Copper for slugs?

[grahama]

Hi all,

before I set up my new veg and fruit garden I have to address the slug problem I already have in my garden. Lots of them !!! I have read a thread about copper stopping slugs climbing up raised beds. Does this work?? How wide does the copper band have to be arround the beds and where do you buy copper banding in quantity if it works??

Thanks in advance for the replies,

Graham

[Two_Sheds]

I know there are older threads on this. Have a search.

I'll race you

[Two_Sheds]

I won. There are 18 old threads, here's one of 'em: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...sus-slugs.html

[grahama]

Thanks 2S, will conduct more searches next time !!

[TonyF]

I use copper banding round pots on the patio all year and even after rain, not a problem with slugs and snails, even on plants like hostas. But that's copper tape and it isn't that cheap.

For raised beds, best idea is finding a friendly neighbourhood plumber anbd see whether you can scrounge old copper pipes from him/them when they are stripping out but if it's painted, you need to get the paint off. Depending on the size of your raised beds, could be much more cost effective than tape but remember, some slugs live in the soil and once they're inside the copper, they can't get out

[FB.]

Copper (and copper-based substances) is highly toxic to slugs, snails, worms and many other creatures. Slugs and snails will often recoil when they touch a piece of copper.
Some chemical sprays for control of tree diseases contain copper, which has the side effect of killing many slugs and bugs. Unortunately, the friendly creatures can also be affected.

[weekendwellies]

beer traps. But place them away from the plants you want to protect from slugs.
also get out at dusk, especially when it is or has been raining, and pick them off by hand.
chuck em in a bucket of water and when they have expired put em for the birdies or chickens if you have em

[Two_Sheds]

watch what happens when a slug crawls over copper: YouTube - Copper & a Slug

[grahama]

have I missed something here TS, or did nothing happen

[rustylady]

I take it the copper wire didn't work then!!

[Two_Sheds]

have I missed something here TS, or did nothing happen

that's right, nothing happened

[Jeanied]

I use the copper sticky strip (watch out, it cuts your fingers) stuck round the tops and bottoms of my summer pots. It lasts a while - but needs replacing every other year or so. I think if it came to copper wire or tubing you need two of them, spaced apart and the slight charge comes when the two are bridged. Physics not my strong point though!

[northepaul]

I use these in the veg patch: Green Gardener - Specialists in Biological control inc Nemaslug Nemasys and ladybirds for controlling slugs, vine weevils, aphids, chafer grubs,leatherjackets plus home composting, wormeries and wildlife products.
they work really well, but need weighing down when windy.