Blackberry and Raspberry-Slug

Arion spp., Deroceras spp., Limax spp.

Pest description and crop damage Slow-moving, slimy animals without legs. They may climb canes and move onto berries, and become a contaminant at harvest time. They are most likely to be a problem in cool, wet summers. Slugs migrate into and under crates taken into the field before harvest; keep crates and pallets away from damp soil and grass.

For best slug control, bait after the first extensive late-summer rains, which activate the slugs. Baiting at this time kills egg-laying adults that would produce slugs next spring. Apply bait on the soil surface around plants. Do not contaminate berries or foliage with slug bait.

Management-chemical control: HOME USE

  • iron phosphate-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • metaldehyde

Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE

  • iron phosphate bait (Sluggo) at 20 to 44 lb/A product. OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • metaldehyde bait (Deadline and several other brands) at 0.8 lb ai/A. A maximum of 3 applications per growing season, with at least 14 days between treatments.

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