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05/06/2008 11:46 AM - (SA) Put an end to slugs and snails 060608
Both slugs and snails secrete a mucus-like substance from the muscular 'foot' which they use to propel themselves along. Adult brown snails lay about 80 round eggs into a hole in topsoil and may repeat this process as much as five or six times per year. Within two years, the young snails mature. Slugs may lay eggs in groups of three to 40 and mature after four to six months. Both slugs and snails eat decaying plant matter and fresh plants. Most of their damage is wreaked on young seedlings, especially petunias and marigolds, and low-growing fruit or vegetables, like strawberries, tomatoes, climbing beans and lettuce. Citrus trees may also be targets. Snails will feast on rotten fruit on the ground but will also climb the tree to feed on fresh fruit in the upper branches. Other plants that are susceptible to snail damage are cabbage, dahlias and basil. Some plants are able to resist damage from slugs and snails. These include geraniums, impatiens, nasturtiums, fuchsias and begonias. Snails also tend to steer away from plants with a strong perfume like sage, rosemary and lavender. A slimy mucous trail is a clue that you have a snail or slug invasion. To confirm this, take a torch with you into the garden and search after dark, especially in moist conditions after rain. Snails are more active at night or when the weather is overcast. During warmer weather they hide between the foliage and are seldom seen. Products from Efekto provide the gardener with easy solutions to even aggressive snail problems. Snailban is a granular snail bait available in a convenient ready-to-use pellet. These may be scattered in beds where snail or slug activity occurs. Snailban is a firm pellet, it does not degenerate quickly and stays active for a substantial period of time. For best results, scatter after rain or in damp, overcast conditions when snails are likely to be active. Sluggem Pellets and Sluggit Pellets can also be used to bait and kill slugs and snails. Both products are available in easy-to-distribute pellet form. Sluggem can also be used against king crickets, commonly called Parktown prawns. Pellets should be evenly distributed in the garden beds. Take care to not to pile them up. If the soil is very dry, dampen with a watering can as the pellets need moisture to swell. Snailflo is a liquid insecticide that is mixed with water and applied to plants and edible crops using a watering can with a fine rose spray. This method is particularly helpful in protecting young seedlings against a snail onslaught. Do not apply the product before rain but reapply after a heavy downpour. Repeat every seven to 10 days for best results. Stop the applications two weeks before the harvest of edible crops. Snails are more active at night or when the weather is overcast. During warmer weather they hide between the foliage and are seldom seen.
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