Slugs and snails like living in Oregon. Our mild, wet climate seems like paradise to them. There are 15 important slug species in Oregon gardens, in addition to four species of snails. Most of the time, slugs and snails are beneficial because they recycle organic matter and are food for wildlife. Slugs are most active when the environment is moist. They feed at night when the temperature is above 50°F, wind is low and humidity is high.
Slugs feed on many kinds of garden plants, such as annuals, perennials, flowers, fruit and vegetables. You can tell slug damage from other pest damage by the slime trails on the ground and on damaged plants. Slugs chew ragged holes with smooth edges between the veins of leaves. The presence of sausage-shaped feces in the garden are also signs of slugs and snails.
Slugs seek dark, moist places (such as under mulch and leaves) to hide in during the day. To “trap” them, place small boards or shingles under your garden plants. Every morning, remove the slugs you find under these shelters. Put the slugs in a bucket of soapy water, or feed them to chickens.
Slugs and snails lay eggs in the fall when the rains begin, generally at the end of September or the beginning of October. After they lay their eggs, adult slugs usually die or “hibernate.” Reduce the number of adult slugs before they lay eggs, so you will have fewer problems in the future. If there are still many slugs over the winter, control them in early spring before they begin feeding again.
About two hours after sunset or in the early morning before slugs hide under a shelter, examine your garden plants closely and often. Use a headlamp or flashlight to help see the hidden slugs. Remove the slugs, cut them up, squash them, feed them to chickens or toss them into a pail of soapy water.
Beer smells of yeast, and this smell attracts slugs. To make a beer trap, use an empty margarine or yogurt container. In the upper third, cut a hole 2 inches in diameter. Bury the container so that the hole remains slightly above ground. Add 2 or 3 inches of beer. Cover the top of the container to keep pets from drinking the beer! Remove the dead slugs each day and add more beer.
When a slug touches copper, it receives an electric shock and backs up. Surround raised beds or individual plants with a 3-inch-wide band of copper. Or, make a cone shape with a spiral of copper wire and wrap it around a potted plant. Stick the point of the cone in the ground and surround the plant with the spiral. Make sure there are no slugs inside these barriers!
Diatomaceous earth is made from ground fossils. This powder pierces the skin of slugs. Surround the plants with a band 1 inch deep and 3 inches wide. This powder is not effective when it is wet. You’ll have to apply more after rain or irrigation.
Sluggo can be used throughout the growing season, whenever slug and snail attack threaten garden plants. Organic gardeners will be pleased to know that Sluggo can be used where children, pets, or garden wildlife are present. Please read package label before using.

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the yeasty dough concoctions outperform chemical attractants, and last longer too. Just mix a cup of flour, a cup of water and a teaspoon of active dry yeast together, let it get bubbly for a few hours inside, and put it in slug traps.

Hope this helps!