Slug Wars

109

00:35:02

Two bare copper wires are closely stapled in open circuit close together so slug or snail trying to cross will make contact with both wires and get electric shock and retract from protected boarder or pond areas.   Video clips show quick slug retraction after electric shock.

published 9 years ago

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

In practice many will fry and die (which you may not think is a problem). I have found this over a lengthy period before I built my pulsed circuit. Presumably since direct current 'locks' the muscles - assuming slugs have any LOL. It can get messy :-)

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

Over time your copper wires will tarnish too and not conduct as efficiently. I'm not a slug expert but have a couple of years or so of practical experience with fighting them!

lmccoig

9 years ago

Video does not fry or die slugs.http://www.spacepetuniareview.com/2014/05/slug-wars-chapter-1-making-diy-electric.html?m=1

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

I appreciate what you say and what video shows but if you make a real circuit over time you will see that some turn back, some do not. I have removed many dead slugs from the wires. Of course some will turn back. The other interesting thing is how many times they try to continue to go towards the food, receiving many shocks. They don't learn easily! But then we don't think of slugs or snails as intelligent.

lmccoig

9 years ago

Have you tried various voltage levels?

lmccoig

9 years ago

Slugs can crawl over edge of vertical razor blade unharmed. Old school method is sharp sand in 1 inch layer around plants. Make sure any slugs are not already around plants. Finely crushed rock or powered lime in band if lime is replaced often can work.

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

I don't have a slug problem since I started using my slug fence circuit, recently posted here. I have tried quite a few methods in the past and, at best, they do a little to help but an electric fence is the best solution. In my experience if you want to keep them out you need at least 9V but this is best 'pulsed' rather than continuous DC.

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

When I was experimenting I had a piece of flat board with two separate concentric rectangles of copper self-adhesive foil with 9V battery across them. If you put a slug or snail in the middle the only way out is to cross the conductors. Some larger slugs found it uncomfortable but did escape. Others remained there until I removed them.

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

I've never seen one cross my 18V pulsed fence and it's brilliant to grow vegetables without them being destroyed overnight by slugs. Doesn't stop butterflies & moths laying their eggs on them though!!

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

Looks like only you and me are interested in slugs! I've over 60 views but not been bookmarked. Your only bookmark is me. Lol.

lmccoig

9 years ago

Thanks for the bookmark! Pests can be determined. Old wife's tale is grind up slugs in old blender and spread around plants you want protected or leave enough beer in bottom of beer can to down slugs when they crawl in.

Robert_Kidd

9 years ago

Beer traps do work quite well but you're left with a mess to dispose of and you need to add fresh beer regularly.

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