How to delectably deal with the snails

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

-- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Catch a snail in our jail.”

-- Advertising slogan

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 late rain this spring was the

precursor to snails and slugs returning in April and May. Couple this

with garden neglect and we will have provided pests the perfect

opportunity to hide and breed in our gardens.

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.

Collection and destruction of snails and slugs by hand is the

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

moving friends usually concentrate 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 meanwhile, 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 recommend 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.

Cocoa mulch is a relatively new introduction to your local

nursery. As mulch, it suppresses another form of pest ... the weed.

It is also useful in retaining soil moisture and provides nourishment

to plants as a mild fertilizer. I have also discovered that its

texture deters slugs, snails and even most cats. But I am most

intrigued by this product because it smells just like hot cocoa!

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 or Corry’s around

edible plants.

Last Sunday, Catharine and I were working in the garden without

holiday plans. I was startled to find myself staring down at four

snails crawling over my newly planted grasses. With great effort, I

restrained myself from stomping on them; even though the evildoers

had been happily eating holes in my coral bells. Instead, I cooked

them with garlic ... yummy! See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or e-mail to [email protected].