Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons originally derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in skin care products as an occlusive moisturizer. When applied to the skin of slugs, vaseline can have various effects depending on the amount and method of application.
Does Vaseline kill slugs?
Yes, vaseline can kill slugs. Here’s how:
When vaseline is applied liberally and completely covers the exterior of a slug’s body, it can effectively smother and suffocate the slug by blocking its breathing pores. Slugs breathe through pores on their underside called pneumostomes. Covering these pneumostomes with a thick layer of vaseline prevents the slug from being able to perform gas exchange, leading to asphyxiation.
In addition to blocking breathing, the heavy occlusive and hydrophobic nature of vaseline can also desiccate or dehydrate the slug’s skin. Since slugs require moist conditions to respire through their skin, the drying effects of vaseline can be fatal.
The toxic effects of ingesting vaseline may also contribute to slug death. If the vaseline gets in their mouth, slugs may inadvertently consume small amounts while moving around. Vaseline is non-toxic to humans but can pose issues for smaller animals.
Overall, a liberal coating of vaseline on a slug essentially smothers and suffocates it while also dehydrating its skin, leading to death in most cases.
Does vaseline repel slugs?
Yes, vaseline does repel slugs. There are a few reasons why:
- Slippery texture – The greasy, sticky texture of vaseline makes it difficult for slugs to crawl over. They tend to slide off surfaces treated with vaseline.
- Unappetizing taste – Vaseline doesn’t taste good to slugs, so they tend to avoid eating it.
- Dehydration – The hydrophobic properties of vaseline dry out slug skin on contact, discouraging them from crossing over it.
- Smell – Some speculate that slugs may not like the smell of petroleum jelly, making them avoid it.
Applying a layer of vaseline around areas you want to protect from slugs, like garden plants or entryways, can discourage them from sliming over those surfaces and provide an effective barrier.
Reapplying vaseline after rain or irrigation will be needed, as it can wash away. Using vaseline in conjunction with other slug deterrents, like diatomaceous earth or copper tape, can enhance effectiveness.
Is Vaseline harmful to slugs?
Yes, vaseline can be harmful to slugs in a few ways:
- Suffocation – Liberal, thick coating of vaseline can block slugs’ breathing pores leading to suffocation and death.
- Dehydration – Petroleum jelly draws moisture away from the slug’s skin, causing dehydration.
- Ingestion – Accidentally consuming vaseline can be toxic to the slug’s digestive system.
- Adherence – Vaseline can cause slugs to stick to surfaces, trapping them.
- Smothering eggs – Vaseline may suffocate and kill slug eggs if directly applied.
If vaseline gets on part of their body, slugs may have difficulty removing themselves from the oily substance. For these reasons, vaseline should be used cautiously around slugs.
Is Vaseline safe for plants?
Vaseline is generally safe for most plants. Here is some information on using vaseline in gardens:
- Won’t harm most plants – The inert, stable ingredients in vaseline don’t interact with plant tissues.
- Exceptions – Can inhibit water absorption in some delicate ferns and mosses.
- Helps seals wounds – Can be applied to pruning cuts on trees and shrubs to prevent disease.
- Repels pests – Slugs, snails, and insects don’t like traversing over vaseline.
- Shiny leaves – Small amounts of vaseline can be rubbed onto leaves to create a shiny, dust-repellent finish.
Take care to not get too much vaseline on plant leaves, as this may interfere with photosynthesis and gas exchange. Test vaseline on a small area first before applying it more widely in the garden.
Overall, vaseline is a useful slug deterrent and generally won’t cause harm to plants when used judiciously on slug-prone vegetation and around the edges of garden beds.
Does vaseline dissolve in water?
No, vaseline does not dissolve in water due to its hydrophobic properties. The main components in vaseline are hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which repel and do not mix with water molecules.
When vaseline is placed in water, it will float on the surface while remaining in its semi-solid, jelly-like state. It takes a long time for vaseline to break down in water and will remain visibly present even after extensive periods of time.
In order to break down vaseline and incorporate it into water, emulsifiers and surfactants need to be added to the mixture. Companies produce vaseline-based lotions by using emulsifying agents that allow the vaseline to blend with water while being applied to the skin.
Pure vaseline in its original form is highly water-resistant. This helps make it an effectiveprotective coating and moisture barrier when applied topically. Its water-repellent properties also explain why vaseline easily repels and slides off of slugs and other damp surfaces.
Will vaseline dissolve slug slime?
No, vaseline does not dissolve slug slime. Slug slime is composed primarily of water and mucoproteins, which form long mucus molecules. The hydrophobic petroleum jelly in vaseline does not break down the mucoproteins or emulsify the water in slug slime.
In fact, vaseline and slug slime tend to repel one another. The thick, oily barrier of the vaseline causes the watery slug slime to bead up on contact rather than mixing together. The slick texture of vaseline also makes it hard for the sticky slug slime to adhere to it.
Some key reasons vaseline and slug slime don’t mix:
- Vaseline is hydrophobic while slug slime is hydrophilic.
- Slug slime proteins are long polymers that vaseline does not break down.
- Vaseline creates an occlusive layer that slug slime struggles to penetrate.
So in summary, vaseline does not dissolve or remove slug slime. The slimy mucus trail left behind by slugs and snails will remain intact and unaffected when it comes into contact with petroleum jelly.
Does vaseline deter slugs and snails?
Yes, vaseline is an effective deterrent for both slugs and snails when applied properly. Here’s why it deters these gastropods:
- Greasy texture makes it hard to crawl over
- Dehydrates their soft bodies
- Unappetizing taste deters them from areas
- Clogs up sensory apparatuses like eye stalks
- Blocks access to hiding spots and food sources
To deter slugs and snails with vaseline:
- Apply a thick layer around plants, pots, and garden edges.
- Cover hiding spots like overturned pots and garden debris.
- Apply inside greenhouse frames and vents.
- Reapply after rain or watering.
- Pair with other deterrents like copper tape or eggshells.
Use caution when applying vaseline widely, as it can also deter beneficial insects. Focus application to areas heavily trafficked by slugs and snails.
Snail-specific deterrence
For snails, vaseline application to their entrance holes or shells can deter movement. Avoid getting vaseline inside the shell, as this can kill the snail.
Slug-specific deterrence
Thoroughly coat slug prone areas, as slugs don’t have shells to block access to their bodies. Apply around the outer walls of garden beds, as slugs dislike sliming over vertical vaseline-coated surfaces.
Conclusion
In summary, vaseline has a variety of effects on slugs. Petroleum jelly can effectively kill and repel slugs when applied liberally, as it blocks their breathing pores and dehydrates their skin. It also acts as a deterrent by creating a greasy barrier that slugs struggle to traverse over. Vaseline does not dissolve slug slime and remains impervious to water due to its hydrophobic properties. When used safely and strategically, vaseline can be a helpful addition to integrated pest management plans seeking to protect gardens from slug and snail damage.