Slugs and beer!

[jackyspratty]

HI all

I did a workshop today and we were discussing beer traps. One woman couldn't use beer for religious reason and it got us discussing what else we could use in the same way an also what is it in the beer that the slugs like? Is it the alcohol, the yeast,.......would another non alcoholic drink work just as well?

We were discussing using milk cartons with the lid on, with a rectangle cut out of the corner for the slugs to climb into

Any ideas, answers?

Thanks!

[roitelet]

Milk works as well, They just don't die as happy! Milk cartons, 1pt, on their side with the lid off works. No need to go to the lengths of cutting holes

[WendyC]

They like cat food too but wouldn't drown in it!

[Mr Bones]

Dissolve a tiny blob of molasses in water and add a sprinkle of bread yeast. It even smells like beer.

[mothhawk]

^^^^ Yes,it's the yeastiness that attracts them, so a bit of yeast in sugary water will draw them as good as beer.

The same thing works for midges/mosquitoes too, which are drawn to the carbon dioxide the yeast gives off (that's how they home in on us humans!). If you cut a plastic bottle in half, put yeasty, sugary water in the bottom half, and then invert the top half so it makes a funnel into the bottom half, but with the end clear of the water, midges will be drawn in, and can't find their way out again.

[jackyspratty]

Thankyou everyone! Informative as ever and a range of options!! Will be prepared for the next workshop!

[Two_Sheds]

Please put twigs in your beer traps, otherwise you drown beneficial beetles & spiders as well as slugs

[binley100]

Coca cola is meant to work too.......the sweetness attracts and the acid in it kills.

[arpoet]

I still prefer a sharp stick on a damp morning.... they don't like it up em

[Bren In Pots]

I've got a 'special' pair of scissors for cutting them in half