Penn State Extension announced on April 14 the launch of the 2026 Pennsylvania Slug Project, which will monitor slug populations as part of the Soybean On-Farm Network funded by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board. Educators from Penn State Extension are starting to track slugs in fields throughout the state and will share updates on their findings and risks to no-till crop fields through a regular newsletter.
The initiative aims to collect early data this year, focusing specifically on the gray garden slug. The goal is to develop a model that predicts when gray garden slug eggs hatch in spring and provide information about potential outbreaks and risks statewide. This work is significant for farmers as wet and cool weather conditions can increase slug activity during planting season, potentially impacting crop yields.
Four species of slugs are being monitored in Pennsylvania field crops as part of this project. Penn State Extension encourages farmers interested in monitoring slugs themselves to consult resources such as their fact sheet on “Slugs as Pests of Field Crops” and a video titled “Scouting for Slugs in Field Crops.” For management strategies, Penn State Extension recommends an integrated pest management approach planned before spring planting. Diverse crop rotations tend to reduce slug problems, while cover crops can help increase rotation diversity. Research also shows that ground beetle populations can suppress slugs but may be harmed by insecticide use.
For those facing severe infestations, using bait is advised only if average trap counts reach one or two slugs per trap alongside significant seedling damage. However, these baits may not be effective during rainy conditions. In recent observations for the week of April 14, large adult grey garden slugs were found in most counties except Centre County; marsh slugs were noted specifically in Centre and Lancaster Counties.
According to the official website, Penn State Extension supports community well-being by addressing local challenges and fostering innovation for individuals and businesses. The organization delivers science-based education promoting agriculture, food safety, responsible resource management, nutrition, and environmental stewardship across all counties using local offices and digital tools.
Penn State Extension also collaborates with government agencies, industry partners, nongovernment organizations to offer educational programs such as workshops, online courses, consultations focused on farming practices including pest control.
