Sunday, June 5, 2016

This Is WAR!!!

Last night we finally got rain. 

A lot of rain. 

My veggie garden was flooded this morning. 

There was at least three inches of water standing in that corner this morning. 

And looking out at my property from the upper deck, I see leaves down everywhere. Must have been from the heavy rains. 


Or perhaps heavy winds? If there were, I slept through them. 

I was exhausted. I've been working really hard. 

I wanted to photograph some of the work I've been doing in the garden the past few days. 

I've been busy, and I have a lot I want to show you. 

And I started to take pictures of the areas I've been working on. 

But then I got distracted by something entirely different than the blog post I had planned. 

Because of this. 


Yet another decimated Petunia. 

Every single Petunia that is either in the ground or near the ground has met the same fate as this poor little guy. 

Nothing left but a skeleton of what was. Every leaf and flower? GONE. Just gone. 

I was so confused. What could be doing this? The Marigolds have met the same fate. All those marigolds I started from seed? GONE. So I bought more at the garden center. And most of them? Also gone. 

You have GOT to be kidding me!

I have never had this problem before, and I was really not sure what was happening. 

I was starting to think it was my cute little chipmunks. Because there seem to be so many of them this year. 

But I was really hoping it wasn't them. Because I don't want to be mad at those sweet little faces. 

I asked the lady at the garden center yesterday, as I was buying more Marigolds. 

She said maybe Japanese Beetles.....but I haven't seen any yet this year, thank God. I think they come later in the season. 

She was shocked when I told her they were also eating the Marigolds, in addition to the Petunias, and every single Lettuce and Spinach sprout. 

She said nothing eats Marigolds. 

Oh, really? Well, I'm telling you, something is eating mine!

As I was walking around photographing my garden, I found the culprit. 

Or I should say, culprits. Multiple. Plural. As in...way too many. 


Slugs. 

Billions of them, it seems. 

Are you kidding me? What the heck? 

I've never had much of an issue with slugs. 

Why are they here now? 

Disgusting. 

I touched one by accident when I was deadheading a Dahlia this morning, and I screamed out loud. 

And then I nearly threw up. 

I can't stomach them at all. 

And yet, they are everywhere I look. 


They have already started on the new Marigolds I just put in yesterday. 


There's what's left of one of the new Marigolds, in the upper left. And those slugs on the bottom right? Eating the remains of one of the Marigold skeletons I took out to put in the new ones. 

Disgusting. Seriously. 

I'm so grossed out. 

I thought maybe the plants that are in the taller planters are safe. Because they don't seem to have been touched yet. 

Maybe slugs can't climb very high?


But then I saw this guy, working his way up a whiskey barrel planter. 


And can you see that guy nearly at the top of this metal trough planter? 

So rusty metal apparently doesn't deter them, either. 

So gross. They are invading my garden. 

This is war. All-out war. 

I have seen them around, and I let them be, because I didn't realize all the damage they were doing. 

Apparently they are mostly busy at night while I am sleeping. 

Oh really? 

Well, something needs to be done about that. 

Because I'm tired of watching all my hard work disappear overnight. 

I'm really mad. 

So mad that this morning I ran inside, grabbed the salt shaker, and went on a rampage.


I killed about 35 slugs. 

At least. 

But I know there are plenty more where those came from. 

And tonight I'm going to set traps. 

Apparently beer in a saucer set in the garden is the perfect slug trap. 

Slugs like the taste of beer, go to take a sip, fall in, and drown. 

Good. 

Bye Bye Slugs. 

Do you have a problem with slugs in your garden? If so, how do you handle it?

52 comments:

  1. Oh, girl ... I know exactly what you're dealing with. Slugs and snails are so destructive and marigolds are some of their favorite foods, apparently. I use a granular snail/slug bait and it has worked very well in years past. Just sprinkle it around the plants and it lasts a good while. The rain is an hindrance, of course, but it really helps keep those slimy critters at bay. One plant they don't eat is impatiens, for what it's worth.

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    1. Pardon my hurried typing. "An hindrance"? ;)

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    2. Really? They don't like impatiens? That's great news, because I love impatiens! Of course, so do the deer....but it may be worth a shot! I've been on a mission with the salt shaker....last night was too rainy for the beer traps, unfortunately. I think I must have salted a good 120 slugs at this point - insane!

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  2. No, never had problems with Slugs, but have with cut worms, tho not in a while. It is soooo disheartening to put all the time/effort/expense/love into the garden only to find it destroyed. Sure hope your plan works and works quickly. Keep us posted. (I hate those nasty things too. Blech!)

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    1. I don't even know what cutworms are....hope they aren't next! I'll keep you posted on the battle!

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  3. Oh I hate those nasty things. Sprinkle some salt around the barrel where it sits on the ground or walk. Salt and beer will kill them...the beer will lure them too. Good luck and keep us post...after all your hard work...it's not right. Bless you, xoxo, Susie

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    1. I went into my veggie garden and sprinkled every marigold with salt. I read that the plants don't like the salt....but it must be better than the slugs, right?

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  4. Ick! When I was young, I stepped on one as I was vacuuming the pool. I screamed so loud that my mom came running. She though something terrible had happened. It did!! I hope you can get rid of your interlopers!

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    1. Oh boy, that would totally freak me out! I remember when I lived in Long Island I left my sneakers outside my door at my first house (white carpets, not my choice, came with the house!) Anyway, when I stepped into my sneakers the next morning - CRUNCH - I stepped, barefoot, right on a June Bug! I nearly vomited, never forgot it, and never, ever left my shoes outside the door again....still don't!

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  5. YUCK! I hate slugs!! Don't have a problem with them in my garden,(keeping fingers crossed) but have friends that have. I'm sure all that rain is bringing them out. We had tons of rain like that, but now have heat. Silly me put weed and feed on our lawn. Bought it to do earlier, but it was always raining. Now I've burnt a few places. Great! 3 weeks before the wedding. Hope I can bring it back! It never ends my friend. We much fight till the end! lol!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Wow, only 3 weeks until the wedding? You're going to be one busy lady! Can't wait to see the amazing pictures!

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  6. I used to have a problem with slugs eating my plants, but then I removed all but a thin layer of mulch and that helped. They seem to be drawn to wet mulch. Also in my natural gardening book, they recommend spreading diatomacious earth around your garden to kill slugs without toxic chemicals. Here's a link to check it out and I hope it helps!!

    http://www.richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp

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    1. Thanks, Vickie - I'll check out that link!! I didn't know about the mulch - but honestly, I only have mulch in a few places. I'm willing to try anything to get rid of those nasty buggers!!

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  7. We have trouble with slugs too. The beer really helps, but you have to put out several little containers. I usually use the small styrofoam bowls. I thought they drowned in it, so it takes a little bit. I'm not sure if a saucer would work.I meant to go get some beer last week for the same reason, but still haven't made it. Good luck.

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    1. I have some takeout containers that will work perfectly - and then can be thrown away afterwards! I couldn't put out the beer last night as it was still pouring out....but maybe tonight!

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  9. Oh geez! Few things gross me out more than slugs, and I'm so sorry they've ruined so many of your plants. At least now you know what you're up against. We are having a similar problem but with caterpillars. Never happened before but boy, they are EVERYWHERE!

    I guess the rain moved east, because we had rain all day today. I haven't been outside yet to assess the 'damage'. We needed the rain though, so I'm not complaining.

    Good luck with those disgusting critters!

    xxx

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    1. We needed the rain also - it's been so dry here lately! Caterpillars, huh? Funny, I haven't seen any of them around my house, weird! I wonder what eats caterpillars? I read that toads eat slugs (I need toads!) and also ducks eat slugs. But I'm not getting ducks, so bring on the toads!!

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  10. Here is a little slug fact. "A slug has approximately 27,000 teeth".
    Your welcome
    Lisa

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    1. You are a riot, Lisa!!!! Thanks for giving me something to laugh at when dealing with these disgusting creatures!! :)

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  11. Grooosss! I don't blame you for declaring war; those things are disgusting! I haven't ever seen them here in my plants, knock on wood. I'd be totally freaked out. I hope you are able to get rid of them!

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    1. They seriously are some of the grossest things in the garden. However, I never really wanted to kill them....before. Now? It's all out war!! Hope they never bother your lovely garden, Melanie!

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  12. Oh my, that is just awful!!! I have not had a problem with slugs here, but trying sulfur may also be a deterrent? I know that most pests hate the taste and smell of sulfur. I hope that something you try works - do let us know how this war goes!

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    1. I hate the smell of sulfur also....however, I hate slugs more than anything at this point so why not give it a try? Thanks for the suggestion!

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  13. Ugh they are disgusting looking! I know that I put crushed eggshells around tomato plants and put marigolds by them to keep something or other away but I've never had a lot of slugs such as you have. I noticed one comment about mulch; I don't use mulch. I've heard about beer for them but not the salt. Good Luck! I hope that your rain moves on; sounds as if you got too much!

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  14. Ugh they are disgusting looking! I know that I put crushed eggshells around tomato plants and put marigolds by them to keep something or other away but I've never had a lot of slugs such as you have. I noticed one comment about mulch; I don't use mulch. I've heard about beer for them but not the salt. Good Luck! I hope that your rain moves on; sounds as if you got too much!

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    1. Isn't that funny - I put the marigolds in with the veggies every year because they keep some bugs away - and yet they got eaten by slugs! Ironic, yes. I imagine my garden is a great spot for slugs because I garden organically. Stupid disgusting slimy things!!

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  15. Oh my gosh! Beyond disgusting and frustrating! I'm sure with perseverance you will win the war! Garden wars can be serious stuff. I'm currently at war with bunnies but they refuse to get in my live trap to be relocated the local nature preserve where I'm just sure they will be happier. Wishing us both much luck!

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    1. At least bunnies are a heck of a lot cuter than disgusting slimy slugs! I'll trade you!! :)

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  16. Oh I am so sorry that you have the slug issue, they are bad news! We had them at our last home and we will eventually get them here I suppose.
    The do make a slug bait-not sure if you want to go that route.
    My garden is struggling some because of all the Texas rains. Of course now it will turn Hot and need water! Gardening is hard work...

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    1. It sure is, Jemma - sorry Texas has been having such terrible weather - I've been thinking of all my blog friends in Texas and hoping you are safe and well. How's your veggie garden holding up with all that flooding?

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  17. Oh no about the slugs. They can be so destructive. Glad you declared war on them. I know in the midwest when anyone gets them mostly in their lawns there is slug killer that you can spray right on your lawn. I have never had to deal with them but I know people that have and they can really do damage. So sorry they destroyed all your hard work in the garden. You go girl and declare war!!!!
    Kris

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    1. I found a product that is safe for organic gardening - hopefully that will take care of the problem!!

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  18. I have read that putting egg shells around plants will stop a slug.

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    1. I bet it would, too, Mary! I usually put my egg shells in the composter but perhaps I should save them separately from now on....

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  19. Slugs are definitely gross, and come with all the moisture. I have used slug bait before, but it's poisonous to animals so you'd have to be careful. Anything poisonous to animals would be scary to use near a vegetable garden, but maybe you can use it on the flowers on the periphery. Good luck. I swear, if it's not one thing it's ten more in the garden - flowers or food.
    I just had a squirrel (or rabbit, not sure which) go through my few tulips I planted from grocery blooms and dig every single one of them up. It looked I had just dug the holes for planting, they were so uniform. He spit one out on the courtyard bricks.
    Rita

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    1. Oh my gosh, what a little punk!! They dig up our bulbs, too, all but daffodils. They seem to leave them alone. That's why I don't even bother planting tulips. It's a shame, isn't it?

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  20. Ewwwwwwwww! How horrible and so frustrating too, especially after all your hard work. Eons ago when there were few chemicals in our products, my Dad would mix up Tide & water very thick and spread it on the area where they were. Did the trick! :)

    Wishing you the very best in your war efforts! I strongly suggest you drink a beer ~ :)

    xo
    Pat

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  21. Eewww! I don't have slugs, but try this...crushed egg shells. The slugs should stay away and if they're brave enough to go near they will be cut by the shell's sharp edges.

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    1. Someone else mentioned that, Lori. I'm going to have to give it a try!

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  22. Gosh knows! It is so disheartening to have all your hard work destroyed by bugs and critters. So far, I haven't had any problems with slugs. I'm glad to know a solution, if I ever do...salt and beer. My war is with nut grass. That mess is hard to kill, get rid of even slow it down. Ugh!

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    1. I don't even know what nut grass is!! I'm going to have to look it up!

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  23. Ugh, Ugh and double Ugh!!! I have not had a problem with them. I see where several suggested egg shells and I was going to mention that also. I use egg shells in my garden thinking maybe it will help with other critters! Good luck. Hope you win the battle soon! Nancy

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    1. You and me both, Nancy! I just bought more marigolds to replace the ones the slugs ate...this is the fourth batch of marigolds I've planted in the veggie garden this year!

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  24. I never knew what a slug looked like until now, Debbie. They are so disgusting to look at, all slimy and wormy like...YUKKY! If you have as many as it appears, you might want to invest in stocks for beer and salt. I really am sorry to hear about this, because I know all the work you've been putting into your beautiful garden. I wish I could help you out here, but obviously I've never had to deal with those suckers before and hope I never do. Bugs, slugs, things with wings and creepy, crawly things and I do not get along well, at all...just ask Mr. Cottage!

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    1. I'm not a fan, that's for sure!! They are so incredibly gross. And yet I feel bad killing them....there must be something wrong with me!!

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  25. We have banana slugs. I measured one this spring that was 9 inches long! Yuck! So far (knock on wood, cross fingers and say a little prayer) they have stayed clear of the vegetable garden and seem to prefer the leaf mold. So, I made a pact with the bananas that if they stay out of my garden, I will allow them to live. :)

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    1. Ok, Vickie, that would just send me right over the edge!! Are you kidding me? 9 inches? Just shoot me now!!

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  26. I hate slugs! They seem to love my strawberries but have left my flowers alone...so far.

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  27. I hate slugs! They seem to love my strawberries but have left my flowers alone...so far.

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    1. I'm going to be really angry if they eat my strawberries!! I found a product that is safe for organic gardening, it's called SLUGGO - you may want to try it around your strawberries!

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