Beware of Slugs Outbreaks in Soybeans & Corn in Kentucky
Beware of Slugs Outbreaks in Soybeans & Corn in Kentucky
During the last three weeks of May 2025, Western, Central, and Northern Kentucky experienced intense rainfall, high relative humidity, moist soils, low nighttime temperatures, and cloudy mornings. These environmental conditions are highly favorable for slug development in corn and soybean fields. Last week, reports of slug outbreaks surfaced in several counties.
During the first two days of June, we visited multiple commercial corn and soybean fields, and unfortunately, confirmed that slug infestations are indeed occurring. Our field assessments verified slug activity in Clinton, Wayne, Nelson, Woodford, and Harrison counties (Figure 1). However, it is likely that many other counties in Central and Northern Kentucky are also experiencing, or will soon experience, similar outbreaks.
One farmer reported having dealt with slug problems for the past 15 years, while another mentioned having to replant his soybean field four times this season due to slug damage.
Farmers, consultants, and scouts need to be vigilant in this situation. The article Rain, Cloudy Days, and Low Temperatures May Cause Slug Outbreaks in Field Crops (Kentucky Pest News - May 20, 2025) provides a helpful table listing molluscicides approved for slug and snail management in corn and soybeans.
