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The last thing a gardener wants to see in the garden, or on a plant, is a slug. But while a lot of slugs aren’t good for a garden, some slugs are actually helpful.
Slugs help to break down old debris and plants and help to create compost right in the garden beds where the plants need it.
Slugs are also excellent prey for other beneficials in the garden. Toads, frogs, lizards, and garter snakes all eat slugs. Birds and opossums also find slugs tasty.
Most gardeners cringe when slugs are seen in gardens munching on beloved plants, be they vegetables or flowers, but there is one slug that is especially beneficial.
The tiger slug, also known as the great grey slug or leopard slug, is native to Europe, but has made its way to other parts of the world, and is found on both coasts of the United States and several other states as well. While this slug will feed on young plants like other common slugs, it is beneficial since it also eats other slugs and snails in addition to dead plants and fungi. The tiger slug is nocturnal so feeds at night when other slugs are also chewing on plants.
Slugs in the garden can be controlled, but never completely eradicated. Rest in knowing that what slugs remain are also helping to improve the soil as well.
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Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2021
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