Slugs
Deroceras reticulatum; Limax spp.; Milax spp.
Soft-bodied shell-less molluscs that feed at night on seedlings and leafy vegetables. Worst in cool wet gardens.
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Identify from a photoBackground
Several slug species are present in Australian gardens. The grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is the most common in vegetable patches, feeding on a wide range of seedlings and soft leaves. Slugs are particularly hard on direct-sown seed and newly transplanted seedlings.
How to identify
- Soft mucus-covered body, no shell, grey to brown, 20-60mm
- Slime trails on soil and plants
- Feeding damage: irregular holes in leaves and tender shoots, often with mucus smears
- Hides under mulch, boards and pots by day
Life cycle
Hermaphroditic; lays clutches of 10-50 pearly eggs in moist soil. Eggs hatch in 2-3 weeks; maturity in 3-6 months. Multiple overlapping generations.
Weather triggers
- Temperature: 5-22°C
- Humidity: >85%
- Rainfall trigger: >5mm
- Peak activity on cool damp nights. Less active during dry periods.
Peak season (southern hemisphere)
Red = active season · Dark red outlined = this month
Affected vegetables & crops
Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.
Climate zones at risk
Organic & low-impact control
- Hand collection at night with a torch
- Beer traps or yeast-sugar traps
- Iron-based slug and snail baits
- Copper tape barriers for seedling trays and pots
Chemical control
- Metaldehyde pellets available but toxic to non-targets; iron-based baits preferred
Always read product labels. Registrations change.
Prevention
- Thin out dense mulch around seedlings
- Remove boards, pot trays and other daytime hiding places
- Water in the morning
- Protect transplants with a ring of wood ash, coffee grounds or copper tape (partial deterrent at best)
Companion planting
No reliable companion plant repels slugs.
Biosecurity
Widespread and established.
Sources
- Sustainable Gardening Australia, Slugs and snails
- Agriculture Victoria, Slugs in cropping
Accuracy confidence: high. We update this library as new extension guidance is published.
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