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plants I was curious as to what slugs consume. My research informed me that slugs can be not only carnivorous, preying on the helpful earthworm, but also cannibalistic, preying on their own kind as well as their cousin the snails. Poor old slugs indeed; I was quickly becoming hardened to their plight.

Products containing Metaldehyde are considered safe for vegetables but (since one of my pet peeves is hearing that what the experts told us last year is no longer valid) I would prefer not to find out the hard way. Those containing Methiocarb are safe only on ornamentals.

Now I am not sure what the manufacturer's definition of safe is since both these chemicals carry a warning that pets and children should be kept away from areas where they are being used.

So that leaves us with the following child and pet friendly options:

Salt - First of all I'm not staying up all night waiting for an unsuspecting slug to come by so I can pour salt on him, even though I hear the results are spectacularly disgusting. And don't even think about pouring it around your plants.

Geese - It is rumored that geese will eat slugs but the memory of visiting a golf course after a flock of Canada Geese had deposited their waste and flown off was enough to strike that one off my list.

Skunks - Would they stop at the slugs or take on the June bug grubs in my lawn too? I think I would rather endure singing slugs than have to re sod my lawn after a skunk attack.

Toads - A cute little ceramic toad house tipped me in favor of these warty charmers. But would they like it as much as I did? They are among the most voracious controllers of slugs and snails and a welcome addition to any garden.

Snakes - Ditto minus the warts and the cute houses.

Slug trap Make your own out of 6 inch squares of wood or bark laid near susceptible plants. Check them each morning for any slugs that may be sleeping off the effects of the beer. If you find any I guess you are supposed to squish or salt them. You maybe, but not me.

Household ammonia or vinegar - One part of either mixed with nine parts of water is one I can vouch for. It is effective in discouraging the wee beasties if poured on hostas just as the shoots poke out of the ground in spring.

Copper foil tape - Apparently the copper naturally emits a small electrical charge that the mollusks find disconcerting. Some ladies on a gardening show were struggling with the flimsy stuff the other day. I personally don't have the manual dexterity for it and it is possible that a stiff breeze would just blow it all away.

There are plenty of non-toxic methods to try and surely one will work for you. Personally I say drink the beer yourself and give the slugs and snails the heave ho with an ammonia cocktail.

Learn more about this author, Jane Brunton.
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