A few weeks ago, I planted some pretty purple petunias in my front flower bed. In just a few days, my petunias had been stripped of their leaves. What was the culprit? Snails!
Snails and slugs are mollusks that feed on foliage and fruit of plants. They can be destructive to tender, young seedlings like my petunias or new vegetable transplants.
Snails and slugs have soft, slimy legless bodies that are covered by a mucus that they secrete. They can range in color from whitish-yellow to black, and their eyes are on the end of appendages on the head. Snails are covered with a hard-protective shell.
Snails and slugs lay eggs on plants or in the soil, and they hatch in about a month in favorable conditions. They begin to eat as soon as they hatch and can reach sexual maturity in three to five months. It is no surprise I see so many snails in my yard! They eat a lot and reproduce quickly!
Snails and slugs can be managed with a combination of practices: habitat modification, trapping, handpicking, barriers, and baits. Where it is practical, reduce the number of hiding places, moist areas, and compost where snails like to congregate.
Handpicking can help to protect young plants. Snails and slugs are most active at night, so this job might require a flashlight! I find a lot of snails out after a rain, and I confess to stomping on as many as I can find. You can also drop them in a bucket of soapy water.
You can purchase traps or make one at home. Use a hollowed-out melon rind or shallow lid to a jar filled with apple cider or beer. You want something that the snails can get into easily but is hard to get out. If you are simply overrun with snails and slugs, you might need to try a pesticide for control. The least toxic options contain iron phosphate, or you can use products with Metaldehyde and Carbaryl. Be sure to follow the label instructions.
For more information about lawn and garden topics, visit our website at https://williamson.agrilife.org/ or email the Master Gardener Help Desk at williamsonhelpdesk@ag.tamu.edu.
