Slugs and snails attack potatoes. As with other crops, slug numbers – and the risk of significant attack – can be influenced by cultural and agronomic choices. Please see advice under our cultural practices section.

Potatoes vary in their susceptibility to slug attack. There are three varieties commonly grown which are particularly vulnerable to slug attack: Maris Piper, Cara and Rooster. If you are growing these varieties, more attention will need to be paid to slug control programs. However other varieties can be attacked and you should monitor each field accordingly.

Previous site history is a good guide to the risk of attack and SLUGPRO can be used to further determine slug and snail numbers. Snail and slug bait applications are mostly targeted at surface-active slugs and snails.

While early season applications of snail bait pellets can deliver results, the best outcome is usually achieved from applications made in mid season and onwards. It’s important that applications kill slugs before they move down to start feeding on the tubers, otherwise they’re unlikely to come into contact with the broadcast snail bait pellets. The most effective timing is generally just before tuber initiation. In most crops this coincides with when the crop meets across the row. Further applications later in the season may be required, depending on the expected lifting date and slug activity.

Use SLUGPRO to assess populations. Once the level of risk and required dosage is established, include recommended bait of either SLUGGEM®, SLUGGIT® or SLUGGER® snail bait pellets. Continue to monitor the crop via SLUGPRO after applications and make follow up applications if necessary. Continue snail monitoring even if numbers are low, as numbers can increase rapidly over a short period.

An even distribution of snail and slug bait pellets is important to ensure targeted species come into contact with snail bait pellets as soon as possible. Calibrate your equipment accurately. Cultural Control practices can help reduce your pellet.