Slugs & Etc.

Hi All,

I confess . . . I lied.  {:^ [      Spring is NOT here in Portsmouth, VA!  I
awoke this morning to find an inch of snow.  Maybe the grinch did steal
Spring...

On 38/96 Monica writes on the use of diatomaceous earth:
>According to my college botony professor it does kill slugs very
>effectively.  The tiny things cut the slimy bodies to ribbons.

Yes, diatomaceous earth does cut their slimy bodies to ribbons AND your lungs if
you breathe it!  Diatomaceous earth falls into the same category as does coal
dust & asbestos.  The dust of both of these lodge in the lungs and are not
removed.  Over a period of time they are encapsulated and cysts are formed
around them.  This cuts lessens your breathing capacity and is a permanent
condition.  While casual use od diatomaecous earth wouldn't present that big of
a problem - its harmful aspects should be considered.  Even some aspects of
organic gardenins isn't safe.

God knows that I've had my share of problems with slugs.  My back yard consists
of a series of decks connected by wood walkways and flower beds (no grass).
Little did I know that I was creating "slug heaven" by providing a dark , safe
and moist climate for my slug collection.  

I tried the "beer in the bowl " routine and found out that it wasn't that
effective.  I also read somewhere that lining the edge of the beds with a copper
wire would deter slugs because they'd get a mild shock when tryng to cross the
copper wire.  That solution wasn't wasn't that great.  I even went further and
used 1/4" copper foil strips (used in stained glass) to provide more contact
with the copper.  That was so-so.  The best product I found is manufactured by
Pace International LP, P.O. Box 558, Kirkland,WA 98083 and is called DEADLINE.
This product has a pheromone in it to sexually attract the slugs and a poison to
kill them.  The first time I used it I was really surprised at the results.  I
didn't realize just how bag a slug problem I had.  It applies like Brylcream "a
little dab will do ya".   What better revenge on slugs than to send them an
invitation to a slug sex orgy and then feed them poison hors d'oeuvres.
Paybacks are hell! <grin>.  DEADLINE is my answer to a slug problem.  

Happy slugging!,

Bill Smoot
Portsmouth, VA
Zone 8A
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