UK is facing a slug plague
Pastor Dale Morgan
UK is facing a slug plague*
If all the rain this summer wasn't bad enough, the weather conditions
have resulted in record numbers of slugs. Are the slimy critters set for
a population boom?
At least it's been a good summer for someone. Plentiful rain, warm
temperatures and a shortage of sun have provided perfect munching
conditions for slugs.
As a result the slimy, plant-munching gastropod have reached record
numbers, with almost 15 billion estimated to be thriving in the UK.
Gardens and crops are said to be facing devastation as the current
numbers are certainly unprecedented. Much now depends on weather
conditions in the next few months, says Bill Lankford, who is involved
in a slug-watch programme for Bayer CropScience.
THE ANSWER
Potentially, if the wet but warm weather conditions continue as forecast
If it continues to be wet and warm - as long-range forecasts suggest -
the infestation could develop into a plague.
"If these conditions continue the slugs will not stop breeding and they
are prolific breeders," says Geoff Philpott, a farmer from Broadstairs
in Kent.
"I'm trying to deal with four times the number of slugs and snails I
usually have and that's hard enough."
Devastating
Normally a dry, hot period over summer kills off large numbers of slugs,
says Dr Lankford. But this year they have enjoyed perfect moist
conditions and as a result an average of 61 have been found per square
metre of land in counts done by Bayer CropScience.
This is an increase of more than 50% on previous years and the total
slug population would be nearly 15 billion if this is replicated across
the UK. Some areas have been particularly badly hit - in parts of
Gloucestershire there are 100 slugs per square foot.
What also makes an increase in numbers such a concern is the fact they
eat twice their body weight every day. High numbers of slugs have the
potential to destroy entire fields of crops, say experts.
"We are entering the planting season for wheat and the number of slugs
we are seeing have the potential to devastate such crops," says Dr Lankford.
The slug boom has already resulted in farmers' costs rising and if they
increase even further it could result in everyone being hit in the pocket.
"I usually put down two lots of slug pellets - already this year I have
put down four and am about to do another," says Mr Philpott. "It all
pushes up costs, which someone has to pay."