We have a nestbox well up in a tree which has had successful great tit broods in several years. This year we see from the nest cam that there are often many, up to ten, pale tree slugs in it, and no sign of nesting. How can we prevent this slug takeover? Some ideas are to seal any holes in the base of the nestbox or to put some sort of tar-ring around the branch leading to the box. Has anyone experience with this?
Maybe try copper tape wrapped around the box in a few places, slugs reputed not to be able to cross copper, works on plant pots!
2013 photos & vids here
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Yes, thank you Wendy. I have been looking into that and have just ordered some copper foil guitar shielding tape to wrap around the branch! If it works, I'll let you know in a few weeks time.
Why are the slugs attracted to the nest box this year, and not in previous years? Were the slugs attracted there before? When did the nest cam get installed? You only mention that the slugs are seen of the nest cam this year. Is it a slug takeover, or another valid explanation?
Copper tape as a barrier to slugs is not a reliable solution. Doesn't always work on plant pots.
The nest cam has been there as long as the box, about 5 years. This is the first year we have seen more than the occasional slug. I assume the slugs have enjoyed finding somewhere warm and dry and protected from most of their predators. I know very little about slugs and didn't even know they climbed right up trees.
I know copper tape is no guarantee but it seems a useful experiment. Thank you, tuwit, for your interest. Have you any suggestions?