A to Z of Pests

Slugs

Class: Gastropoda

Appearance

• Adult − range from 2−10cm depending on species.
• Slugs can be brown, light grey or black. They are legless, elongated molluscs.

Lifecycle

• They can lay eggs up to 6 times a year commonly in clusters of about 30.
• The eggs usually hatch in a few weeks but can lay dormant until sufficient moisture is available.
• They can live for up to two years.

Habits

• Slugs prefer moist environments.
• They feed at night and hide during the day to avoid predators and to protect themselves from the sun.
• They hide in soil crevices, holes, under leaves, boards and debris.