Dear Kas
The slug problem arises every year, and any "new knowledge" is always
helpful. The findings make a lot of sense, in that with tests comparing
beer and detergent, the beer (Keiths Ale) was 9 times more effective in
attracting slugs. I watched them dip their snouts into detergent for a
drink, and then turn around and go away. They simply didn't like the
taste of detergent. Similarily, there are different flavors to various
beers, and it is quite understandable that they wouldn't like all of
them.
As near as I can understand it, the "kill mechanism" is simply that the
alcohol or surfactants or wetting agents simply "mess up" the slugs
slime coat, and he can't crawl back out of the container, and drowns.
I also have used dregs from winemaking, rather than beer on which Tax
was paid. I also have used "synthetic beer" made from 1 tablespoon of
flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a bit of yeast. It works, and also
avoids Beer Tax.
I find the concept of paying Beer Tax to control slugs to be a great
annoyance. I find the concept of giving good beer to slugs so that they
won't bother me is Philosophically reprehensible, somewhat akin to
blackmail, or "paying protection."
It speculate that it shouldn't be too difficult to make a great slug
killer. It would be a two step process:
1: Find an excellent attractant
2: Add to home made beer.
Would ppl on the list have thoughts on what is the best slug attractant?
What plants do they seem to rush in on? It should be easy to put some of
these plants in a blender, and add the pulp to the home made beer, and
then have a taxless, organic slug killer of superior effectiveness.
Kindest regards,
Kevin Chisholm
kasmiller wrote:
