Other pests
Snails and slugs
These molluscs can attack most crops and chew holes in leaves and kill seedlings. They are most active at night, especially in moist weather. Control is especially important in April and May when the adults lay eggs.
Slaters, snails and slugs may be controlled with baits that contain methiocarb or metaldehyde. A copper silicate spray used on plants will repel the pests. Do not expose baits to children or pets.
For further information, including a recipe for organic baits, refer to the article snail and slug control.
Slaters
Slaters or woodlice are small crustaceans that hide in damp situations in the garden. Slaters feed on organic matter, but at high densities they can damage new seedlings and ripe fruit such as melons, strawberries and the roots of pot plants.
