Latvia’s invasive species list includes species that are invasive and threaten biodiversity specifically in Latvia, alongside plant and animal species recognized as invasive across the European Union under the EU Invasive Species Regulation, such as Sosnowsky’s hogweed. The Spanish slug, although native to Southern Europe, has been included in Latvia’s list because, unlike in its native range—where heat and natural predators limit its impact—it spreads aggressively in Latvia’s conditions.
For municipalities – more targeted control options
The inclusion of the Spanish slug on Latvia’s list of invasive species provides local governments with the opportunity and legal basis to combat this pest more effectively – by developing binding local regulations on the control of invasive species, plan actions in specific problem areas and control methods, as well as impose an obligation on landowners and managers to limit the spread of the Spanish slug on their property.
As experts on invasive species emphasize, it will most likely no longer be possible to completely halt the spread of the Spanish slug in Latvia; however, it is essential to begin control measures as soon as possible, particularly in areas where it has not yet fully taken over. Spread of the Spanish slug in Latvia: HERE>>>
For Residents – Methods Recommended by Scientists
The new list of invasive species includes scientifically based, proven recommendations for methods to control the Spanish slug. Residents are encouraged to consider various control methods to combat Spanish slugs, keeping in mind that slugs become active as early as late April and early May.
To effectively protect your property from a slug infestation:
- Creating a protective zone around the property (e.g., sand, gravel, or a strip of raked soil);
- Installing protective barriers around the property (e.g., metal fencing, netting, or electric fences);
- Maintaining the area—frequent mowing several times a season, deep soil cultivation, weed control, or growing plants under which slugs cannot hide;
- Removing piles of branches, leaves, and boards to eliminate potential slug hiding places;
Once Spanish slugs have appeared on your property, the following measures will be effective:
- Collecting them by hand early in the morning, late in the evening, or after rain, and destroying them (by pouring boiling water over them in a closed container, placing the snails in a saltwater solution for 24 hours, freezing them, etc.);
- Luring slugs into hiding places (piles of boards, piles of branches, boxes, etc. in damp or shady areas, which should be inspected regularly; collect the slugs and dispose of them;
- Use of attractants/drowning in traps – use fermented beverages (beer, kefir), pet food, or other bait as attractants; place them in damp areas; collect and dispose of the attracted snails;
- Once the snails in a closed container have died, bury the biomass at least 25 cm deep in the ground, or send the dead snails, without any other waste mixed in, to an animal carcass incineration facility.
- Mechanically destroy snails by cutting or crushing them (by July 10, when snails begin laying eggs. A single snail can lay up to 500 eggs per year. If snail eggs are found, for example, in piles of boards, they must be crushed).
Other control methods:
- Using poultry to reduce snail populations (chickens, muscovy ducks, Indian runner ducks);
- If environmentally friendly methods are no longer effective or the infested areas are extensive, the use of slug control agents is also possible—use chemical agents registered in Latvia (e.g., “Ferramol,” “Ferramol Limacide,” “Ferronite Slug Granules,” “Ironmax Pro”, “Substral Limex”, “Vitrol GB”), while observing safety requirements—the specified frequency of use and restrictions on use near bodies of water.
As noted by Santa Rutkovska, Head of the Invasive Species Department at LatViaNature, the Nature Conservation Agency: “Latvia’s list of invasive species is a significant step toward improving the invasive species management system in Latvia—it provides local governments with a basis for implementing control measures and assigning responsibility to landowners, while for residents, it is an opportunity to fight invasive species together – only by working with neighbors can we limit the spread of the Spanish slug on our property – the new regulations allow us to encourage all landowners to get involved. In fact, a framework has been created for unified and coordinated action to control invasive species.”
For information:
The Spanish slug first appeared in Latvia around 2010, initially via imported timber and later, most likely, via imported potted ornamental plants. Under Latvia’s climatic conditions, it reproduces aggressively and displaces native species, threatening biodiversity. Spanish slugs not only cause significant damage to gardens, crops, and ornamental plantings; they also inflict losses on households, spread plant and animal parasites and diseases, and even attack baby birds.
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 127 “List of Invasive Species in Latvia, Regulations on the Prevention and Management of Their Introduction and Spread” HERE>>>
The Nature Conservation Agency’s website www.invazivs.lv compiles information on invasive species found in Latvia (descriptions, control methods, distribution maps)—both those not yet included in the national invasive species list and those recognized as invasive in all member states under EU regulations: www.invazivs.lv. Residents are encouraged to submit reports on invasive species they have observed in nature so that scientists and nature experts can assess the spread of invasive species and plan control measures.
