Biologist explains what can help combat the Spanish slug

One of the natural enemies of the Spanish slug, which can seriously damage crops, is the leopard slug, a member of the gastropod group. Biologist Dmitriy Safonov told RIA Novosti.

According to the specialist, leopard slugs emerge from hibernation in April–May and begin their breeding and growth period. In summer, their activity decreases when the weather is hot and dry. From around August, their main period of activity begins and may continue until October, depending on the weather.

“The leopard slug is primarily a predator. It eats both Spanish slugs themselves and their eggs. Therefore, if there are leopard slugs in your garden, they are your best natural allies,” Safonov said.

According to the biologist, there is no need to deliberately eliminate leopard slugs. It is enough to follow general sanitation rules in the garden and control their numbers.

The specialist also noted that many insect-eating birds avoid eating the Spanish slug because of its thick, sticky mucus. Some mammals may try to eat it, but afterward they do not want to eat it again because their mouths become coated with the slimy substance.

“A hedgehog may eat it. But it definitely will not eat it a second time, because the hedgehog’s oral cavity becomes filled with sticky mucus. It takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour to clean it,” he said.

Other natural enemies of slugs include toads, frogs, grass snakes, as well as various parasites and microscopic worms—nematodes.