Garden Slugs And Snails
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

Garden slugs and snails are a common problem in Florida and throughout the United States, but they can be controlled.

Snails and slugs are members of the animal group Mollusca which includes oysters, clams and octopuses. The snail's soft body is protected by a spiral shell. Shells of snails vary in color from off white to brown or black, and may be striped or mottled with contrasting colors.

Slugs do not have shells. They are usually mottled with shades of gray, but may be whitish yellow, brown or black. Slugs vary in length from 1/2 - 4".

Snails and slugs cause damage to seedlings, flowers, vegetables and shrubs. In greenhouses, they assault young seedlings and the more succulent parts of plants. They also annoy homeowners through their presence around foundations, in cellars, on walks and in window wells.

These pest are found on molds, decaying organic matter and on foliage of plants. They require large amounts of moisture to survive and prefer darkness. Mainly nocturnal, slugs and snails come out of their hiding places to feed in the evening. They chew ragged holes in the leaves of plants and return to their hiding places in early morning.

Favorite hiding places for these pests are under old decaying boards and logs, in rock piles and beneath damp refuse such as leaves under plants.

Slugs leave a silver-colored slimy trail wherever they travel. The trails can be spotted on foundation walls, basement floors, walks and leaves.

Elimination of slugs and snails begins by eliminating their hiding places. Remove rotted boards and debris from the premises. Keep the area around flower beds clear of trash. In greenhouses, check under rotted boards, flower-pots and debris beneath benches.

Metaldeyde, metaldehyde/ carbaryl or iron sulfate (Sluggo or Escar-go) baits are recommended chemicals for controlling slugs and snails. Baits can be hazardous and should not be used where children and pets cannot be kept away from them. Iron Phosphate bait has the advantage of being safe for use around domestic animals and wildlife. Most garden centers sell a slug and snail bait. The bait should be placed on the soil surface in the vicinity of the plants and the treated area can be covered with several sheets of newspaper soaked with water. Apply the bait in the afternoon or at night. If possible, do not use the bait just before a rain, as its effectiveness will be reduced.

Slugs and snails may feed intermittently rather than every day, therefore, distributing the bait at 7 to 10 day intervals until control is achieved is recommended.