Interesting Slug Solution

[shadytrake]

Okay, let me tell you that I have no problem with using chemicals on pests, but I could not find anything out there that you can actually pour on orchid roots to kill the slugs that have entrenched themselves in the hidden crevices.

The buggers are hiding between the roots during the day and coming out and grazing my orchid buds during the night. I lost 3 buds in one night!

So in the midst of picking them off, my hubby suggested dousing the chids with a lukewarm salt solution several times to get the slugs to try to escape.

Well what do you know, it worked. I was able to soak the roots in the solution and as the slugs tried to escape, I KILLED them.

I flushed them with clean water after the treatment and put them in s/h. I checked them again this evening, flushed one more time with the salt solution watching for any slug movement. Since I didn't see anymore, I flushed with clean water a couple of times.

Since I didn't have these 2 chids isolated...sigh, I will have to inspect every plant in the GH.

Oh well, I need to transfer 4 to s/h anyway.

Next step is to put Iron Phosphate Slug Bait around the GH.

[kavanaru]

A good method to determine whether you have slugs living in the pots is to lay some cucumber slices (not peeled!) on top of it at night. Wait few hours and check below the slices: the slugs and snails will be attached ot them. This needs to be repeated several times for few consecutives days...

[isurus79]

Interesting. I have too many orchids to do that with, but I have started spreading used coffee grounds around my grow area and guess what. No more slugs!! You could try this in your GH too I guess. Your place will smell like Starbucks!

[Gin]

I have used liquid slug bait dabbed on the pot rim had a problem with them when we lived on a river . Probably can find it at a garden center, not Lowe's or Wal Mart .. Gin

[gratefulgardener]

Hi there,

I have been developing a slug solution that keeps slugs from eating blossoms, etc. This slug shield is completely non-toxic and requires no maintenance. If you would like more info or if you would like to try it out, then email me. I am happy for folks to test this in more ways and applications.

Thanks,
GratefulGardener