Thanks to their appearance, tiger slugs (Limax maximus) are not only a sight to behold, but also valued beneficial insects in the garden. In this post, we will tell you how to attract tiger slugs.

In a nutshell

  • Synonyms: Big slug, big slug, tiger slug, tiger slug
  • Beneficial insects in the garden: repel snails
  • can be attracted and settled in the garden
  • need hiding places and food
  • Tiger slugs are non-toxic

Interesting facts about tiger slugs

The tiger slug is a predatory nudibranch species that is widespread in Europe. In addition to their special way of life, their appearance is particularly special: they have a greyish to brownish colored body, which is decorated with a kind of pattern. The stripes, dots and spots are reminiscent of a tiger pattern. In addition, the tiger slug is characterized by the following characteristics:

  • about 10 - 20 cm long
  • Keel on top of tail
  • hermaphrodite
  • nocturnal

Beneficial in the garden

Many types of snails are considered pests that like to help themselves to the local vegetable patch. Not so the tiger slug, because this is even known to be beneficial. Instead of fruit and vegetables, mushrooms and dead plant parts are on his menu. Likewise, the tiger snail is also known to eat eggs from other conspecifics. The beneficial insect does not even shy away from other slugs. It is therefore a natural predator of snails and can help to keep them out of the garden efficiently.

Attract tiger slugs

Although tiger slugs are widespread, they do not always settle in the home garden. The reason for this is usually simple: they don't like the living space. Therefore, if you want to settle tiger slugs, you must provide them with an optimal habitat. Below we tell you which factors need to be taken into account.

hiding places

Tiger slugs have numerous predators, which is why they hide during the day. They prefer to crawl into damp and dark places, such as dry stone walls, piles of branches and leaves, and compost heaps. Take this into account when designing the garden if you want to settle tiger slugs. In addition, you can take the following measures:

  • Set up wooden boards or hollow blocks
  • place strategically
  • near vegetable patches
  • it is best to create several nests
Source: AfroBrazilian, Limax maximus 02, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

provide food

Tiger slugs are very greedy and settle where they can find enough food. The natural food supply, such as fungi and dead plant parts, is usually sufficient for them. Additionally, you can attract tiger slugs by offering them additional food sources. Protein-rich foods are particularly suitable for this:

  • small sliced mushrooms
  • algae
  • weave

Tip: Tiger slugs search for food within a 5 to 10 meter radius.

Do not sprinkle slug pellets

Hardly any hobby gardener has not had to struggle with snails in the vegetable patch. In this case, many use slug pellets to get the slug plague under control. Although slug pellets can be used to combat slugs very effectively, they also kill the useful tiger slugs. If you want to introduce tiger slugs, do not use slug pellets. Instead, resort to means and measures that repel snails but do not kill them.

  • Set up a snail barrier made of metal, wood or wire
  • Scatter hair, wool or rock flour
  • Collect snails and put them somewhere else

We show you 11 quick home remedies for snails in your home garden. Be careful not to drive away the beneficial insects.

Tiger slug (r.) on the hunt; Source: Shi Annan, Limax maximus hunting 2010, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Notice: Beer traps are not suitable as they attract even more snails.

Buy tiger slugs

If you are impatient, you may be toying with the idea of simply buying tiger slugs. In principle, this is also possible, but in view of the costs it does not necessarily make sense. A snail usually costs between 15 and 20 euros. However, to settle tiger slugs, you need several animals, which means that the costs quickly skyrocket. Should you nevertheless decide to buy a tiger slug, please pay attention to the following points:

  • Only buy from specialist dealers or specialized online shops
  • Shipping time no longer than 2 days
  • no shipping over weekends/holidays
  • Delivery only at temperatures below 25 degrees

frequently asked Questions

Can you catch and breed tiger slugs?

Many hobby gardeners wonder whether they can simply collect the tiger slugs and breed them in a terrarium. This may sound sensible at first, but it is not recommended. After all, you take the tiger slugs from a balanced ecosystem, which is why they would only survive in the terrarium under the best conditions.

How to increase the population?

Tiger slugs are very site-loyal - if they like the habitat, they like to stay there. Accordingly, they multiply automatically in the garden, and one snail can lay several hundred eggs. If you also want to attract tiger slugs, offer them protein-rich food and sufficient hiding places.

Are tiger slugs poisonous?

Tiger slugs are not poisonous to humans or pets. You can therefore collect and move the beneficial insects without hesitation.

Category:

Animals in the garden