Deroceras Slugs
Scientific group or name: Deroceras species
Overview
Deroceras includes small to medium slugs such as the grey field slug, an important pest of young plants.
Host plants
Seedlings, leafy vegetables, ornamentals and field crops.
Identification
These slugs are generally smaller and more slender than large Arion species and may produce clear or milky mucus.
Damage and symptoms
Feeding destroys seedlings, produces irregular leaf holes and contaminates produce.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Moist soil, surface residues and mild temperatures support activity and survival.
Monitoring
Use refuge traps and inspect at night, particularly after irrigation or rain.
Management
Reduce surface refuges, cultivate where appropriate, improve hygiene and protect high-risk establishment stages.
Biological control and natural enemies
Phasmarhabditis nematodes can be effective against susceptible species in moist soil.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.