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Slugs & Snails
Slugs & Snails are mollusks and belong to the same family as
oysters and clams. Slugs & Snails are very similar to each other except that
snails have an external hard shell. Both Slugs & Snails secrete mucus, which
helps them to glide along. This mucus, when it is dry, forms the shiny slime trail
that is a clue to their presence. However, they do not always leave a trail of
mucus. These land mollusks require moisture to
survive and are therefore mostly found in wet areas. Slugs & Snails often are
most active at night when it is cooler. When conditions become too
dry for snails and slugs they become dormant, only to become active when
moisture is available.
Slugs & Snails lay their eggs in damp soil under rocks or
plant debris. These eggs take from 2 months to 2 years to become adult slugs &
snails. Dense ground covers such as ivy are ideal hiding and breeding places for
slugs & snails. They feed on living or decaying plant material. Some species are
more troublesome than others and the size of the slug or snail does not
necessarily indicate how serious the pest is.
Suggested solution
Granular baits are available, such as slug and snail bait.
It is useful to wet down the area before you spread the granular bait, as the
wetness will encourage slug and snail activity during the night. These
granular baits can be used around the areas where slugs and snails gather and in areas
of dense ground cover. It is advisable to use the granular bait in areas where
the slugs & Snails sleep during the day. The granular bait treatment should be repeated after 2
weeks for as long as slugs and snails are active. Alternatively, a slug pub or beer
bath works well and we have had considerable success with this method in our
display gardens here in Cambria California.
How to prevent Slugs & Snails
Products we sell at Cambria Nursery & Florist to control Slugs &
Snails
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Cambria Nursery and Florist
