Good sanitation, including removal of excess vegetation, mulch, or other ground cover that offers food or shelter, will aid in the overall control program. Slugs are very sensitive to air currents and humidity. Gentle breezes, low humidity, and direct sunlight can combine to reduce slug activity and cause them to seek shelter.

Slug baits containing a molluscicide may be used for control. Spread the bait (according to label instructions) in the afternoon, just before slugs become active. Don't water the area because it will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Slugs feed intermittently, so several bait applications may be needed for control. Baits may attract slugs from up to 3 feet away. Contact your local Extension office for molluscicide recommendations.

Beer-baited traps will lure in many slugs, but it is important to check and empty the traps regularly. Pieces of wood, cardboard, or other objects can be placed on the ground in infested areas to provide hiding sites for foraging slugs. Regular visits to the slug accumulators will allow you to collect and discard the resting slugs.

Barriers can provide some relief if the slugs are moving in from outside the area that is being protected. Wood ash or fine lime can be used, but both lose their effectiveness when wet, and too much wood ash is not good for the soil. Slugs do not like to cross copper. A copper barrier tape (about 1 inch wide) can be used along borders or around the legs of greenhouse tables to deter slugs. There are wider copper barriers that can be set in the soil as fences, but the expense makes this most suitable for small areas.