Welcome to the inaugural year of the SlugNet project in Wisconsin, a new initiative aimed at monitoring slug populations across the state. This effort uses a citizen science approach, relying on the valuable contributions of participants throughout Wisconsin to collect data on slug populations in field crops, with a focus on conservation cropping systems (e.g., reduced tillage, cover crops).
UW–Madison Extension and external partners are tracking slug activity to identify patterns in their emergence and damage. Our goal is to understand the key factors that lead to severe slug outbreaks so we can help farmers take preventive steps—especially since current chemical control methods are limited and often don’t work well. As planting gets underway, be prepared for slugs if there are wet and cool weather conditions.
Slug Management Resources
For more information on slug management, read Managing Slugs in Wisconsin Field Crops
To see count updates and get involved, visit the SlugNet website
The team will be regularly sharing updates on slug counts from participating counties and observations of feeding damage in this weekly article. In the first year of the project, the team is excited to gather as much data as possible. For those interested in helping us understand slug activity in Wisconsin crop fields, there’s still time to get involved!
Visit the SlugNet project website for more information about the project’s goals, protocols, and how to participate in slug monitoring. Thanks to all our volunteers who are already monitoring traps for slugs!
Weekly Slug Trapping Data for Wisconsin Farmers
Week of April 27 – May 3
Slugs were captured in Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Oconto, and Shawano Counties. Each county reported less than one slug per trap (Figure 2). Slug eggs were found in Dane County.
Week of April 20 – 26
This is the first slug monitoring update of the 2025 season. Slug trap data have been reported from multiple Wisconsin counties (Figure 1). Traps from additional counties (Sauk, Chippewa, Calumet, Ozaukee, Rock) will be coming online soon. Few slugs have been reported so far this year (less than one slug per trap), and only in Dane and Fond du Lac counties. Juvenile and adult slugs were found in each county. This suggests that some adults successfully overwintered and some eggs have begun to hatch. Slime trails, but no slugs, were present on shingles in two Grant County locations suggesting that slugs are present in those fields.
