Which practice directly reduces slug habitat by removing refuges?

Which practice directly reduces slug habitat by removing refuges?

• A. Water plants more often
• B. Eliminate clutter and debris where slugs hide
• C. Apply broad-spectrum insecticides
• D. Fertilize heavily

Answer: (B)

Slugs need moist, protected spots to hide during the day, such as leaf litter, mulch, boards, rocks, or clutter. When you remove those refuges, you directly shrink the shelter available to them, making the environment less hospitable and easier for predators to reach them. This approach targets the habitat itself, which is why it is effective for reducing slug presence. Watering more often can keep surfaces moist and even create more hiding spots, broad-spectrum insecticides don’t specifically remove refuges and may be less effective against slugs, and heavy fertilizing can promote lush plants that attract more slugs rather than diminish their shelter.

Slugs need moist, protected spots to hide during the day, such as leaf litter, mulch, boards, rocks, or clutter. When you remove those refuges, you directly shrink the shelter available to them, making the environment less hospitable and easier for predators to reach them. This approach targets the habitat itself, which is why it is effective for reducing slug presence. Watering more often can keep surfaces moist and even create more hiding spots, broad-spectrum insecticides don’t specifically remove refuges and may be less effective against slugs, and heavy fertilizing can promote lush plants that attract more slugs rather than diminish their shelter.