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.

garden snail
Snails and slugs prefer cool, moist, shaded sites. Remove debris from your garden to make it less friendly.

slug in garden
Both snails and slugs secrete mucus to facilitate movement, leaving behind a slimy trail.

damage to leaf from slug
Slugs use file-like mouthparts to rasp and chew plant tissue, creating irregularly shaped holes.

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Identification and Control Information

[Photos, left to right: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Slide Set, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Bugwood.org]