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SNAILS!

Suzie KeldSuzie Keld Posts: 3
in Talkback

Hi, I have a very tiny patch but it is infested with snails. How can I control them in a way which will not be harmful to wildlife and pets?

Many thanks, Suzie

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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Go out at night and pick them up and dispatch them. People use different methods - from putting them in a bucket of salt water to crushing them underfoot. I lob mine into the road to take their chances with the traffic. Many swear by the slug pub - dishes of beer which they go into and go out in a happy way! image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PotteringaboutPotteringabout Posts: 162

    I'm afraid you can't get rid of snails in a way not harmful to wildlife. Snails are wildlife. Most people who profess to have a wildlife garden only actually have a selective wildlife garden, which is a bit of a contradiction.

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    Snails have a homing instinct, but apparently, if you remove them by 25m or more they can't find their way back. As my garden is large, wild and rural I just take them for a long (for them!) walk and then lob them into an even wilder part. Doesn't work so well for a small town garden though, neighbours might object!

  • granmagranma Posts: 1,933

    Pansyfaceimage that's a brilliant idea ,it's one I will try, May as well let them work for youimage there's not many who appreciate your scraps in payment ! imageimageimage

  • granmagranma Posts: 1,933

    Suzie

    I have hostages and they escape the net curtain stage , I have them under holly trees. I have a constant carpet of dried prickly course yellowing leaves around  hosta's .guess  snails don't appreciate being prickled  .

  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532
    Suzie keld. During the day snails like to hide under things, so if you can try to stop by planting away from other plants and anything else that will help. I've tried throwing them in the road but they come back.
  • Suzie KeldSuzie Keld Posts: 3

    Thank you everyone, I think I will have to take them for a very long walkimage

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719

    I watched some experiment on TV a few months back, they marked snails with nail varnish, they came back a lot further than 25 metres.  A word of warning Humans can get lung worm from touching snails and slugs the same as dogs.  My dog has been on anti-worming stuff once a month since we got him at 2 months old, then a few years back, my Vet said he had had several dogs with lung worm, who hadnt made it, so change of med. So make sure you wash your hands really well after collecting them.

  • Suzie KeldSuzie Keld Posts: 3

    Hi Nanny Beach, I did not know this image thank you so much for the info, I will be wearing my marigolds from now on, the rubber ones not the ones the snails have made a meal of image

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719

    Suzi Keld LOL!!!!! Course Lung worm is serious, it causes internal bleeding, just to cheer you all up!!

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