Slug question and bee/wasp ID - Ask Extension
Hello! I have a two-fold question. First, my mother in law is having some major slug issues in her garden and is wondering if there are any non-lethal...
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Slug question and bee/wasp ID #874245
Asked June 22, 2024, 10:17 PM EDT
Hello! I have a two-fold question. First, my mother in law is having some major slug issues in her garden and is wondering if there are any non-lethal ways to keep slugs away from her perennials. She has tried copper, egg shells, coffee, (none of these worked) and is currently picking them off by hand several times per day. She lives in a wooded area in Sanilac County.
Secondly, I was wondering if anyone might be able to identify the bee/wasp on the chamomile flower on the attached picture. This is in Saginaw County and we are very interested in the Pollinators that are visiting our gardens! Thanks for any insight!
Saginaw County Michigan
Expert Response
The wasp is either a Crabronid or Tiphiid. Both are predatory wasps and beneficial in the garden.
Slugs thrive in moist conditions. When it's drier, consider reducing the frequency of watering. Plants that are less crowded or pruned will allow in more sunlight, which slugs tend to avoid.
Finally, you could try beer traps that are flush with the ground.
Add beer or a water and yeast mixture (one teaspoon of yeast to three ounces of warm water) to a container, several inches deep. The liquid should be about one inch below the top of the pan.
Slugs thrive in moist conditions. When it's drier, consider reducing the frequency of watering. Plants that are less crowded or pruned will allow in more sunlight, which slugs tend to avoid.
Finally, you could try beer traps that are flush with the ground.
Add beer or a water and yeast mixture (one teaspoon of yeast to three ounces of warm water) to a container, several inches deep. The liquid should be about one inch below the top of the pan.
