Research tests essential oils in controlling snails and slugs

Published research by OSU slug specialist Dr. Rory McDonnell and collaborators highlights the potential of essential oils for snail and slug control in crop production. The research, published in the Journal of Pest Science in 2016, tested 11 oils and one terpene against the eggs and juveniles of the invasive snail pest Cornu aspersum using a dip method for potted nursery plants. Clove bud oil was found to be the most effective.

McDonnell, who joined the OSU Crop Science Department in 2016, is now leading a series of new experiments with a variety of essential oils to test their effectiveness against slugs. What he and his collaborators learn has the potential to help farms that struggle with slugs, especially certified organic and biological farming systems.

Nick Andrews, Organic Extension Agent with the OSU Small Farms Program, will be working with McDonnell to make sure organic growers learn about the new research and potential new slug control options they may have in the future.

Previously titled

Research on essential oils to control snails and slugs

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Nuisance wildlife

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

How do I discourage birds from nesting?

What can I do to keep the birds (barn swallows I think) from building the mud nests under the eves--the birds do not bother me but the poop they drop on arrival makes a mess of the side of my shop.

Dana Sanchez | Dec 2012 | Featured question

Strategies for rodent control?

My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?

Elza (Elizabeth) Records, Casey Colley | Oct 2022 | Featured question

A duck laid eggs in my flower pots—What do I do?

I live in a condo overlooking a man-made lake. On the deck, I have pots containing herbs and flowers. A female duck has decided to nest either in my flower pots. I have tried using a trellis and flashy windmills to ...

Dana Sanchez | May 2017 | Featured question

Crows are eating my slug bait, what can I do?

I have been using slug pellets to control the slug and snail population in the yard with great success. Now the crows are eating every bit of it. The moment I put it out and go inside the crows are in the yard eating it up. Have not found a sick or dead crow in the area. Any suggestions?

Dana Sanchez | Apr 2017 | Featured question

How to stop the deer from grazing on my garden?

We live in a rural setting, with deer coming through twice a day. Can you recommend a good physical structure/repellant plant combination to be able to grow a garden?

Donald Lauer | Feb 2014 | Featured question

Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Croplands

Starting with background on the biology and behaviors of gophers and voles, this publication dwells primarily on the gamut of ways to manage these widespread pests.

Danielle Gunn, Ronda Hirnyck, Glenn E. Shewmaker, Sherman Takatori, Lance T. Ellis | Jun 2011 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Controlling Moles

Discusses the appearance, life cycle, habitat, and range of the four species of moles (Townsend's, Broad-footed, Coast, and Shrew-Mole) found in the Pacific Coast states. Explains the beneficial and negative impacts ...

Lee Kuhn, Dan Edge | Jun 2000 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

A burrowing pest: Controlling gophers on your property

Gophers can cause a lot of damage on a farm. Here's what to do when these small mammals invade your small acreage: Trap them, set out bait or maybe even enlist the help of barn owls. If you decide to try a trap, make sure to set it in the main tunnel.

Melissa Matthewson | Mar 2007 | Article

Wildlife cameras: A snapshot of what you need to know

Wildlife cameras can provide a window into the natural world that would otherwise go unseen. Here's a guide to getting started, from what to buy to how to place them for the best chances of capturing wildlife photos.

Lauren Grand | Jan 2019 | Article

Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Croplands

Starting with background on the biology and behaviors of gophers and voles, this publication dwells primarily on the gamut of ways to manage these widespread pests.

Jun 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Using coyotes to protect livestock. Wait. What?

Protecting livestock by using one predator to repel another has given rise to an apparent oxymoron: guard coyote. But research has documented that when predators are eliminated, livestock losses can increase.

Randy Comeleo | Jun 2018 | Article

How to dispose of roadkill?

There is a dead deer near our home. What should we do with the body? Can someone check out if it’s diseased and if it’s a health hazard? We are not sure if we should touch it or what the procedure is.

Dana Sanchez | Apr 2023 | Featured question

Controlling Moles

Jun 2000 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Shared habitat: How we can unpack potential wildlife conflicts

Presentation about avoiding conflicts with wildlife in the garden.

Dana Sanchez | Jan 2019 | Presentation

Bats in my attic—what should I do?

Before sunrise, I sit on my deck and a couple of times recently, I've seen a bat fly into the eves and not come out. I can see there is a separation where a bat could squeeze in. I am wondering what to do to get rid of the bats and not put my family at risk of disease.

Dana Sanchez | Oct 2022 | Featured question

Wasps are pollinators too

Humans tend to recoil from the sight of wasps but they are an important part of nature's pollinating community. Even though they don't collect pollen, they are effective at transferring it from plant to plant.

Leana Dickerson | Sep 2020 | Article

Wildlife on your land: Boon or bane?

Useful concepts and reminders, How conflicts might arise, Basics on how we can manage conflicts, Usual suspects and some specific strategies, How we can provide opportunities

Dana Sanchez | Jul 2011 | Presentation

Manage Wildlife Conflicts in Your Home and Garden

Our homes and gardens often overlap with spaces and resources used by wild animals, both native and non-native. A "shared habitat" situation can pose some challenges when the animals' day-to-day activities come into conflict with ...

Dana Sanchez | Mar 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question