December pest of the month: snails and slugs

4 December 2023

Snails and slugs are common pests in production nurseries causing damage that can be confused with caterpillars and beetles.

Damage often runs in lines down leaf veins and may cause a window effect on leaves. Slugs and snails can often hide beneath pots, along pot lips, and in crevices and concealed areas on plants.

Effective snail and slug management hinges on reducing moisture in the growing area. Modify irrigation practices to reduce free standing water and to allow the surface of growing media to dry out. Remove as many hiding spots as possible and keep your growing area clean and free of organic matter.

Certain snail species can host parasites that pose a risk to humans, so it's vital to minimise direct skin contact. Some non-native species that are not currently present in Australia, such as the giant African snail and golden apple snail, can cause significant damage to a wide range of horticultural crops including brassicas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and more. Others, like the green snail, are subject to interstate regulations.

If you experience a snail and/or slug outbreak and need an identification, you can send specimens to Grow Help Australia (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/crops/test/grow-help-australia/tests). Each year, all production nurseries receive six free pest or disease diagnostic samples.

For more information on slugs and snails:

• visit the Pest ID tool at https://pestid.com.au/login
• read the Snail and Slugs nursery paper at https://www.greenlifeindustry.com.au/communications-centre-content/nursery-paper/slugs-and-snails