Are slugs harmful to plants and how can I protect my garden from them?

Slugs can be harmful to plants as they feed on leaves and stems, causing damage to the garden. To protect your garden from slugs, you can use barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth, set up traps with beer or citrus peels, and encourage natural predators like birds and frogs. Regularly removing hiding spots and keeping the garden clean can also help deter slugs.