Snails and Slugs

Description:
Perhaps you remember a time in your childhood when you poured salt on these slimy guys and watched them melt. At the time, it may have seemed like a science experiment to you, but the gardener in your family was most-likely cheering you on. Snails and slugs will inch along a slimy trail and eat pretty much any garden plant. They are actually mollusks and are related to oysters. What is the difference between snail and slugs? Snails have shells, slugs do not.

Damage:
Snails and slugs eat the foliage of almost any garden plant. They especially enjoy hostas, petunias, zinnias, and leafy garden vegetables, the leafier the better!

Prevention:
These pests usually feed at night or on rainy, overcast days. During the heat of the day they will hide in cool damp areas. The best way to prevent infestation is to hunt them down and kill them. Check underneath stones, bricks, wood, and groundcovers, especially in the shade. In the early spring, when numbers are low, snails and slugs can be hand-picked and squashed. Copper stripping may also be placed upright around plants you really want protected. Copper actually gives snails and slugs a shock upon contact, so they will not cross it. Place the stripping upright, as a 3-4" tall barrier around new seedlings, citrus tree trunks, raised beds, flower pots, or anything else you want protected. Diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells, and wood ashes will also deter slugs and snails by tearing at their little bodies.

Management:
Mild Infestations: Baited traps work well in the fight against snails and slugs. A popular bait is a shallow dish of beer. The little guys can't resist it, they drink until they pass out and drown. A cup of water and a teaspoon of brewer's yeast works just a well. The old salt trick will kill these mollusks too, but the salt will harm your plants so it is not recommended.

Sever Infestations: Granular snail baits are available. Unfortunately, many of the poison baits are harmful to pets, birds, and fish. So be very careful when using these. Always follow label directions.