How to make a Habitat for a Banana Slug

First, choose a suitable container to house the slug such as an aquarium or “critter keeper.” The container needs to have a secure top with very small openings for ventilation. Any openings too large your slug will easily squeeze through and escape.

Clean the container thoroughly. Make sure not to use soap or any other cleaning chemicals. Slugs are very sensitive to chemicals and can easily absorb them through their skin. If some sort of cleaning agent is required, use store-grade hydrogen peroxide. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water. Make sure to rinse the container very well.

Place a thin layer of garden or potting soil on the bottom of the container. This will help with any plants you keep in the habitat. Do not use sand as a substrate for your slug. Sand rapidly absorbs moisture and will dry out your slug.

Add your plants. Choose suitable, leafy plants from the garden you found your slug or suitable house plants. These plants will provide shelter in the way of hiding spaces for your slug and give him something to munch on. If your slug has a big appetite, you may need to periodically replace them.

Add a layer of gravel. Make sure you rinse the gravel before adding it. If you don’t want to go ‘all-natural,’ gravel is a great way to keep the habitat cleaner by preventing material from sticking to the slug. It also helps him stand out more. If you are adding plants to the habitat, this will help anchor them down.

Add other materials for climbing and hiding spots. Slugs need hiding spots to retreat from light and heat. Use sticks and broad-leaf plants. Small clay pots also work.

Add a food dish. You can use something as simple as a jar lid. Your slug won’t need a water dish. It will get all of its moisture from the habitat’s humidity. Though not likely, your slug may drown in a water dish.

Place the habitat it a cool, shady place. You don’t want your slug to dry out or overheat during the course of the day. Allow the habitat to receive some light, but keep it away from direct light and heat sources.

Clean the habitat periodically. Like any other animal, slugs give off waste and their surroundings will show it. Clean the habitat at least once a month, if not more so.

Spray your habitat every day! This is the most important step. You must keep the environment moist, otherwise your slug will dry out and die. Keep a spray bottle filled with clean, fresh water. If it is an especially warm or dry day, spray the habitat several times. If your slug is looking shriveled at all, or is burying himself under the substrate, it is a sign that you need to add moisture to his environment.

Make sure the water you spray into the habitat is clean. Slugs are very sensitive to chemicals and minerals. If you suspect your water isn't clean, use bottled water, filter your tap water, or boil your tap water.

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