Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Field and silage corn-Slug

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Gray garden slug
Agriolimax reticulatus Muller
Adult on host
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

Gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is one of the most common species.

Pest description and crop damage Land mollusks that feed on various plants, damaging roots, crowns, leaves, and fruit.

Management-chemical control

  • chitosan (Tidal Grow Spectra) at 0.023 to 0.085 lb ai/A. Re-apply once every 2 weeks or as needed.
  • iron phosphate (Sluggo and several others) at 0.5 to 1.0 lb ai/1,000 sq ft.
  • metaldehyde baits at 1.2 to 2.4 lb ai/A. PHI 30 days.
  • sodium ferric EDTA () at 0.11 -0.44 lb per 1000 sq.

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2026 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.