How can I stop slugs eating my strawberries? (forum)

Justin starts with ...
One slug can eat a whole strawberry overnight, and I've tried all the mythical solutions such as sawdust, cut hair, plastic barriers, coffee, beer traps, but none of them work (or maybe work on 5% of the population). I've tried going out at night, but it's just impractical to kill hundreds night after night. Has anyone got any better ideas? Thanks!

Time: 8th November 2008 9:15pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Justin
Melbourne
#UserID: 1041
Posts: 30
View All Justin's Edible Fruit Trees

Pauline says...
Have you tried pellets? They work well, but if you are not into that type of thing the only thing Ihave found to work has been going out every night with a heavy foot.

Time: 8th November 2008 9:42pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Pauline
Adelaide
#UserID: 1532
Posts: 293
View All Pauline's Edible Fruit Trees

peter says...
try offering them something different.
small plates of dog or cat food spread
around your strawberry patch should
work a treat.

Time: 8th November 2008 10:13pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author peter30001
adelaide
#UserID: 593
Posts: 293
View All peter30001's Edible Fruit Trees

Eve says...
Diatomaceous earth (not sure about spelling) is supposed to be a natural and effective snail and slug solution.

Time: 8th November 2008 10:23pm

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
Canberra
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Justin says...
Thanks all, will give those suggestions a go. Where can you buy diatomaceous earth, though? Have never seen anything of that name in nurseries, although it may be because I wasn't looking.

Time: 9th November 2008 9:27am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Justin
Melbourne
#UserID: 1041
Posts: 30
View All Justin's Edible Fruit Trees

Eve says...
Sorry Justin, I am not sure where you can buy diatomaceous earth but can only suggest ringing a few nurseries. I have not used it but have been thinking about it - have to check first if it can be used with chooks around as I am not sure.

It is apparently made from crushed diatoms (or fossilised marine remains) which under a microscope appear as fine glass-like shards which is what kills the snails and slugs but harmless to humans. Although it is suggested to use a mask when distributing it.

Green harvest talks about diatomaceous earth on their website but don't appear to sell it.
http://www.greenharvest.com.au/pestcontrol/slug_and_snail_info.html




Time: 11th November 2008 10:38am

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
Canberra
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

John says...
The earth is used in swimming pool filters so try a pool shop.

Time: 11th November 2008 12:20pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author John20
Perth
#UserID: 1094
Posts: 287
View All John20's Edible Fruit Trees

bob says...
>>
Yes, Greenharvest does sell DE - we got a bag from them last month.
Bob

Time: 11th November 2008 3:15pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author bob8
yass nsw
#UserID: 1620
Posts: 4
View All bob8's Edible Fruit Trees

bob says...
From what I've read about DE, it's food grade that is used on plants etc, not the swimming pool grade.
Bob

Time: 11th November 2008 3:17pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author bob8
yass nsw
#UserID: 1620
Posts: 4
View All bob8's Edible Fruit Trees

Ganesh Bhat says...
Application of "Slug and snail pellets" on fortnightly interval works very well. Peter Cundell in ABC tv garden show adviced application of saw dust on a layer of hydrated lime powder will keep off these nasty creatures.
Ganesh.

Time: 11th November 2008 3:28pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author DrGanesh Bhat1
Perth
#UserID: 1628
Posts: 10
View All DrGanesh Bhat1's Edible Fruit Trees

Eve says...
Thanks for that Bob. My website searching skills must leave a lot to be desired. :)

Greenharvest are pretty good if you are seeking any sort of advice as well.
Cheers
Eve

Time: 12th November 2008 5:15pm

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
Canberra
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Tara says...
if you can have a couple of ducks or chooks - they love slugs!

but i have another question about strawberries:

i bought a strawberry plant from bunnings a few weeks ago and put it in good soil topped with compost, as the instructions said. however, my strawberries are ripening quickly but not growing. they are staying very small, tiny in fact.

is this because they are in shock after i planted them and so haven't grown for a few weeks? or maybe i am forgetting something?


Time: 18th February 2009 12:01pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Tara
Melbourne
#UserID: 1883
Posts: 8
View All Tara's Edible Fruit Trees

anon says...
dUCKS OR Chooks also love strawberries.

Time: 19th February 2009 9:44am

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
sydney
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Julie says...
If you don't want to use poisons on your garden, Multiguard snail and slug pellets are iron based. So you would be adding a little iron to your soil, but nothing nasty.

Time: 20th February 2009 9:02pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Julie
Roleystone
#UserID: 154
Posts: 1842
View All Julie's Edible Fruit Trees

GrowNatural says...
Hello All,

I noticed a few people interested in Diatomaceous Earth. Grow Natural sells natural, untreated, BFA certified, organic, fresh water Diatomacous Earth. We are in Brisbane and are able to sell in any size from 1kg to bulk.

If you have any questions please contact me on gndesales@gmail.com

Regards
Jovian Haidle
Sales
Grow Natural

Time: 8th March 2010 10:41am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author GrowNatural
Brisbane
#UserID: 3458
Posts: 1
View All GrowNatural's Edible Fruit Trees

Illy says...
Have you tried pine needles? You can put some around the plants for protection. Slugs hate it, and the strawberries don't seem to mind.

Time: 23rd March 2010 3:40pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Illy
Brisbane
#UserID: 3503
Posts: 3
View All Illy's Edible Fruit Trees

heartofhush says...
Do not use the swimming pool grade DE.
It is NOT the same product, if you are going to use and or buy DE make sure it is the food grade DE.

Time: 3rd April 2010 11:05am

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
Sydney
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Itdepends says...
Heartofhush- what's the concern with using non food grade DE?- are there chemicals of some sort in it which are poisonous? Most (ok all) of the manure I use on my vege garden isn't food grade- so I'm guessing there must be something else in the non food grade DE which is a concern?

(BTW- really ..... interesting show on TV last night showing a scientist in Japan making artificial meat using protein from bacteria growing in human sewage sludge- akak sh#t burgers. Apparently not very popular yet)

Time: 4th April 2010 10:56am

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
 
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Julie says...
It's not that there is any real concern, but the swimming pool grade DE doesn't work. The food grade DE has sharp points, which puncture the epidermis of the insect. Don't know how it's done, but the other stuff doesn't have the sharp edges.

I may be oversimplifying, but that's what I was told long ago.

Time: 4th April 2010 4:39pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 4th April 2010 4:40pm

About the Author Julie
r
#UserID: 154
Posts: 1842
View All Julie's Edible Fruit Trees

friendly advice says...
Diatamaceous Earth has two grades:

One is food grade, used in homes under cabinets and kitchen counter tops to prevent insects from entering the kitchen and can be used in your garden. They are safe around pets too.

The second is pool grade, which is toxic to both humans and pets.

I researched these out several years ago for our kitchen upgrade and a good general contractor will be able to advise you on where to get some. Otherwise, just buy it from them if you cannot locate it locally. I hope you have luck in your garden, I just found slugs under my Strawberries too :( I thought the neighbor rabbits were eating them.

Time: 1st April 2011 10:39am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author friendly advice
San Diego
#UserID: 5131
Posts: 1
View All friendly advice's Edible Fruit Trees

snottiegobble says...
Try leaving upturned plant pots amongst your strawberries. You will find slugs in them every morning! The old terracotta ones work best if you allow some access at ground level.

Time: 1st April 2011 12:17pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author snottiegobble
Bunbury/Busso ( smack in the middle)
#UserID: 3468
Posts: 1458
View All snottiegobble's Edible Fruit Trees

Xiem says...
Ground ginger is supposed to keep them away but this may be just another mythical solution.

Time: 1st April 2011 1:05pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Diego
 
#UserID: 4715
Posts: 283
View All Diego's Edible Fruit Trees

Julie says...
I don't grow strawberries in the ground, as we have Portugese millipedes, which wreck strawberries.

I grow in large pots,inside polystyrene boxes (for a bit of insulation). I mix petroleum jelly and copper sulphate and put round the rim of the pots. This keeps the millipedes away, and is also effective for slugs and snails.

See my post from 2009 re Multiguard pellets. They are non-poisonous.

Time: 2nd April 2011 9:26pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 2nd April 2011 9:29pm

About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
#UserID: 154
Posts: 1842
View All Julie's Edible Fruit Trees

snottiegobble says...
Yes, I believe there are copper bands or tape available for this purpose!

Time: 3rd April 2011 2:54am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author snottiegobble
Bunbury/Busso ( smack in the middle)
#UserID: 3468
Posts: 1458
View All snottiegobble's Edible Fruit Trees

adamus says...
I'm with you Julie, the Multiguard pellets do work well. $3.75 from the House of Bunnings.
They're made of Iron Chelates, harmless to animals, who don't seem interested anyway, and they keep away snails and slugs, especially off your strawbs.!!

Time: 3rd April 2011 6:44am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author adamus
Armidale
#UserID: 4604
Posts: 48
View All adamus's Edible Fruit Trees

Charles cant spell says...
They (multiguard) also knock off slaters, and while some are nice, if you are a mulching organic gardener you will have millions and this 'side effect" is almost better than the main slug/snail target.

Time: 3rd April 2011 6:38pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Charlesstillcantspell1
Perth Innaloo
#UserID: 2742
Posts: 411
View All Charlesstillcantspell1's Edible Fruit Trees

Julie says...
I agree Charles, about the only remedy for slaters available. But Multiguard, for some reason, doesn't mention this on the packet.

Little story: a friend used the M. Guard for snails, and noticed the effect on slaters. When she told me,
I contacted the company, who did a few experiments themselves and found she was right.

But they still don't inform the public! Maybe it has to be registered for that particular purpose?

Time: 4th April 2011 8:36pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
#UserID: 154
Posts: 1842
View All Julie's Edible Fruit Trees

adamus says...
Slaters are the curse of Mulchers everywhere.
Nothing nicer than a fresh Strawb from your own patch.
BTW Julie, are they a big company.? I often wondered.

Time: 5th April 2011 7:19am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author adamus
Armidale
#UserID: 4604
Posts: 48
View All adamus's Edible Fruit Trees

Aaron says...
Thanks for the info above.

Was just about to ask the forum on how to get rid of the slaters. They have been chewing off my aloe vera leaf stalk.

Cheers!

Time: 5th April 2011 5:55pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Aaron
Perth NOR
#UserID: 3153
Posts: 18
View All Aaron's Edible Fruit Trees

Julie says...
I don't think they are really big adamus. A man who used to work for them was a member of our Organic Growers group years back, and gave us a talk on seaweed. That product seems to have been overtaken by Seasol these days.

He was the one who followed up on the slaters.

Time: 5th April 2011 7:09pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
#UserID: 154
Posts: 1842
View All Julie's Edible Fruit Trees

jkdf askldf j says...
I've tried sprinkling dried oregano over my strawberry field and slugs dont come anywhere near it

Time: 13th July 2011 7:19pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author jkdf askldf j
London
#UserID: 5540
Posts: 2
View All jkdf askldf j's Edible Fruit Trees

jkdf askldf j says...
I've tried sprinkling dried oregano over my strawberry field and slugs dont come anywhere near it

Time: 13th July 2011 7:20pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author jkdf askldf j
London
#UserID: 5540
Posts: 2
View All jkdf askldf j's Edible Fruit Trees

hatchlamm says...
dont plan on harvesting the first year. Best in ground planting.

Time: 23rd September 2011 3:09am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author hatchlamm
Carbondale, CO
#UserID: 5869
Posts: 1
View All hatchlamm's Edible Fruit Trees

snottiegobble says...
There are rolls of thin copper band available that slugs & snails wont ski over!

Time: 23rd September 2011 10:51pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author snottiegobble
Bunbury/Busso (smackin the middle)
#UserID: 3468
Posts: 1458
View All snottiegobble's Edible Fruit Trees

Dennbet says...
gardener

Time: 9th July 2014 9:36am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Denis
pokey
#UserID: 10194
Posts: 3
View All Denis's Edible Fruit Trees

Dennbet says...
you can buy it at feed store for farm animal

Time: 9th July 2014 11:35am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Denis
pokey
#UserID: 10194
Posts: 3
View All Denis's Edible Fruit Trees

Denis says...
gardener
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 9th July 2014 11:38am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Denis
pokey
#UserID: 10194
Posts: 3
View All Denis's Edible Fruit Trees

Mumma Bear says...
Hi Justin, if you have a farm produce store in your area you can buy food grade D.E. From them.
Maybe an Elders store, that's where I buy mine.

Time: 25th July 2015 9:20am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Mumma Bear
Curra Qld
#UserID: 12081
Posts: 1
View All Mumma Bear's Edible Fruit Trees

Petedog says...
You can get DE from any place that sells chicken feed, usually it’s used on chucks for red spied mites.

Time: 9th June 2018 9:42pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Petedog
Uk
#UserID: 18555
Posts: 1
View All Petedog's Edible Fruit Trees

fknslugs says...
You can get this earth at pet stores

Time: 14th June 2018 11:06am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author fknslugs
COBOURG
#UserID: 18585
Posts: 1
View All fknslugs's Edible Fruit Trees