Get the Slugs Out

In the wake of the two new cases of rat lungworm disease confirmed in the state, O‘ahu Extension agent Josh Silva was interviewed on KHON for tips on how to deter and kill the slugs and snails that spread the disease. He noted that the pesticide that’s most effective on them isn’t safe for children or pets, so homeowners can try keeping slugs and snails away from plants by using copper tape or just pick them up by hand—using gloves and tongs, of course—and dispose of them that way. Hawaii News Now also discussed the disease risk and noted that CTAHR is working to disseminate information for safety in the garden and the kitchen—the video that the team put together is featured in the news story and at Hawaii News Now’s website.