Evaluation of defined‐area trapping for estimating the density of the field slug <i>Deroceras reticulatum</i> (Müller)

Abstract

SUMMARY A novel quantitative method (defined‐area trapping) devised in New Zealand for sampling slugs was tested in pastures in the UK and compared with cold water extraction processes and surface searching. Despite the different soils and conditions compared with New Zealand, the technique gave results for the UK comparable with accepted methods of estimating slug density with savings in time and labour and provided a non‐destructive means of sampling for slugs.