Do Slugs Eat Leaves?

It is safe to say that we can categorise slugs as one of the most damaging pests one can find in gardens. These slimy creatures tend to destroy plants overnight, as they consume more than their requirement. But, do slugs eat leaves or will they stick to flowers?

Yes, slugs do eat leaves. They will eat the leaves of a range of plants, unfortunately.

One of the things which slugs like to eat include leaves. Slugs munch on leaves belonging to different plants, fruits, and trees. You will find slugs crawling on plants and eating their greens. You can tell that slugs have caused damage as they leave small holes behind on leaves. 

Do Slugs Eat Fallen Leaves?

Slugs are not picky with their food and will consume even fallen leaves. Moreover, slugs help clean the environment because they will also eat dead leaves and other dead plant matter. Therefore, these pests tend to thrive in environments like a garden where they receive an ample amount of food. 

Another way slugs may utilise fallen leaves is by hiding in them. Many gardeners make the mistake of using fallen leaves as mulch. Hence, it eventually becomes a breeding ground for slugs. It acts as food for the slugs, but it also shelters them. 

So, it would be in your best interest to sweep away any fallen leaves if you do not wish to harbour pests like slugs in your garden.

You can use other forms of mulch like bark, which slugs tend to find uncomfortable to crawl over. By doing so, you will not only be keeping slugs out but also snails.

Do Slugs Eat Herb Leaves?

Many gardeners like to grow herb leaves in their garden because they are useful in cooking. Unfortunately, even herb leaves can fall victim to slug attacks. Some of the herbs which slugs love to consume include basic parsley, dill, lemon verbena, and marjoram. 

Slugs will consume younger herb leaves more. The younger herb leaves tend to be tender, so slugs prefer those. It is true for most herbs, especially parsley. Hence, it is recommended to place young herbs in an elevated space so slugs do not reach them and cause any damage. Out of the herbs mentioned, slugs consume marjoram the least. 

This is not to say that you should refrain from planting herb leaves in your garden. There are some herbs you can have in your garden for which you do not have to use protection against slugs. Some of the herbs include lavender, horsetail, rosemary, mint, comfrey, rue, chamomile, thyme, and wild garlic.

You can plant these herbs in your garden with no worries. The slugs will stay away from these herbs, and you can have all of them when the time comes out to harvest. There are more herbs out there that you can plant in your garden without stressing about slug damage.

Do Slugs Eat Tree Leaves?

Unfortunately, slugs are not fussy and if they have no other choice then they will eat tree leaves. They are also time-frugal and lazy which means they’ll always go for weaker leaves and close leaves. This means trees tend to be more protected.

Trees are usually mature and are also high up. When a slug has the choice between a young plant with tender leaves, they’ll always opt for it versus an older plant. This is why it’s always important to sow seeds undercover if you know you have a slug infestation as you can then plant out more mature (and stronger, more resilient) plants.

Summary 

When it comes to food, slugs can be quite versatile. These pests are not picky with their food and will make do with whatever they find in gardens. It can be helpful to know about slug likes and dislikes so you can cater to your garden in accordance.

Slugs like to consume the leaves of different plants. You can tell that slugs have caused damage to plants if they leave small holes behind. Moreover, you will also spot some silvery slug slime on plants. 

Other than this, slugs also like to feed on fallen leaves. Slugs do not require fresh leaves for survival. These pests will consume even dead plant matter. Hence, slugs will not only eat the fallen leaves but use them as shelter. Therefore, it would be best to remove the leaves as they become a breeding ground for slugs.

Apart from leaves, there are other things that slugs like to eat, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.