TROUBLESHOOTING
SNAILS & SLUGS

 

SNAILS & SLUGS

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Snails & slugs can very greatly in size — ranging from 1/4” to over 3” in length. The main difference between them is that a snail has a shell, and a slug does not. They are both part of the mollusk family, which means that they are also related to oysters, clams, and squids!

A telltale sign of snails and slugs in the garden is the slimy trail that you might see where they have been meandering along. You will also see nibbled leaves, chewed from the edges inward.

HOW IT HURTS:

Because of of their size and appetite, snails and slugs can be quite destructive in the garden. They can defoliate an entire plant quite quickly — especially smaller seedings. In many cases, if not discovered and controlled, they can consume and kill an entire plant. Because they tend to eat at night, catching them in the act can be difficult.

HOW TO HELP:

It is not recommended to use synthetic or harmful pesticides — especially inside! You don’t want those kinds of chemicals on the food you eat, or to breathe them in if you spray inside your home. Outside, pesticides (including organic ones) can harm beneficial insects such as bees, so it’s best to use sparingly — or try to find other methods.

  1. Create a barrier:
    One of the easiest ways to alleviate snail and slug damage is to prevent access to the plant. There are a few things that you can try:

    • Crushed eggshells create a gritty surface that snails and slugs do not like to crawl over.

    • Slugs and snails do not like copper, so you can surround the plant with copper wires or pennies. Ordinary copper scrubbing pads from the kitchen are another option.

  2. Diatomaceous earth:
    ”Food grade” diatomaceous earth is a natural powdered rock created from fossilized algae sediment. It has sharp edges that harm the snails and slugs if they try to crawl over it. Sprinkle the powder in a ring on the soil around your plant. It is important to check that you are purchasing “food grade” diatomaceous earth since it will be applied near your future food! You will need to re-apply after it rains.

    Please Note: Since diatomaceous earth has natural silica in it, be sure to use a face mask when spreading to avoid inhalation.

  3. Create a trap:
    One common way to eliminate snails and slugs is to create a “beer trap.” Slight bury a small dish near or plants and fill it with beer. The beer attracts the snails and slugs. Be aware that once they enter the dish, they will not be able to leave, so this is a messy solution. The beer will need to be replaced every few days.