Snail

Host Plants

Snails feed on a variety of plants and are considered to be generalist herbivores. Some common plants known as host plants include lettuce, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, endive, carrots, celery, ferns, and hostas.

Regions impacted

Snails can be found all over the world and on all continents except for Antarctica. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and wetlands.

Description

Snails are gastropod mollusks that belong to the class Gastropoda. They are known for their coiled shells and their slow, deliberate movement. Some of their most distinctive features include:

• Shell: Snails have a spiral-shaped shell that provides protection for their soft bodies. The shell is usually made of calcium carbonate and is secreted by a specialized organ called the mantle.
• Mucus: They produce thick, slippery mucus that they secrete from their foot. This mucus helps them move smoothly over rough surfaces and provides protection from drying out.
• Foot: Snails have a broad, muscular foot that they use for movement. The foot is capable of contracting and expanding, allowing them to move forward by extending and contracting the foot muscles.
• Tentacles: They have two pairs of tentacles on their head, one pair of which is used for vision and the other for smell. The tentacles are retractable and can be withdrawn into the shell for protection.
• Radula: Snails have a specialized tongue-like organ called the radula, which is covered in tiny, tooth-like structures. The radula is used for feeding: it is scraped against the surface of the food to remove bits of vegetation or algae.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of snails typically involves several stages, including:

Egg laying: Most females lay their eggs in the soil or on vegetation. The number of eggs laid can vary greatly between species, with some species laying only a few eggs while others lay hundreds or even thousands.

Hatching: After the eggs are laid, they hatch into tiny snails called hatchlings. The time it takes for the eggs to hatch can vary between species, but it is typically several weeks to a few months.

Juvenile stage: During this stage, the snail grows and develops, eventually reaching sexual maturity. The time it takes to reach sexual maturity can also vary between species, but it is typically several months to a few years.

Reproduction: Once the snail reaches sexual maturity, it begins to reproduce. Snails are typically hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual has both male and female reproductive organs. They mate by exchanging sperm, and the fertilized eggs are laid in the soil or vegetation.

Senescence: Snails typically have a lifespan of several years, although some species can live up to several decades. As they age, they slow down and eventually die.

Damage and Detection

Snails can cause damage to crops, gardens, and natural vegetation by feeding on leaves, stems, and roots. They can also cause damage to structures, such as buildings and fences, by climbing on and eating surfaces that contain calcium, such as mortar.

Detection of snail damage can be done by observing physical signs, such as holes in leaves, stems, and roots or the presence of snail shells or mucus trails. In addition, they can be detected by setting out traps or using baits, such as beer or a mixture of bran and yeast, which will attract them to a specific area.

Once snail damage has been detected, there are several methods that can be used to control their populations.

Prevention and Control

Handpicking: This involves physically removing snails from the affected area and disposing of them elsewhere.

Physical barriers: Physical barriers, such as copper tape or mesh, can be placed around plants or structures to prevent them from accessing them.

Traps: set beer traps or use boards as bait stations to lure and trap them.

Natural predators: Certain species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, such as ducks, chickens, and hedgehogs, feed on these pests and can be used to control their populations.

Repellents: Use commercial snail repellents or sprinkle dried eggshells or coffee grounds around plants to deter them.

Habitat modification: Creating an environment that is not conducive to snail survival can help to prevent or control their populations. This can involve removing hiding places, such as rocks and piles of debris, and reducing the amount of moisture in the area. It’s important to reduce moist, shady areas in the garden where snails like to hide and lay their eggs.

Plant selection: Choose plants that are less appealing to snails and slugs, such as fennel, garlic, and rosemary

Chemical controls: Chemical controls, such as snail baits, can be used to kill these pests. These baits contain a toxic toxin to snails but are generally safe for other animals and humans.

Please note that snails are a protected species in many countries, and regulations may exist regarding the methods that can be used to control their populations. In addition, it’s important to take an integrated approach to snail control, using a combination of methods for the most effective results.