Q. I live in Las Vegas on
a 1/2 acre lot with a large back yard. My #1 enemy is small grass snails that
destroy the roots. Is there a product that you know of that will eliminate these
pests? FYI, we also have a desert
tortoise, and dogs and would not want to harm them.
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| These are pictures from other readers in the past regarding snails |
A. Here are the options as
I understand them for snails and slugs. Basically, slugs are snails without the
shell so they are treated about the same.
Sluggo. This is a
commercial bait that is advertised as safe for pets. It is a combination of
iron and phosphorus but concentrated. Apply every two weeks around plants and
the soil should be moist but no standing water. Since they come out at night,
apply it at dusk.
Newspapers and cardboard.
Lay wet newspaper and cardboard on the surface of the soil between plants where
there are problems with snails and slugs. In the morning pull up the newspaper
and cardboard where you will see them having a party. Put on your party hat,
collect them and dispose of them.
Stale beer. I like
Heineken for myself and Blue Moon in the summer but snails and slugs are less
picky. Any old cheap beer will work. Open some cans of beer and let it sit for
one day to get stale. Pour it into shallow dishes in the garden and they will
come in there again, to party. In all of their excitement they drown in the
stale beer. Collect them, dispose of them and put more stale beer out.
Aluminum foil. I have been
told that a ring of aluminum foil around plants will keep them from getting to
them. I have never tried it.
I don't like adding table salt to the soil or critters which I have seen recommended in the past.
Maybe some readers have
some good ideas. Let's let them comment on my blog about this.
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