Slug Patrol, part 2, and copper strip deterrents

Went out again last night between 10 and 11 p.m. to check for slugs. None were visible via flashlight and I hightailed it back into the house because it was somewhat chilly out there. I am determined to keep up the patrol but I still may wind up getting some Sluggo even though it is awfully expensive.

One thing I will never purchase are copper strips. Copper strips apparently give slugs a shock when they try to cross. I won't go into the chemistry and physics as to how this works ( I am sure I do not understand it myself), but it does work. A copper barrier does not kill them, it only stops the little buggers from moving in the direction of your tender plants for a slug steak dinner. The Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine says that one problem in dealing with these guys using copper is that you need to have a wide enough strip to stop some slugs from arching over it to escape getting that cattle prod feeling. I do not believe we have the kind of slugs capable of doing that except banana slugs and are they really that intelligent to perform yoga or Kama Sutra positions to evade a copper taser jolt? I doubt it! Also, copper is awfully expensive. I checked the web and a 1 inch by 10 ft. strip was going for $22.95! And, according to the Weekend Gardener, copper strips need to be cleaned with vinegar periodically to keep them effective - tarnish build-up negates the jolting power. I will save my polishing efforts for the copper items I have in my house, thank you. Finally, hasn't anyone noticed that there are copper thieves everywhere out there? Copper has become very popular on the black market in this economy. Who needs to have their copper strips ripped off shortly after they install them? I don't.

So for me, I am continuing my nighttime slug patrols.