Distribution of pesticide to households to enhance control of Spanish slug begins

In January 2025, the residents of Riihimäki voted to implement a proposal in participatory budgeting to distribute Spanish hornworm pesticide to problem areas in the city.

A total of 700 pesticide packages (one package weighs 800 grams) have now been allocated to Riihimäki residents for distribution. The pesticide will be distributed with instructions at four times at the following locations:

• Friday, April 25.4th, 9–11 a.m. at the Korttionmäki recycling point (intersection of Korttiontie and Metsurinkatu)
• Friday, May 2.5nd, 9–11 a.m. at the Oravankatu recycling point (Oravankatu 2, 11120 Riihimäki)
• Friday, May 2.5nd, 13–15 p.m. at the Riihimäki Recycling Center (Sakonkatu 2, 11100 Riihimäki)
• Wednesday, May 21.5st, 9 a.m–14 p.m at the open doors of the city depot (V. O. Mäkisen katu 2, 11120 Riihimäki).

The pesticide distribution areas for the 2020 and 2021 participatory budgeting were Uramo, Kumela and Huhtimo. This year, the city primarily included areas whose residents have not previously received pesticide distribution.

The city continues to combat the Spanish slug on its own land by mowing, applying pesticide, and organizing snail strikes. In 2024, approximately 1000 kilograms of pesticide were applied and seven snail strikes were organized.

Collect snails, keep the lawn short

Collecting Spanish slug is the only sure way to control them. Applying a pesticide can make Spanish slug control more effective. Spanish slug thrive in the home garden under piles of leaves and boards or in compost. They are mainly herbivorous and will eat almost anything in the garden: leaves, flowers and bulbs.

The most effective way to control Spanish slug is in the spring before overwintered individuals have time to lay eggs. In home gardens, Spanish slugs are collected with, for example, old barbecue tongs or disposable gloves. In your own yard, you should increase control by keeping the lawn short, cleaning up piles of branches and leaves, and avoiding open composting.

There will soon be 28 snail bins in different parts of the city. They will start being taken to their places in week 19. You can find their location here. from the city map service by selecting Leisure > Snail Trash from the menu.

In January 2025, 984 Riihimäki residents voted in the participatory budgeting. The proposal to combat the Spanish slug received the second most votes, over 320. The city has allocated 6 euros for the implementation of the proposal.

For Spanish slug control, please contact us by email. vieraslajit@riihimaki.fi, where you can also report observations of other harmful alien species.

Participatory budgeting targets to be implemented in 2025

Proposal submitted to the Participatory Budgeting Platform 2025 on combating Spanish slugs