CLOSED: GIANT slug

I'm a new member with a GIANT slug question (sorry, no pics). I'm in zone 3a (Edmonton, Alberta)& while we do get slugs here, they're rarely more than 1.5 inches. Last nite I found one, bright rusty brown on the back & over 7 inches in length. Its underside was slate grey. A local garden centre said it probably came in from B.C. in plant material. Am curious about its origin, but even more curious (read: worried) about whether or not this super slug's eggs could winter-over here. I've set out Safer's slug bait & plan to invest in some new gardening gloves before going out to weed! Does anyone have info to share? Thanks!

Wow, Donna_M. I have lots of rusty brown [I think they're European] slugs and they do get big, but I don't think I've seen anything over 3.5 or 4 inches. 7 inches - eeeek.

I'm not an expert, but I grew up in Alaska and we didn't have any slugs there (Fairbanks), so I'm thinking that it gets cold enough in Edmonton to get rid of any eggs over winter.

Kathy
Woodinville, WA

Thanks for your reply Kathy! I just spoke with the entomologist from our Royal Alberta Museum here in Edmonton & he said it's a banana slug-- likely hitched a ride in plant material brought in from BC. He said they can be various colours, including the bright red/rust colour of "mine", depending on local conditions. The best news is that they can't winter-over here-- just as you suggested, Kathy. I appreciate the support, knowing that there are folks out there who take the time & interest to respond!

The banana slug is the official mascot of UC Santa Cruz. What a noble creature it must be!

Yes, this is a great site for people responding.

And thanks for your information, though. I'm going to do some research on the Banana Slug . . . wonder if we have them here. It's mild enough here that think we must be the source of all slugs, LOL. I have them crawling up the side of the house in winter. When I pick up dog "gifts" before I mow weekly, I pick up slugs and put them in the same bag, figuring that it's a humane way for them to "go". I don't like to mow over them. But much of the time, there are just others out there taking their places. :-(

Kathy
Woodinville, WA

I say drown them in some drawn butter in a shallow bowl with lots of crusty french bread....

Ewwww. I don't think I'm French enough for that. heh

Kathy

A bit of an up-date, folks... am happy to report that since this "eeeeeeeew" incident the only slugs in view are the usual gang of slimy thugs-- nothing over an inch or so! Just goes to show that it's all relative-- after dealing with "Yukzilla", the slugs that used to gross me out just aren't that bad LOL. And Gymgirl, I was grilling dinner @ the time of this sighting & pretty hungry but not THAT hungry... ever! Have a great, slugless weekend all.

Donna

Good news!! But now I'm keeping an eye out for them. LOL

Kathy