Avoiding plant damage: Biological control

Another way to limit the adverse impact of slugs is by using a non-chemical biological control.

Best implemented during spring to early autumn, in cool and damp conditions, it involves watering a microscopic nematode or eelworm into the soil. The nematodes infect the slugs with bacteria that cause a fatal disease but are not harmful to other wildlife. However, nematodes do not control snails.

The nematodes are stored in refrigerated cabinets and can be obtained from garden centres or by mail order.