Snail Identification
What Are Snails?
Snails are soft-bodied animals belonging to the mollusk phylum. Moving using a muscular “foot” and a spiral shell they can retreat into when threatened are some of the snail’s most unique physical features. In addition to their appearance, You can identify a snail by the slime trail they leave behind as they travel.
Most snails invading our gardens have a grey or brown body, and a brownish, rounded shell. They feed using their radula, which is a tongue-like structure containing thousands of microscopic teeth that shred the food they are eating.
Are Snails Dangerous?
The snail is one of the most destructive garden pests, feeding on healthy plants and decaying vegetation. Strawberries, tomatoes, violets, herbaceous plants, seedlings, and young turfgrass are some of their favorite targets. To identify damage from snails against other garden pests, look for a silvery mucous trail on the leaves of plants chewed on by snails.
Why Do I Have a Snail Problem?
Snails have high moisture needs and seek out damp areas to live, preferring locations near food sources. Our yards, landscaping, gardens, and flowering vegetation offer snails both a place to live and a place to forage for food.
Where Will I Find Snail?
Snails are interesting animals. In our area, mild weather allows snails to be active year-round. In areas with colder climates, snails hibernate in the soil. If the weather becomes too hot or dry, snails enter into estivation (hibernating during a period of hot weather).
During estivation, snails attach themselves to things like fences, walls, or the trunks of trees; using a special membrane, they will seal themselves to retain moisture. These perpetually slimy creatures are most active at night and on cloudy or foggy days. They prefer to stay out of direct sunlight.
When pests invade your home or business, you don’t need empty promises; you need proven results. At Allswell, we train our technicians to meet the highest standards set forth by the Pest Licensing Board so that you receive the service you need. We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which leaves you with nothing to worry about and a pest-free home or business to enjoy.
How Do I Get Rid of Snails?
Snails are outdoor pests, and keeping them out of your yard is a frustrating and challenging endeavor. To protect your yard and gardens from damaging snails, turn to the San Diego area's pest control experts at Allswell. Our experts will work closely with you to control snails through solutions that utilize Integrated Pest Management and other advanced pest control methods. We have the experience and knowledge needed to identify and solve problems with destructive snails. To learn more about our snail control services, contact us at Allswell and speak with one of our friendly professionals!
How Can I Prevent Snails in the Future?
Prevent problems with snails by implementing proven solutions through our effective pest control services. Also, use the following tips to prevent issues with snails in your San Diego County, CA yard:
- Keep plant pots, trash cans, recycling bins, and other containers up off the ground to eliminate damp hiding spots.
- Remove woodpiles, leaves piles, grass piles, and other debris from your yard that also provide hiding spots for snails.
- Get rid of dense ground covering from your yard that provides warm, moist areas where snails retreat.
- Plant vegetables and fruit in raised garden beds instead of directly in the ground.
- Copper is a natural snail repellent. Place copper wire around the edges of raised garden beds to help keep snails out.
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