Slugs and caterpillars: how to recognize their presence and get rid of them

Spring is not only associated with the start of gardening activities, but unfortunately also with the awakening of some unpleasant pests that can wreak quite a lot of havoc in the garden. These are mainly slugs and caterpillars. All these relatively small creatures are capable of destroying practically everything that grows in our garden. It’s certainly not a pleasant situation, so let’s take a look at how to spot them and how to fight them effectively.

Slugs as a classic in our gardens

We would probably be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t encountered them in the garden. They attack lettuce, cabbage, kale, strawberries and other plants. Their presence can be recognised quite easily, based on several indicators:

• Irregular holes in the leaves,
• Literally, young plants that have been scalded,
• slime traces on the soil of the plants.

There are several alternatives for eliminating slugs

Of course, the classic is the hand-picking of these slimy animals. Otherwise, however, charcoal, beer traps and the like are also used. Otherwise, mostly blue pellets are also traditionally used, including Ferramol, Vanish Slug Pellets, Desimo Duo. The small blue granules are scattered around the bed and the slugs disappear. Parasitic slugs are also excellent.

Prevention as a basis

Beds should be kept free of dense vegetation and hiding places for these animals. Regular loosening of the soil is ideal, as is watering in the morning, not in the evening.

Tip: Slugs can also liquidated by old methods.  You just have to try it.

Caterpillars mainly eat lettuce

Caterpillars are also very annoying. They can destroy many leaves of various vegetables very quickly. The most common are probably lettuce, kohlrabi, broccoli or cabbage. Caterpillar infestations can be recognised by:

• irregular holes in the leaves,
• green or brown caterpillars on the plants,
• small black droppings.

Eradication of caterpillars by various methods

As with slugs, hand picking can help. However, it is very labour-intensive. Covering the beds with fabric is also excellent. Butterflies will not lay their eggs in this way. Otherwise, biological sprays such as Lepinox Plus or Dipel DF are effective. These products contain the bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis* which kills the caterpillars. From chemical products we choose Karate Zeon 5 CS or Mospilan 20 SP.

Photo: Pixabay

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about slugs or caterpillars

When do slugs and caterpillars start to cause damage?

In early spring, already with the first plants.

What is the ideal prevention?

For slugs, loosen the soil and keep hiding places to a minimum, for caterpillars, cover the bed with fabric.

Which sprays are best?

Biologically based ones.

Sources of info: Author

Thumbnail photo and gallery: Pixabay