What to do about snails

STEVE KAWARATANI

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

-- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Catch a snail in our jail.”

-- Advertising slogan

What is the difference between a snail and a slug? They are both

mollusks (cousins to the oysters and clams) and essentially are the

same, but the snail has an external shell. Both secrete mucus to

glide over surfaces; upon drying it becomes the familiar slime trail.

Without moisture they are dormant ... but guess what, it’s been

plenty wet, and snails and slugs have been laying lots of eggs in our

gardens.

Many of us accept minor damage to plants and allow natural methods

such as the weather and predators to assume the major role in

controlling garden pests. But the quantity of late rain this spring

was the precursor to snails and slugs returning in volumes the past

few weeks. Couple this with general garden neglect and we have

provided snails the perfect opportunity to feed, breed and frolic in

our gardens.

Collection and destruction of snails and slugs by hand is the

oldest control method, and is still a good one. For example, these

slow-moving creatures usually congregate near the damage they create

and are easily plucked off if you’re willing to hunt at night or

early morning. There’s nothing quite like the cracking of shells

underfoot to begin the day.

The control of snails by their enemies, especially by predators,

is another viable solution. The introduction of Decollate snails may

be very effective in slowing down their evil, brown relatives.

However, these “good” snails don’t win overnight. It can take up to a

year before they gain the upper hand. In the meantime, you have to

discontinue snail bait and rely on supplemental hand management.

Traps and barriers are useful in checking snails and slugs. I

recommend using “The Pit” snail and slug trap. The green trap is

filled with leftover beer and may be emptied and returned to the

garden. I also suggest the use of slug and snail copper. It holds a

small electrical charge, which repels slugs and snails. Use it to

protect individual plants or entire planting areas.

Most gardeners rely on snail and slug control through the use of

Methaldehyde-based pellets and granules. This nonpersistent

molluscicide works as an attractant and toxicant. Before spreading

the bait, wet down the areas to be treated to encourage evening

activity. If you must use bait, go for That’s-It around edible

plants.

Last Sunday, Catharine and I were working in the garden, looking

for leftover Easter eggs. I was startled to find myself staring down

at four snails crawling over my iris. With great effort, I restrained

myself from stomping on them, even though the evildoers had been

happily eating holes in my flowers. Instead, I hurled them onto the

street to eat some asphalt and meet their maker. I am sorry to say

that I hold no remorse. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to local writer, Catharine

Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at 949.497.2438, or

E-mail to [email protected] atwork.com.