Slugs are common garden inhabitants, often encountered in damp environments. While the idea of a slug “biting” might cause concern, they do not possess jaws or teeth capable of breaking human skin. Nevertheless, contact with slugs can still present certain health considerations.
Understanding Slug Mouthparts
Slugs utilize a specialized feeding organ called a radula, a ribbon-like structure within their mouth. This radula is covered with thousands of microscopic, chitinous teeth, varying in shape and arrangement depending on the slug species. Its primary function is to scrape or rasp food particles from surfaces, such as plant matter or algae. While this structure allows slugs to effectively break down food, it is not designed for biting or puncturing human skin. Therefore, direct injury from a slug’s mouthparts is highly unlikely.
Potential Health Concerns from Slugs
Despite their inability to bite, slugs can carry parasites and bacteria that pose health risks if ingested. The most significant concern is the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a parasitic nematode. These worms primarily reside in the pulmonary arteries of rats, with larvae excreted in their feces. Slugs and snails become infected by consuming these larvae, which then mature within the mollusk but do not become adult worms.
Humans can contract rat lungworm disease, also known as angiostrongyliasis, by accidentally ingesting infected slugs or snails, or by consuming raw produce contaminated with their slime. Once ingested, the larvae can migrate to the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing eosinophilic meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can range from mild or no symptoms to severe headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, tingling sensations, vision changes, or confusion, typically appearing 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. In rare, severe cases, infection can lead to neurological damage or even death, though most people recover without specific treatment. Beyond parasites, slugs can also harbor common bacteria like Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) on their slime or in their feces, which can be transferred to produce.
Responding to Slug Contact
Given the potential for slugs to carry pathogens, thorough hygiene is important after any contact. If you handle a slug or encounter its slime, immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing between fingers and under nails. This action effectively removes contaminants, minimizing pathogen transfer.
For food safety, always wash produce thoroughly before consumption, especially leafy greens that may have come into contact with slugs in gardens. Thoroughly rinsing produce under running water and carefully inspecting each leaf is an effective method for removing slugs and their slime. Medical attention is generally not required for simple skin contact. However, if symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, or neurological issues develop after potential ingestion of a slug or contaminated produce, seeking medical assessment is advisable, particularly in regions where rat lungworm is known to be prevalent.