If you are seeing irregular holes in leaves along with shiny slime trails on plants or soil, slugs and snails are likely the cause.
What They Look Like
Slugs and snails are soft-bodied pests, not insects.
Slugs have no shell and are smooth, wet, and slimy.
Snails are similar but carry a visible coiled shell.
They are usually gray, brown, or dark colored and are most active at night or after rain.
Damage Signs
Irregular holes in leaves with smooth edges
Seedlings may disappear overnight
Damage often starts at the edges of leaves
Fruits resting on soil may show chewing damage
Shiny slime trails on leaves, soil, or nearby surfaces
Plants Affected
Lettuce and leafy greens
Cabbage and other brassicas
Beans
Cucumbers and squash
Strawberries
Young seedlings of nearly all garden plants
Fast Control (Start Here)
Check plants in the evening or early morning
Handpick slugs and snails when they are active
Look under boards, pots, and mulch where they hide
Reduce moisture around affected plants immediately
Additional Control Options
Use traps such as boards or shallow containers to gather them
Set beer traps to attract and capture slugs
Apply iron phosphate bait if pressure is high
Use barriers like copper or dry materials where practical
Prevention
Water early in the day instead of evening
Reduce excess moisture and improve drainage
Remove hiding places such as dense mulch and debris
Create a more open, less damp environment
Encourage natural predators such as birds, frogs, and beetles
Notes for Gardeners
Slugs and snails are most active at night and after rain
Damage often appears quickly and can be severe
Seedlings are especially vulnerable
Consistent moisture control is just as important as direct control
You will often see the slime trail before you ever see the pest
See Also
Garden Pest Identification Guide (The Dirty Dozen)
Protecting Seedlings In The Garden
Common Leafy Green Pests
