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Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs feed on the leaves of many plants, especially seedlings and, later in the season, on ripening fruits and vegetables. A variety of techniques are often necessary to reduce snail and slug populations.
Snails and slugs prefer cool, moist, shaded sites. Remove debris from your garden to make it less friendly.
Both snails and slugs secrete mucus to facilitate movement, leaving behind a slimy trail.
Slugs use file-like mouthparts to rasp and chew plant tissue, creating irregularly shaped holes.
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Identification and Control Information
- Fact Sheet: Slugs (PDF)—University of Maine Cooperative Extension
- Managing Slugs in the Garden and Beyond (PDF)—University of Maryland Cooperative Extension
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Snails and Slugs (PDF)—University of California
[Photos, left to right: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Slide Set, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Bugwood.org]