Gentle OGDers, I am surprised that no one mentioned the recent reportage on the effect caffeine (1 or 2%) exerts on slugs and snails. Essentially harmless to higher-order animals, it is dearly to slugs and snails, causing them to immediately begin convulsing when they come into contact with it.
Spraying the greenhouse floors, walls, and bench surfaces with a solution of caffeine or even wek coffee can either kill or repel these noxious molluscs. Apparently there is little effect on the orchids, either, at least I've not read anything suggesting so. And failing to find a source of caffeine, used coffee grounds can be spread around the garden beds to dissuade the slugs. If nothing else the earthworms will love you for the extra food in their diets... Anyone wishing to review some of the studies done with caffeine and slugs, can do a Google search using the keyword phrase, 'caffeine & slugs'. Hope this is useful to some of you having problems with these nasty slimers... Cheers! Paul Mitchell Tampa, Florida == _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
