Spanish slug removal in Finland has taken a serious turn as four cities now pay locals for killing the pests. The invasive species has been causing widespread destruction across gardens and crops. In response, Lappeenranta, Turku, Kerava and Jämsä are offering six euros for every litre of slugs collected. This isn’t a joke. The fight is real.
Each of these cities has committed 1,750 euros to the cleanup. It’s not just about the money, though. Officials want locals to take active part in restoring the balance of the environment. The effort is tracked and managed through the Crowdsorsa app, which has already proven useful in removing invasive plants like Himalayan balsam and lupines.
Residents use the Crowdsorsa app to show proof of their slug hunts. The app verifies the effort by reviewing short videos submitted by participants. These videos show full one-litre containers filled with dead slugs, sealed, and dropped in assigned disposal points. Once approved, payment is processed and sent directly to the participant’s bank account.
The approach has received mixed reactions. While some find the incentive appealing, others say the task is simply too disgusting.
The Spanish slug thrives in wet and humid areas. One slug can lay hundreds of eggs and reproduce quickly. This makes it especially dangerous in regions like Lappeenranta, where the infestation has grown out of control. In response, the city is giving out free slug poison to residents to help reduce the growing population.
Maisa Hautala, city gardener in Lappeenranta, said last year the situation got out of hand. The city received more complaints than they could handle. People were overwhelmed and unsure what to do.
Despite the offer of easy money, the public response has been slow. Toni Paju, CEO of Crowdsorsa, noted that slug hunting is far less appealing than cutting down weeds. He also pointed out that some people have raised ethical questions about the killing process. It’s not for everyone.
Residents are advised to wear gloves or use tools like tweezers, scissors or tongs when handling slugs. Contact with slugs should be avoided, as they carry harmful bacteria including listeria and E. coli. Slugs must be handled with caution.
Experts recommend a few proven methods. Some use boiling water, others crush the head or slice the slug in half between its tentacles. Most locals prefer boiling water. It’s quick, effective, and cleaner than other options.
Eeva Koponen, a local participant, said cutting the slug sounds disgusting. For her, boiling water is the easiest route.
This campaign is more than just about slugs. It’s part of Finland’s nationwide plan to manage invasive species. Non-native organisms like the Spanish slug threaten biodiversity and damage local ecosystems. By involving the public, cities hope to fight back and raise awareness.
Importantly, the native ash-black slug is not part of this campaign. It’s often mistaken for the Spanish slug, but officials are urging people to learn the difference before taking action.
If you’re planning to join the campaign, remember the rules. You must collect the slugs into a sealed one-litre container, record the process, and upload it using the Crowdsorsa app. After approval, you’ll receive six euros per litre.
The budget for each city is limited, so the earlier you start, the better. With climate change making summers wetter, the risk of more slug infestations is only going to grow.
