Pest Files - Snail Facts and How to Get Rid of Them

From the dawn of time a war between both gardener vs snails has raged on. These slimy creatures are pretty amazing and some what adorable when you get to know them face to face. But that will not change the fact on the devastation just a few snails or slugs can do over night to your garden. Here are some interesting facts about snails.

1. There are over thousands species of snails. 
2. Snails are so diverse that there are land snails, sea snails and freshwater snails.
3. Certain species like the "giant tiger land snail" can reach up to 12 inches in size. Pretty big huh?
4. Both sea and fresh water snails have gills they breathe through, while land snails have lungs.
5. Land snails have microscopic teeth structure called radula. 
6. Snails can live anywhere from 5 to 25 years depending on their environment.
7. Some species like the "cone snails" are extremely venomous and some of them are fatal to humans!
8. Land snail mucus is not toxic nor will it make you sick.
9. Snails are hermaphrodites but still need other snails to mate. 
10. Snails and slugs are no different from each other aside one have a shell and the other not.
11. Some species have hair on their shells.

Fun facts aside, if left untreated snails will devour your entire yard. So lets get on with ways to rid your yard of those pesky snails.

  

Beer or Yeast & Honey Mixture

This seems a common and natural way to trap snails to their death. It's simple and very easy to setup. 

Both snails and slugs love the scent of beer or a mixture of yeast and honey.

• Place a saucer filled with bear or your yeast and honey mixture.
• Make sure the saucer is at ground level so this will require you dig a hole for your saucer to rest in.
• For slugs make sure your container is deep enough to drown them. You can use a deep plastic cup, 1 liter soda bottle, or yogurt cup.

Check your container once in a while and make sure no other beneficial creatures have falling inside.

Copper Rings/ Copper Tape

Copper has been proven to be one of the best defenses against slugs and snails. This precious metal creates a reaction between the snail mucus and the copper. Thus deterring the snail from your plants. Its very effective but may be expensive if you get copper rings vs copper tape. The difference? Well copper tape can be adhered to your pots (normally around the rim). Where as the copper rings are placed around your plants that are planted directly into the ground. Both work the same way.

Thorny/Rough Barriers

I have personally tried this method and honestly doesn't work well for me. Ive tried crushed eggs, wood ashes, sand paper, etc. This particular method is more about slowing them down but regardless your plants will be devoured as snails and slugs are persistent creatures. If you are interested in a less invasive method just place around the base of your plants

Coffee Grounds

also fall into the thorny/rough surface category. Some swear that it works as the snails will simply give up and crawl away. You just simply sprinkle used coffee grounds at the base of your tender plants and that is pretty much it.

Natural Enemies

A more organic approach would be to enlist slug eating insects or animals. If you have the space and the money invest in ducks or geese. Other natural enemies include ground beetles, toads, turtles, birds, snakes, rodents and pathogens. Use common sense and do your research before inviting any of these into your home. Know the impact each one will have in your garden.

Zombie Snails

If you can find them you could get brood sacs parasites and feed them to the snails. Thus turning these solider snails into ZOMBIE SNAILS... This wouldn't be something I personally would recommend you do but came across this bazaar clip. Check it out.

What ever method you use make sure you work with nature and not against it. You want to make sure its safe for your family, pets, and beneficial insects.