Slugs & snails

Recognize the signs

Evidence

Irregular feeding holes, scraped tissue and slime trails support the diagnosis; daytime absence is common because animals shelter from drying.

Animal

Snails have an external shell; slugs lack a conspicuous one. Not every local species is a plant pest.

Look more closely

Compare the labeled examples and their limits. Images are independently enlarged, not shown at a common scale.

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Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

Compare every column. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways.

What else could it be?

Caterpillars or beetles

These also chew foliage; search for insects, frass and fresh feeding.

Compare caterpillars ↗

Disease or physical damage

Tissue can fall out of leaf spots or tear; holes alone are inconclusive.

Compare plant disease & stress ↗

Inspect the right places

1. Check the active period

   Use a torch after dark or during damp weather. Follow fresh slime and examine the undersides of pots and nearby debris without handling unknown animals barehanded.

2. Locate avoidable moisture

   Check leaking irrigation, persistently wet edges and hiding sites close to seedlings. Preserve useful habitat elsewhere while protecting the vulnerable planting.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. Reduce shelter near the crop

   Remove unnecessary boards and debris; use targeted morning watering when appropriate so surface moisture does not persist all night.

2. Hand-remove confirmed pests

   Inspect repeatedly and collect identified plant-feeding slugs or snails. If using a shelter trap, check it daily and remove the animals rather than creating a permanent refuge.

3. Use bait only within the label

   A locally permitted molluscicide may complement habitat changes. Follow the exact crop/site, placement and pet/child instructions; keep the package for any exposure consultation.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not use salt on garden soil or plants.
• Do not heap bait or assume a product is harmless because it is marketed as natural or contains iron.
• Do not expect bait to compensate for permanent wet shelter.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Inspect pots and plant deliveries for hidden animals and eggs.
• Repair irrigation leaks and protect seedlings with locally recommended barriers maintained free of bypasses.

Common questions