GARDEN FANATIC: Served best with garlic

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” — Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Catch a snail in our jail.” — Ad slogan

Many of us accept minor damage to plants and allow natural methods such as the weather and predators to assume the major role in controlling garden pests. However, overcast, cooler weather will signal the return of snails and slugs during April and May. Couple this with garden neglect, and we will provide these pests the perfect opportunity to feed and breed in our gardens.

What is the difference between a snail and a slug? They are both mollusks (cousins to the oysters and clams) and essentially are the same, but the snail has an external shell. Both secrete mucus to glide over surfaces; upon drying, it becomes the familiar slime trail. Without moisture, they are dormant; but it’s been wet, and snails and slugs have been laying lots of eggs in our gardens.

Collection and destruction of snails and slugs by hand is the oldest control method, and it is still a good one. For example, our slow-moving foes usually concentrate near the damage they create, and are easily plucked off if you’re willing to hunt at night or early morning. There’s nothing quite like the cracking of shells underfoot to begin the day.

The control of snails by their enemies, especially by predators, is another viable solution. The introduction of Decollate snails may be very effective in slowing down their evil, brown relatives. However, these “good” snails don’t win overnight. It can take up to a year before they gain the upper hand. In the meanwhile, you have to discontinue snail bait and rely on supplemental hand management.

Traps and barriers are useful in checking snails and slugs. I recommend using “The Pit” snail and slug trap. The green trap is filled with leftover beer and may be emptied and returned to the garden. I also recommend the use of slug and snail copper. It holds a small electrical charge, which repels slugs and snails. Use it to protect individual plants or entire planting areas.

Most gardeners rely on snail and slug control through the use of Methaldehyde based pellets and granules. This nonpersistent molluscicide works as an attractant and toxicant. Before spreading the bait, wet down the areas to be treated to encourage evening activity. If you must use bait, go for That’s-It or Corry’s around edible plants.

Last Sunday, Catharine and I were working in the garden preparing for Mother’s Day (you can’t start too soon). I was startled to find myself staring down at four snails crawling over our newly planted garden. With great effort, I restrained myself from stomping on them, even though the evildoers had been happily eating holes in my coral bells. Instead, I cooked them with garlic. Yummy! See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is married to writer Catharine Cooper and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected].