Slug, or land slug, is a common name for any apparently shell-less terrestrial gastropod mollusk. The word slug is also often used as part of the common name of any gastropod mollusk with no shell, a very reduced shell, or only a small internal shell, particularly sea slugs, and semi-slugs.
Where Do Slugs Come From?
Slugs are hatched from eggs in the spring and early summer. They're attracted to cool and moist conditions, most often found in the shady parts of the garden in wet soil. You can also find them in compost bins, under rocks, amongst decaying plants, and on your tender plants.
As much as we hate them for the damage they do to our garden plants, there's something we need to question first. Are slugs good or bad in the garden? we need to recognize slugs as an important part of the ecosystems because many species are decomposers and feed on fallen leaves, dead insects, and dead worms. They are also food for snakes, toads, turtles, and birds.
If you absolutely want/must get rid of them, the most eco-friendly gardeners recommend hunting slugs and immediately killing them. And no, it doesn't have to be done in a sadistic way. You can do it quickly and painlessly. Just see yourself as an ally to hedgehogs and daddy longlegs. If you have poultry, it can be used to feed them some extra protein snacks.
To know more about slugs in general and possibly ways to get rid of them, you can visit the Iowa State University site [1]
