
Birds are somewhat of a double edged sword when it comes to slug control. They will eat slugs, but they also have a fondness for fruit and vegetable. Last season my gooseberry plants were stripped of their juicy berries overnight by our feathered friends. Certain plants, particularly fruit canes, often need to be netted for this reason, and of course netting any plant prevents the birds from getting the slugs. Some small holders will use large cages to protect their fruit from the birds and use more tradtional methods to control the slugs.
So of course you can encourage more birds to your garden or plot, but would you want to? There is a trade off to be made.
Birds are somewhat of a double edged sword when it comes to slug control. They will eat slugs, but they also have a fondness for fruit and vegetable. Last season my gooseberry plants were stripped of their juicy berries overnight by our feathered friends. Certain plants, particularly fruit canes, often need to be netted for this reason, and of course netting any plant prevents the birds from getting the slugs. Some small holders will use large cages to protect their fruit from the birds and use more tradtional methods to control the slugs.
So of course you can encourage more birds to your garden or plot, but would you want to? There is a trade off to be made.
Want to protect your plants from birds? Click here to learn about the fruit cage!
Ground Beetles
Do not kill the ground beetles that you see scurrying around. They are great at killing slugs and slugs eggs. Pay special attention if you use beer traps. Make sure they are positioned so that they won't accidentally trap these very useful creatures.
Slowworm
Whilst they look like a snake, the slowworm is in fact a legless lizard, and it loves to eat slugs. They are quite common and are often found in or near a compost heap. Unfortunately when they are first spotted people tend to panic and assume it is an Adder, the UK's only poisonous snake, and I have to admit they do look similar. Thus many of these useful natural predators of the slug meet an untimely end.
Leopard Slugs
This is the trick question. They are a large slug, often grey or brown in colour with black spots or markings, similiar to those on a leopard, hence the name. These slugs will eat other slugs, so it is a predator. This has lead some to assume they can safely be ignored, and that they are even beneficial. However, whilst they will kill their own kind they will also make short work of your plants. They have a particular fondness for young seedlings.
All these natural predators of the slug, except the leopard slug, should be actively welcomed onto your site. There assistance could be invaluable in keeping the slug population under control. It is good to know that you are not alone in your battle to get rid of slugs.
