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In many parts of the world, snails and slugs are the most damaging of garden pests. Snails and slugs are almost the same, with slug just being snails without a shell. Both cause damage simply by eating the leaves and plant tissue with mouths that are under their bodies. They hide during the day, and eat at night - though they may come out on damp, gray days as well.
[[File:Common snail.jpg|thumb|Common snail (Helix aspersa)]]In many parts of the world, snails and slugs are the most damaging of garden pests. Snails and slugs are almost the same, with slug just being snails without a shell. Both cause damage simply by eating the leaves and plant tissue with mouths that are under their bodies. They hide during the day, and eat at night - though they may come out on damp, gray days as well.
It's almost impossible to eradicate snails and slugs since they can come in from neighboring land, on new plants, or even as eggs in the soil of new plants. The eggs looks like clusters of pearls, about 1/8 inch in size. They're often found under boards, rocks and pots and should be destroyed.
It's almost impossible to eradicate snails and slugs since they can come in from neighboring land, on new plants, or even as eggs in the soil of new plants. The eggs looks like clusters of pearls, about 1/8 inch in size. They're often found under boards, rocks and pots and should be destroyed.
==Physical controls==
==Physical controls==
[[Image:Slug collar-IMG 6348.jpg|thumb|Copper pipe sections as slug barriers.]]
They are out at night after dark, and in the early mornings - especially when it's wet, like after a light rain, or after sprinklers go off.
They are out at night after dark, and in the early mornings - especially when it's wet, like after a light rain, or after sprinklers go off.
==Biological controls==
==Biological controls==
[[File:Decollate snail1.jpg|thumb|Decollate snails feed on garden snails]]
[[Ducks]] love to eat snails and slugs.
[[Ducks]] love to eat snails and slugs.
The most popular snail pesticides are baits which have metaldehyde or methiocarb in the form of pellets, emulsion or meal. Metaldehyde is the more widely used chemical, which is more effective in dryer, low-humidity climates. Methiocarb, which is more commonly used specifically for slugs, should be used away from fruits and vegetables. If using these in pellet form, always scatter them more loosely rather than into less effective piles. These are poisonous to dogs, who will often eat them.
The most popular snail pesticides are baits which have metaldehyde or methiocarb in the form of pellets, emulsion or meal. Metaldehyde is the more widely used chemical, which is more effective in dryer, low-humidity climates. Methiocarb, which is more commonly used specifically for slugs, should be used away from fruits and vegetables. If using these in pellet form, always scatter them more loosely rather than into less effective piles. These are poisonous to dogs, who will often eat them.
==See also==
==Gallery==
<gallery perrow=5>
File:Weinbergschnecke Paarung.jpg|A pair of Helix pomatia shortly before mating.
File:Snails-Italy.jpg|Snails for sale at market
File:Helix aspera hibernaculum.JPG|''Helix aspera'' hibernaculum
File:Cepaea nemoralis pair banded shells.jpg|Cepaea nemoralis
File:Achatina fulica Thailand.jpg|Achatina fulica
File:Snail-WA edit02.jpg|white-lipped snail (Cepaea hortensis)
File:Otala punctata2.jpg|Otala punctata
File:Camargue fg11.jpg|Theba pisana
</gallery>
==References==
==References==
*Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608
*Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608