Norwich gardens invaded by Spanish slugs due to wet weather

Commonly known as Spanish slugs the slimy critters have been spotted by horrified homeowners - with some claiming they reach a whopping six inches in length.

With the city's tumultuous weather over the last few months, green-fingered folk have noticed an influx of the unwanted slimy guests.

One of many Spanish slugs in Emma's garden at night (Image: Emma Lo)

Chris James, who lives in Bowthorpe, has seen "thousands" since May saying: "I first noticed them about a month ago.

"They vary in size but generally the smaller ones are a few centimetres long and rather thin but the larger ones have been four to six inches and as thick as my finger.

"I don't see many during the daytime but at night it's almost impossible to walk without stepping on them by accident.

"I've found them everywhere - on the walls of the house, fences, bins or garden planters - everywhere.

Chris Jones says he's seen thousands at his home since May (Image: Chris Jones)

"I've lived here for more than a decade and haven't encountered nothing on this scale before."

Emma Lo, who lives in Costessey, added: "I see about 20 to 30 in the garden each time it rains.

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"They're fatter than regular slugs and really ugly too.

Kevin Murphy, of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, says the high rain levels may have caused the slug invasion (Image: Kevin Murphy)

"I've been controlling them with non-toxic pellets because they've been destroying my plants."

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Spanish slugs are said to get their name from originating from the Iberian Peninsula, a mountainous region, which includes Spain and Portugal.

Kevin Murphy, who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue in Norwich, said: "They've been called 'killer' slugs due to their recorded cannibalistic nature, feeding on dead animals and dead plant matter.

Some slugs have been known to grow up to six inches in length (Image: Emma Lo)

"High rain levels may have caused this reported invasion of these slugs as they're more active in wetter periods.

"The mucus that can cover vegetables can hold E-coli and washing the substance off is difficult.

"People could build a metal slug fence - with an eave at 45 to 55 degrees - to stop them climbing past and protect their plants."

Emma said the slugs have been destroying her plants (Image: Emma Lo)