Successful crop protection from slugs

Slugs are an increasing threat to grain crops. They feed on crops, causing damage and yield loss. This fact sheet explains why an integrated control approach works best for slugs.

Key points

• Slugs threaten all grain growing regions of Australia, especially high rainfall zones.
• They thrive in wet winters and cool springs.
• Farming practices have changed to reduce soil disturbance. This has provided slugs with a favourable habitat for populations to build up.
• The grey field slug and the black keeled slug are the main pest species. Brown field slugs can also pose a threat.
• Slugs feed on crops causing damage and yield loss. The cost of controlling the pest is considerable.
• An integrated pest management approach is the most successful crop protection for slugs.