Slug Wars episode 2

Last week I lifted inside 3 large potted palm plants to improve their chances of survival over the winter.

Two of the palms looked like they wouldn't last the week, but one looked OK. I checked the outside of the pots for insects and webs, brushed them down ,weeded them and stood them on large saucer like bases.

Yesterday morning I noticed that my son's jacket ( which was hanging next to the pots) had an interesting new decoration of wavy shiny lines over it.

I was pretty sure he hadn't rejected noughties indie music in favour of 7o's glam rock ( foolish boy! who can beat the incomparable Slade*, TRex Sweet or Mud? Must dig out my vinyl and listen to "Cum on Feel the Noize" again) so I had to conclude that the sliding beasties had invaded my house. Somehow they had hidden in the soil and had bided their time before making a break for it.

The cupboard next to the plant pots is where I keep the wine, spirits and beer so presumably that was their destination. Having given them a taste for beer they were taken advantage of their relocation and were heading for a drop of the hard stuff.

I checked the pots again, after I cleaned my sons jacket of course, I couldn't let him go to school looking like a 70's throwback, not without silver glitter platform boots anyway. Still no sign of the sliding slithering beer-crazed monsters. so I had to wait till after 11pm, when the house was dark and I could catch them in the act.

I debated whether to put a saucer of beer on the floor to lure them out but then I was concerned that the slugs outside would try to beat down the door to get in and I would be knee deep in the bl***y things. Ugh what a thought.

Darkness would have to do. ( Not The Darkness, I don't like their faux rock stance.)

At 11.15 I carefully opened the living room door into the darkened hall and sure enough there were two medium sized slugs sliding down the sides of the pots. Hah! I disposed of them and then wondered if there were more slugs lying in wait behind this advance party. Only one thing for it, I liberally poured salt in the saucers around the pots. It's a horrible death for them, but die they must. and die they die, two more slugs melting away when I checked this morning and my beer is safe.

*I'm delighted to see that the boys are still going strong and have a massive tour planned. shame they they are not coming to Scotland. Must find that vinyl .