article_snippet: Dr Bedford, head of entomology at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, said the slug - which officially is called Arion vulgaris and originates in southern Europe - cannot survive extreme cold temperatures.
article_snippet: Common native slugs, although less aggressive, are much better at surviving cold conditions.
article_snippet: The slug, pictured, is not able to survive extremely cold winters and frozen conditions .
article_snippet: We found in 2012 that farmers were having to replant oil seed rape because of these slugs.
article_snippet: , entomologist at the Royal Horticultural Society, said it is too early to tell how much of a problem normal native slugs will be this year.
article_snippet: Although native slug damage can be predicted by the temperature and humidity, it is really the conditions over spring and summer that are important, rather than over the winter,’ she said.
article_snippet: Slugs and snails are a real problem for gardeners, making this hobby and pastime a true 24-hour activity.
article_snippet: ‘Last year gardeners removed up to 4,000 slugs a month.
article_snippet: It’s likely more slugs have survived this winter so gardeners will be fighting larger numbers and need to use really effective methods.