""Slugs and snails cause problems in my gardens from time to time, particularly my flower beds. Granted the traditional beer traps and hand picking works out just okay, but do you have any other suggestions?"
Virgie and Matt, Batesville, Ind.

I always hate to waste a good beer on those critters too! All kidding aside, try diatomaceous earth or even egg shells around those plants most abused by these pests. Believe it or not, the sharp-edged grains of diatomaceous earth and the egg shells will cut the soft bodies of slugs and snails so they will head off in another direction because of it. I'd consider doing this already in early May as that's when they start to appear.

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