Combatting those slugs.
My experiences at our reserve and other traplines I check.
Urban trappers know too well the disappointment of finding their baits disappear. At our reserve, as much as 50% peanut butter can be slurped up on the first night.
I have been reading here over past months many of the topics for ideas for an effective way of defeating Leopard slug bait predation.
Chickpeas slow them down.
A useful tip gained from this forum. But over a few nights they have been gobbled up and they’re onto the bait. Short term effectiveness.
Beeswax blend.
A member posted about beeswax.
So, from that suggestion my trials with beeswax from my hives I blended with Hubbabubba gum and added cinnamon powder were very effective.
Long-lasting, slug and mold resistant, recyclable. Used in two trap lines, caught 3 weasels, many rats, and mice. I noticed several dead large slugs surrounded by beeswax crumbs. Beeswax and bubble gum in large quantities would be indigestible, I guess.
This is a very effective bait particularly during the warmer months when beeswax is softer and more pliable for the various traps.
Dripping.
We have past-expiry date prawns which we dehydrate then put through a blender and the resultant powder is sprinkled around and in our trap boxes. Leopard slugs prefer plant matter so I thought powdered prawns would be a great combo to enhance the smell of the dripping.
The dripping and prawn powder bait has been a winner.
Long lasting, slug and invertebrate resistant, mold resistant, and easily applied.
Rats love it. I have 4 rat trap boxes at my local church and I was pulling two rats a week out. 13 rats over 3 months.
I’ll be frying up bacon and adding leftover dripping to the blend.
Bacon sammies are yum.