Snails

Slugs and Snails

Class: Gastropoda

Affected Plants:

All plants, including fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, lawn

Damage Type:

Chewing on foliage and stems

Physical Characteristics:

Soft-bodied, snails with a spiral shell; slugs lack a shell; leave a slimy trail as they move.

Control Method:

Liquid snail poison, snail baits

Environmental Impact:

Toxic to wildlife and pets

Organic/Natural Control:

Diatomaceous earth, copper barriers

About this pest

Slugs and snails, those slimy gliders of the garden world, can wreak havoc on South African vegetation. Let’s delve into their world to understand their characteristics, why they become pests, and how to keep your greenery safe:

Physical Characteristics:

  • Slugs: Soft-bodied molluscs without external shells, often grey or brown, ranging from 1-10cm in length.
  • Snails: Carry a protective spiral shell on their backs, varying in size and colour depending on the species.
  • Both: Move by gliding on a muscular “foot,” leaving a slimy trail.
  • Nocturnal: Most active at night or during damp weather.

Common South African Names:

  • Garden Snail: Tuinslak (Afrikaans)
  • Brown Garden Snail: Bruin tuinslak (Afrikaans)

Why are Slugs and Snails Pests?

  • Herbivores: Feed on leaves, stems, and fruits of various plants, causing holes, scarring, and stunted growth.
  • Wide range of hosts: Attack vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and even seedlings.
  • Disease potential: Can carry and spread plant diseases like bacterial wilt and fungal blight.
  • Slime trails: Can attract other pests and contribute to fungal spore spread.

Combatting Slugs and Snails:

Monitoring: Look for signs of damage like chewed leaves, slimy trails, and the presence of shells.

Natural methods:

      • Encourage natural predators: Frogs, toads, birds, and ground beetles love to munch on slugs and snails.
      • Diatomaceous earth: Creates a physical barrier against their soft bodies, causing dehydration.
      • Beer traps: Attract and drown snails and slugs, but might need regular emptying and be less effective for slugs.

Cultural practices:

      • Physical barriers: Use copper tape, gravel, or crushed eggshells around vulnerable plants to create a dry, abrasive barrier.
      • Handpicking: Collect and remove snails and slugs, but dispose of them carefully to avoid spreading diseases.
      • Watering management: Minimize watering, as moist conditions favour their activity.

Chemical control: Use registered molluscicides as a last resort due to potential harm to beneficial creatures and the environment. Choose baits specifically targeting slugs and snails.

Remember:

  • Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent significant damage from slugs and snails.
  • Combine multiple control methods for a sustainable approach, prioritizing natural and organic strategies whenever possible.
  • Adapt your control methods based on the specific slug or snail species affecting your plants.

By understanding the biology and behaviour of slugs and snails and implementing proactive steps, you can protect your South African plants from these slimy intruders and keep your garden thriving.

3 Vendors

Pest Control Chemicals / Pesticides

EFEKTO ZERO SNAIL

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EFEKTO SNAILBAN

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EFEKTO SNAILFLO

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