Article categories: News
Help us stop the spread of the invasive Spanish slug
Published: 9.5.2025
The Spanish slug is a fast-spreading invasive alien species that carries diseases and poses a threat to gardens. Vaasa residents are now invited to join forces to combat the spread of the Spanish slug. The City of Vaasa is organising a community slug control event on Thursday 22 May 2025 from 17.00 to 19.00, behind the Kotiranta allotment gardens.
The event is open to everyone. Coffee and juice will be served to participants, and all the necessary equipment for removing slugs will be available on site. All you need is weather-appropriate clothing and a can-do attitude.
– Picking up slimy slugs might sound unpleasant, but there’s no need to worry. Slugs will be collected using tongs, so there will be no need to touch them directly. Using tongs to handle the slugs is completely safe, assures Project Coordinator Simo Marttila.
At the event, information will be shared to help residents recognise harmful invasive alien species in their own gardens. Iron phosphate-based slug control pellets will also be available to take home for those interested. The pellets are completely safe for hedgehogs, pets, and beneficial insects.
Preventing the spread of the Spanish slug is crucial
The Spanish slug is particularly harmful because it can spread pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, and heartworm, which is dangerous to dogs.
The species has spread to Finland through imported plants and soil. It reproduces rapidly, as each individual can lay up to 400 eggs during the summer. Mature Spanish slugs have no natural predators in Finland.
– The aim of the community slug control event is to prevent the slugs from spreading to residential areas at an early stage, says Marttila.
The first community control event in Vaasa
The City of Vaasa has previously attempted to control Spanish slugs by spreading slug pellets. The May event is the first community initiative aimed at controlling the Spanish slug.
– As this is the first community event, we’re unsure how eager residents will be to participate in controlling this troublesome species. We hope to see as many people as possible participate and give it a try, says Marttila.
Various substances, slug barriers, and tapes can be used to control slugs, but their effects are either short-lived or only protect a small area. Effective control therefore always requires the manual removal of mature slugs. The best results are achieved by removing the slugs in the spring.