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If you've ever seen the big northwest slugs, you understand the urge to make them go away. Far far away. Something as long as your hand undoubtedly eats a lot of greens from the garden, not to mention the unpleasant squishing sounds when stepped on or the shiny slime trails that stick like snot to your fingers when you touch one by accident. Gosh, can't imagine why some people don't like slugs in their garden. There are several ways to get rid of them. Sprays are unnecessary, harmful to wildlife, useless after it rains, and toxic. Here are a few natural suggestions to try.

Caffeine, the wonder drug. Not only does this stuff keep you up night, but a light spray, (1-2 % for the spray; an average cup of coffee has 5-7 %) can be a determent to these gardens slime balls. Pour a cup of java into a spray bottle and mist lightly over the plants. I don't recommend creamer or sugar. Just plain, watered down fresh coffee, cooled slightly, can keep sleep and slugs away.

Beer is a common one. Usually placed in a small thin pan, like a pie pan, and placed under the leaves at night. The slugs are supposed to be attracted to the smell, and drown in it. I suppose if this bothers you, you could put little cars by the beer, and let them drink and drive. Well, maybe not. A jar lid can be propped over the amber poison to avoid rain watering it down. You may have to keep an eye on the local teenagers if they find out you have free beer sitting in the garden all night. and please, keep pets away. Dogs do drink beer and it really isn't good for them.

Seaweed is not only a good soil addition, it repels slugs. Add seaweed to mulch, and pile it on thick. It will shrink a bit when it dries. Do not let seaweed touch the plant, and be wary of the high salt content. some plants are more sensitive than others.

Small strips of copper, like pennies, can work. 2 inch strips are recommended, so there goes using pennies unless you want to chop them up. Maybe you can hammer the suckers down thin, and spread them yourself. It would be cheap. Ensure vegetation isn't hanging over the shiny barrier lest slugs use it to cross the copper fencing.

A very simple solution is to avoid watering the garden in the evening. This can reduce slug damage by more than you might think- 80%. That's impressive, but here in the north it usualy rains a lot and don't forget morning dew attracting unwanted pests. This would be useful information for a green house or drier climate.

Of course, you can always run out with a flashlight and salt, if you don't mind people like me getting all grossed out over it. Slugs have a right to live- just preferably as long as they are not touching me.

Learn more about this author, Liomas Thomas.
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