Coffee Does Kill Slugs, but...

[Two_Sheds]

...the problem is getting them to drink it!

"It seems that caffeine will kill or deter slugs, depending on the strength of the brew. A 1-2% solution will kill them, and a 0.01% solution will repel them. Instant coffee is around 0.05%, with brewed coffee being stronger, so throwing a cup of coffee over the soil will not help, especially as it can also kill beneficial insects. If coffee grounds are placed directly on the ground, they can go mouldy if not spread thinly enough, and is not the best way to get the caffeine into the slugs. Strong solutions can affect some plants, causing leaves to turn yellow or display brown stains."
lifted from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2876862

[serenity]

maybe we should be putting red bull in the slug traps then save the beer for those who deserve it

[Earthbabe]

Save the coffee too for those that appreciate it!

Would red bull give them wings though? Then they could escape from the trap.

[Hazel at the Hill]

...Would red bull give them wings though? Then they could escape from the trap.

Flying slugs - what a HORRIBLE thought!

[rustylady]

Coffee grounds are quite gritty though, so they should deter the slugs from crawling over them. I've heard grit and eggshells recommended as a deterrent

[Sue]

Rustylady
I tried grit and eggshells, my slugs must have cast iron stomachs, just when straight ahead. Bark chippings was also meant to slow them up - no, garlic granules - no.
Tried vaseline round pots, that did seem to work but made a horrible mess and it was ghastly when you went to pick the pots up.
Tried garlic gel - no
Copper tape - some success
The "organic" slug pellets work OK

Anyone tried those new cardboard collars impregated with salt?

Sue

[bubblewrap]

Flying slugs - what a HORRIBLE thought!

My slugs fly I throw my little? b*****s on to my neighbours (unkempt) lottie.

[Alison]

My slugs fly I throw my little? b*****s on to my neighbours (unkempt) lottie.

Be careful with that, they're worse than homing pigeons!

[NOG]

I made an I iron curtan the other year round a patch of ground and it kept them out. I used plastic lawn edging and put it round one bed...had no trouble from them all season, till they formed a peoples soviet and declaired me a Kulak and had me exiled.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Be careful with that, they're worse than homing pigeons!

Oh, strewth - am I in for an invasion.... man the salt walls.... prepare the copper bands.....LOL

[Two_Sheds]

No to Beer Traps

I've stopped using beer traps for slugs - too many dead beetles and ladybirds. They all seem to like a tipple!

[GardenFan]

Coffee grounds as a surface mulch will start to rot and will take from the soil, its better to dig it in, its an amazing source of nitrogen.

[Two_Sheds]

Coffee grounds as a surface mulch will start to rot and will take from the soil, its better to dig it in

So ... doesn't it rot under the ground?

[xspye]

I used nematodes last year and they worked really well. They were a bit expensive though

[Dobby]

I'm shore I read somewhere that starbuck coffee shop would give you the old coffee granduals if you ask they will keep them for you?