Due to an editing error, the answer to the following question was deleted in the Oct. 24 issue.
Q: I am writing to you again about a problem with slugs in my vegetable garden. Last time, you suggested that I tempt the slugs with beer traps. I did put down the beer traps, but I never caught a slug. I purchased commercial traps and made my own. What I am doing wrong? Also, they seem to be getting worse. This summer, I found them in my flower beds, too. They are very damaging to the plants. I seem to have the best luck by putting boards down on the ground between the rows and going out each day to hand pick them. There are so many and so unpleasant, I can hardly eat the produce! Where do they come from? Are they deep in the ground or on top somewhere? How do I find the mother lode of slugs? I am beginning to get discouraged and am considering not having a vegetable garden next year. (Starkweather, N.D.)
A: The beer traps likely didn't work because the saucers have to be set into the ground so that the slugs can migrate into them and drown. Diatomaceous earth, rock salt, slug motels and copper wire are traps that have worked for an eternity, at least for some. You also need to back off on the watering somewhat because your produce should not be in a great deal of water at this time of year. Slugs are hermaphroditic, so only one needs to survive to begin a new brood. I hope this advice is encouraging. If this doesn't work, I suggest a raised-bed garden next year using designer soil to provide excellent drainage.
