SLUGS AND SNAILS: Characteristics and Controls

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

Both feed on buds and flowers, bush snails feed on other parts of plants also; use metaldehyde baits in combination with Sevin, Mesurol, Zectran, or Zectran sprays or drenches three times 10 to 14 days apart; regular treatments are best; remove all cover plants from around the greenhouse. AH10; N329; S194

They prefer places that provide shelter, moisture and abundant food; they are nocturnal; in daylight they can be found under objects providing dampness; they feed on buds, flowers and roots; best control is sanitation, or by baits, such as Mesurol, metaldehyde, and metaldehyde with Sevin mix. AH86-59

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More The Orchid Doctor Articles under the Heading Slugs and Snails

Slugs and Snails	Comments
SLUGS AND SNAILS: A Review A variety of species are referred to as bush snails or orchid snails; they tend to shun the common baits; they can be controlled with drenching several times with Mesurol; the 75% ingredient is Methiocarb, a wettable powder; the smallest package available in N.Z. is 1.5 kg. priced at $125.00 retail. NZ86-193	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Baits Metaldehyde baits, especially the slow-release granular forms are first rate; Zectran is one of the best liquids. OD76-162	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Control Easily kept under control with new baits such as Que, Cooke, or Cory pellets which can be placed on the media, walks, benches and which lasts for months; liquid baits are applied to the plants and walks, etc. OD69-116	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Controls Deadline, a metaldehyde preparation has proved effective in potting media of inert materials; Mesurol is also recommended but is restricted to California. A86-506	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Damaged Flowers or Spikes These indicate where the pests are lurking so leave them on until night-time because snails invariably return to the same feeding place and can be found in the night with a flashlight. OA80-80	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Home-made Bait" Use three parts portland cement, three parts bran, one part lime or plaster of paris, one part metaldehyde, mix them in water, spread the paste over plastic sheeting, mark it off in one inch squares then dry it thoroughly then use them about a yard apart. AU84-54	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: How to Control Them Use Mesurol (Bayer 37344, or Methiocarb) at the rate of 6.6grams per liter of water, or 61tpg., treating also the benches where they might wander; the kill takes a month; Sevin is less effective.; Mesurol costs about $25. a pound. A81-393	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: In Greenhouses They have been introduced into greenhouses from various sources, the most troublesome two came to N.Z. from Europe and N.America (the bush snail); three of them came from the Mediterranean, Europe and North Africa; they thrive in bark mixes and sphagnum moss; the best control is by repeated pot drenches of Mesurol (75% Methiocarb WP). NZ86-192	0
SLUGS AND SNAILS: Potato as Bait Slice raw potato into pieces one inch square by a quarter inch thick and place on staging; slugs like it above all other food; change every few days; kill them early in the morning. OR70-80	0
SLUGS: Control Get rid of them by using Slug-Geta pellets, or a similar formulation consisting of metaldehyde and Mesurol. A77-108; use Slugit, A79-1112Use of arsenate and hydrated lime causes no injury to plants but provides poor control of small hard-shell snails; continued use might injure plants. A73-807	0
SLUGS: Table Salt Kills Them on Contact, Why Not Use it as a Drench? Do not use table salt as it may also kill the plants; use Slug-Geta pellets. A75-876	0
SNAILS: Tiny Ones in Pots Spray or dust bush snails with a metaldehyde preparation. A73-208	0
SNAILS: Treatment Use Sevin or Zectran. A77-314	0

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