Paying attention to cultural control techniques can help to reduce slug populations and may reduce or remove the need for pellet application:

• Ploughing buries available food sources and also directly reduces slug populations
• Removal of the trash and weeds between crops reduces the food source for slugs
• Work seedbeds to a fine tilth – cloddy fields will allow slugs free movement through the soil, attacking seeds and the seedlings’ growing points
• Ensure seedbeds are firm; if possible roll after drilling
• Cultivate soon after harvest, especially in dry conditions
• Trapping will provide an idea of the slug population and therefore the risk of damage to the crop