Optimal Conditions
Damp, congested garden, particularly after rainfall
Signature
Slimy trail, or small clean holes on your fruits.
Prevention
Keeping a hygienic garden and depriving the mollusc of potential resting spots. They find it tougher to move over rougher ground, such as one that has recently been mulched. Nasturtium is a great decoy crop, providing a canopy that they will find a great shelter. You can then pick them out and throw them over your neighbour’s fence. OK, not your neighbour’s fence, but you know what we mean.
MORNING REFRESHMENT Watering in the morning is a great starting point for avoiding all pests, as it means that there will be very little moisture left on the surface at nightfall. Snails are most active at night and are drawn to moisture, so when we water in the evening it creates an ideal environment for their nefarious activities.
Coping
THE PERFECT FOIL Copper tape and aluminium foil are like an electric fence for snails and slugs. When they come into contact with the metal, their mucus membranes have a bad chemical reaction that sends them in the opposite direction. It’s a great technique for pots, to which the copper tape is easily attached and the mollusc will have to pass over to enter.
A VERY HAPPY ENDING Snails are drawn to the sweet, yeasty scent of beer as surely as gap year students to an open bar. Use traps or a glass that is partially filled with beer and some vegemite – for extra yeastiness! – and partially bury in the garden with the lip of the glass at ground level. When a slug or snail comes in for a taste, it will be their last drink.
Eradicating
WE’RE GOING ON A SNAIL HUNT Hunt and pick method is a garden treasure hunt. During the day, snails will hide in dark corners of the patch, but they can still be found. Under the foliage of low canopy plants – such as a nasturtium – is an ideal hiding place. Perhaps enlist some enthusiastic young kids by offering a prize for most collected.
