Spanish Slugs Spread Across Estonia – Complete Eradication Unlikely

Spanish slugs, an invasive species, have spread across Estonia, and experts believe complete eradication is no longer possible. The most reliable way to reduce their numbers is regular manual collection. Last season, a resident of Pirita-Kose named Elma hunted them twice daily with tweezers and a vinegar solution, collecting about 20 slugs each day. The slugs damaged leaves and flowers and were scattered along paths.

Tallinn Botanical Garden also collects Spanish slugs daily. Plant protection specialist Pille Hermann emphasizes the importance of distinguishing this harmful foreign species from local, beneficial slugs. Pirita district elder Kaido Saarniit noted that there are even more slugs this year than last. With residents' help, about 20 locations have been mapped where slug pellets are regularly scattered. A joint slug collection event is planned for next Tuesday in Lillepi Park.

Roland Müür, head of the Environmental Board's nature protection service, warns that poison kills both harmful and beneficial slugs indiscriminately, so it should be used only as a last resort. Regular collection is the best method. Hermann recommends placing collected slugs in a green soap solution, where they die quickly. She advises against crushing or cutting slugs with scissors and leaving them on the ground, as that attracts other slugs that feed on the remains and grow stronger.

Thanks to daily collection, Elma succeeded in her garden – this summer there are almost no slugs. She is now cautious and does not bring new plants into her garden. She noted that instead of enjoying the scent of flowers, she has to engage in this terrible slaughter. Poison is one tool, but it should be used only as a last resort when other methods have failed.