Thank you both for alerting birders and gardeners about the hazards that some slug baits pose.
People will kill slugs, and most people have no idea that slug bait harms birds (and other pets).
Beer is OK, but I've had slugs crawl right out of a pie plate after drinking their fill. Also, it has to be fresh beer, or they're not interested. I'll have to try Jill's solution if it is cheaper than beer.
Deadline is by far the most effective slug bait. It used to come in a gray gel form, but now comes only in pellet form, which is deadlier to birds because they are attracted to the grain in the pellets. I am trying bait under pot saucers propped up by a twig just big enough to let in a slug but too small for a bird. Here's the issue though: if Sluggo or Corrys, which are not as toxic or as good as Deadline, allow slugs to depart the trap, then Deadline might actually be better, since the slugs die 'in situ' and don't have a chance to leave the trap before they die. The victims of Corry's or Sluggo leave the trap and become food, which then harms the eater.
I, as well as all gardeners in the PNW would welcome a 'bird safe' method that doesn't involve either individually spearing or spraying each slug. Suggestions are welcome.
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