Garden slugs have a wide range of natural predators that help control their populations in gardens. Key predators of garden slugs include:
- Birds: Larger birds such as thrushes, blackbirds, robins, starlings, jays, magpies, gulls, owls, and seagulls are all known to eat slugs.[1][2][3]
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and newts are significant slug predators, with larger individuals consuming even bigger slugs.[1][4][3]
- Reptiles: Certain reptiles like slow worms and some types of snakes prey on slugs.[1][5][6][4]
- Mammals: Hedgehogs, shrews, mice, moles, squirrels, raccoons, and even foxes will eat slugs when given the opportunity.[1][5][6][4]
- Insects: Ground beetles (including tiger beetles), rove beetles, and firefly larvae are all beneficial in consuming both slugs and their eggs.[1][4][7]
- Ducks and Chickens: Domestic birds such as ducks and chickens are especially effective at foraging for and eating slugs.[2][5][6]
Additionally, parasitic nematodes (microscopic worms) can infect slugs and are sometimes introduced as a biological control in gardens.[1]
To encourage these natural predators:
- Provide a pond or damp area for amphibians.
- Leave piles of leaves or wood for reptiles and hedgehogs.
- Maintain undisturbed, wild areas or plant hedges for birds and small mammals.
Attracting and supporting these predators creates a balanced ecosystem and helps control slug populations naturally.[1][6][4][3]
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- https://www.slugrings.co.uk/blog/what-eats-slugs-and-snails
- https://permies.com/t/86238/slug-snail-predators-encourage-garden
- https://www.growveg.com/guides/how-to-make-a-home-for-slug-eating-helpers/
- https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/2018-02/Snail-Slug-Control_0_0.pdf
- https://pestsupplycanada.ca/blogs/all/slugs-in-the-garden
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/kill-garden-slugs.htm
- https://totalpestsolutionsfl.com/natural-slug-predators/
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