thirdgeneration's Blog

Slug traps
Apr 24, 2009 | 7:59 AM PST
Tag: slugs
So...I really haven't taken pictures of how I made them but here's the idea behind them. This is a picture of what you need, plus whatever you want to decorate it with.

I am pretty green...I always try to reduce, reuse, recycle. Most people should have this or something similar around their house, so this project should cost you $5 or less, unless you go crazy with decorations.

I had the plastic slug traps you can buy online, but after a summer in the sun the plastic was brittle and they started breaking. I needed something that could stand being out in the sun and not fall apart, because my slugs are not going away, I have too much wet and too many places for them to hide.

I had tons of 4 inch terra cotta pots...and I hate planting annuals and most perennials just don't do well in 4 inch pots.

I also do a lot of parties during the summer and buy the plastic silverware in bulk from Costco (similiar to Sams) and the forks and spoons always get used but not the knives.

I had some extra plastic glasses left from last summer and found they fit perfectly in the 4 inch pot.

If you want to be super green you could have a party, keep the cups and silverware, was them and then use them for your trap.

I had some extra plates that were just sitting around.

So...I took three knives and broke them so when I put them in the pot they stuck past about a half inch. On the test ones I didn't glue them, but I will when I make the finals.This gives the slugs a gap to crawl in.

Then put the cup in, the cup will hold the knives, but when you pull the cup out to empty it, the knives fall over, thus the glue.

I buried mine in the garden as you can see. I didn't put it in all the way, because I am on a hill, and when it rains, I didn't want it to flow in. So plant to desired depth for your yard. 

Fill the cup part way with beer and put on the plate. The rain doesn't get in, but the slugs do.Then you can empty the cup and refill with beer as needed.

Here's a picture of the test one, sorry about the gross slugs, but at least you know it does work.

I was thinking of mosaicing the plate or putting glass balls on it, little creatures, or finding bowls or cups and planting plants on top. I am sure all of you are creative enough to find wonderful ways to decorate so they blend into your garden as art.

Hope this helps you poor souls with slug problems.