Slug Barrier

2006.08.08

After finally enclosing the end of the corner planting bed, I finally got around to installing some copper tape as a slug barrier.  Apparently the copper reacts with the slime that they ooze, giving them a mild shock.  It doesn’t kill them or even really hurt them that much (so they say), but it’s unpleasant, and they don’t like crossing it.  Of course, to truly be effective, the barrier needs to completely enclose the area you’re trying to protect, so I’m not sure how much good this will do.  But hopefully it will help.

Copper slug barrier tape on top of planting bed wall
Nailing copper nails through copper slug barrier and wood planter wall

The barrier tape has adhesive on the back, but I didn’t think that would really hold very well, so I bought some copper roofing nails and put one in every few inches.  I only hit my thumb once.  Ok twice.

Unfortunately, I ran out of barrier tape before reaching the end of the wood planter wall.  I’ll have to get some more to finish this project.

2006.08.10

Ok, bought some more of the copper tape, and finished the barrier down at the west end.  Of course, that soaker hose makes a pretty nice slug bridge over the barrier… ah well, what can you do?

Copper slug barrier tape on top of planting bed wall