Garden Snails (Zachrysia provisoria, Caracolus m arginellus)

Introduced: These two Cuban species Zachrysia is more prevalent in south were purposely introduced to Miami in the Florida than the banded caracol. early 1900‘s. Seasonality: These snails can be found Current Infestation: These are found year-round but highest populations can throughout much of the tropics and are be found during the warm, rainy season. currently established in southern Florida. Hosts: The garden Zachrysia feeds on a Description/Biology: Zachrysia variety of agricultural and horticultural provisoria, sometimes called the Cuban crops which include ornamental plants land snail, Cuban and small fruits. Low growing plants, brown snail, or the especially those with succulent leaves garden Zachrysia, may be more prone to attack. The has a medium banded caracol feeds on decaying plants size shell about or algae, and is not considered an one inch (25 to 30 agricultural pest. It has been observed feeding on fallen calabash flowers and mm) long, spherical in the algae growing on palm trunks. shape, 4 to 5 rapidly expanding whorls, and Im portance: The garden Zachrysia is of sometimes with light particular importance due to the extreme brown axial streaks. damage it can cause and the risk that it can be accidentally spread to new areas Caracolus marginellus, called the banded with infested plants. caracol, has a large size shell about 1² inches long (35 to 45 Dam age: Snails can cause devastating mm) with a light and damage to the plants they feed on. Snails dark brown banded are often found on the foliage but can color pattern. The feed on all plant parts. They can chew shell is slightly irregular holes in leaves, clip soft plant flattened with 5 to 6 parts, and also chew fruit and young plant gradually expanding whorls. bark. Be aware that not all Both of these snails are not usually feeding confused with other species in south damage can be Florida due to their large size and ribbed blamed on or banded shell pattern. The garden snails.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A. & M. UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.

Garden Snails (Zachrysia provisoria, Caracolus m arginellus) Look for other can then be collected in the morning. evidence of Using attractive substances such as beer snails (slime or decaying fruit will draw the snails out. trails, presence of Take a shallow saucer and sink it into the the snail). soil so that the edge is level with the ground. Place some beer and a few Managem ent: A slices of banana in the saucer. They good management program relies on a crawl in for a taste, but can‘t crawl back combination of methods. The first thing out--they keep slipping back in. Barriers is to remove or reduce the habitats that such as copper flashing and screens can they like to hide in be used to keep snails out of plant beds such as under or off benches or tables. boards, bags, brush, and debris. There are several snail baits that can be Make it a regular used effectively and will kill these snails. practice to Baits containing pesticides such as remove snails in metaldehyde and/or carbaryl can be habitats that hazardous, and should not be used cannot be around children and pets. Baits eliminated (ledges, undersides of wood containing iron phosphate are safer for decks, potted plants, etc). Snails may be use around the home. a sign of an over-watered landscape. Most landscape plants do not need Professional and Grower - The use of a supplemental irrigation. Snails that are pesticide may be necessary for control. found on tree trunks or on buildings do Methiocarb (Mesurol) and metaldehyde not feed on plants. They feed on algae (Deadline, MPs) are useful for snail and lichens and should not be killed. control. Timing is critical when using baits. Baits are less effective during hot, Homeowner - Look for slime trails or dry or cold times of the year. Irrigate search for snails at night. Handpicking before applying a bait to promote snail snails can be effective if done thoroughly activity. on a regular basis. W ater the infested area in the late afternoon and search out W ebsites: the snails after dark. Use gloves to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN27500.pdf handle the snails and discard them in a http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/ plastic bag, in a bucket with salty water, snail_slugs-pa.html http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/ or a container of dilute rubbing alcohol. commorn/publications/Snail-Slug-

Factsheet.pdf Traps can be used to attract snails which makes collecting and discarding them Authors: easier. Traps are generally only effective Adrian Hunsberger, UF/IFAS, Miami-Dade Extension Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS, Monroe Extension for short distances. For example, slightly Catharine Mannion, UF/IFAS, TREC Homestead elevating a board overnight above the ground near damaged plants makes an Photo Credits: UF/IFAS, Paul Choate, Holly Glenn attractive shelter for snails. The snails August 2006

Disclaimer: The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.