Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

The Diet of Snails: What You Need to Know

Written by Aptive Environmental November 22, 2024

When you see snails in your garden, you might wonder, “What do snails eat?” Snails can be both fascinating creatures and troublesome pests. In this article, we will explore the various foods that snails consume in the wild and in gardens. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to control snail populations to minimize damage to your plants.

What Do Snails Eat?

Snails are not picky eaters. They have a diverse diet that varies depending on their environment. Here’s a closer look at what snails typically consume:

  • Plants and vegetation: Snails are herbivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of plants. They are particularly fond of leafy greens, tender stems, and soft fruits. In gardens, they often target lettuce, cabbage, and strawberries, among other plants.
  • Fungi and algae: In the wild, snails often feed on fungi and algae. These food sources are abundant in damp environments, such as forests and wetlands. Algae found on rocks or in ponds are a common part of their diet.
  • Decaying organic matter: Snails also play a role in the ecosystem by consuming decaying organic matter. They feed on dead leaves, plant debris, and other organic material, helping to break it down and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
  • Soil and minerals: To maintain their shells, snails require calcium. They often consume small amounts of soil or rocks to get the minerals they need for shell development.

Snail Diet in Gardens: What to Watch For

In your garden, snails can be both beneficial and destructive. Here’s how their diet impacts your plants:

  • Leafy greens: Snails are particularly attracted to soft, leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach. They leave behind large holes in the leaves, which can stunt plant growth or ruin crops.
  • Fruits and flowers: Snails also target fruits and flowers, especially when they are close to the ground. Strawberries, tomatoes, and young flowers are often on their menu. They can ruin entire crops by eating the fruit before it fully ripens.
  • Seedlings: Young plants are especially vulnerable to snails. They can eat seedlings down to the stem, preventing them from growing into mature plants. This can be particularly frustrating for gardeners who have just planted new seeds.
  • Herbs and aromatic plants: While snails generally avoid strong-smelling plants, they may still feed on certain herbs, especially if other food sources are scarce. Basil, mint, and parsley can sometimes fall victim to snail attacks.

Tips for Managing Snail Populations

If snails are damaging your garden, there are several strategies you can use to manage their population. Here are some practical tips:

  • Remove attractants: Snails are attracted to moist, shaded areas. Reduce hiding spots by clearing away leaf litter, rocks, and garden debris. Water your garden in the morning so that the soil is dry by evening when snails are most active.
  • Create barriers: Physical barriers can prevent snails from reaching your plants.
  • Handpick snails: Although it’s time-consuming, handpicking snails can be effective. Go out early in the morning or after a rain when snails are most active.
  • Attract natural predators: Encourage natural predators like birds, frogs, and beetles to visit your garden. These animals can help keep the snail population in check. You can attract them by creating habitats such as birdhouses or ponds.

When to Consider Professional Help

While the above strategies can be effective, sometimes snails can become a persistent problem that requires additional help. Here’s when you might consider contacting professional pest control:

  • Severe infestations: If your garden is overrun with snails despite your efforts, professional intervention may be needed. Snail exterminators can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions.
  • Large gardens or yards: In larger spaces, managing snails can be overwhelming. Professionals have the tools and expertise to handle extensive infestations effectively.
  • Protecting valuable plants: If you have valuable or rare plants that are being damaged, it’s worth getting expert help to protect them from snails.

Take Control of Your Garden Today

Snails can be a real pest in gardens, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can manage their population and protect your plants. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you control snails and keep your garden thriving. Whether you need advice on preventive measures or professional snail extermination services, we are here to assist.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Modern Living Room With Gray Walls, A Light Gray Sectional Sofa, A White Coffee Table, And A Wooden Tv Stand. A Black Flat-Screen Tv And A Potted Plant Are Placed On The Stand.

Budget-Friendly Pest Control Tips and Tricks

Pest infestations can quickly turn your home into a source of stress. Whether it's ants invading your home or the unwelcomed sound of mice in the walls, pests can make anyone feel uneasy. But when you're working with a tight budget, managing these unwanted guests...

Dec 12, 2024
An Aptive Pest Control Specialist Waves To Two Children From Outside A House Window, With An Aptive Van Parked In The Background. The Children Are Sitting At A Table Inside, One Waving Back While The Other Is Drawing.

The Importance of Regular Pest Control

Keeping a home protected from pests is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. A one-time pest control treatment is a fantastic first step in addressing immediate pest issues, but for long-term protection, regular pest control is the...

Dec 6, 2024
A Cozy Living Room Decorated For Christmas, Featuring A Stone Fireplace Adorned With Stockings And A Brightly Lit Christmas Tree Surrounded By Neatly Wrapped Presents.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Holiday Decorations

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and festive décor. But as you deck the halls, unwelcome pests can find your decorations just as inviting. Whether your ornaments are on display or tucked away in storage, these tips will help you enjoy your holidays...

Nov 25, 2024
A Snow-Covered Suburban Landscape Featuring A Two-Story White House With A Red Front Door And A Wreath. Snow-Laden Evergreen Trees Frame The Scene, Creating A Picturesque Winter Setting.

How to Protect Your Home With These Winter Pest Control Tips

As temperatures drop, your home becomes a prime target for cold-weather pests looking for warmth. Common intruders like rodents, spiders, and cockroaches seek shelter inside houses during winter. Effective winter pest control is essential to keep these pests out...

Nov 22, 2024
Modern Basement Interior With Light Beige Walls, Dark Wood Flooring, And A Cozy Seating Area Featuring A White Armchair And A Patterned Rug Next To A Stylish Staircase With Wooden Railings.

5 Common Insects in the Basement and How to Handle Them

If you feel like your basement is being overrun by bugs or insects, you're not alone. Common insects such as spiders, centipedes, and beetles are frequently found in these spaces. The insects found here are attracted to dark, humid environments and away from the...

Nov 22, 2024
Four Outdoor Garbage Bins In Blue, Brown, Gray, And Green Placed Side By Side, Marked With The Number 23. The Bins Are Against A Red Wooden Fence With Gardening Tools Resting Inside One Of The Bins.

What Attracts Pests to Your Garbage and How to Keep Them Away

If you’ve ever struggled with cockroaches, flies, or rats, you know how frustrating it can feel when they seem to have a secret invitation to your garbage. These pests are often drawn to food residue, moisture, and even strong odors emanating from your trash....

Nov 22, 2024
A Modern, Two-Story House With A Gray And White Exterior, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights At Dusk, Showcasing A Clean Driveway And A Small Front Yard.

Household Pests That Thrive During Rainy Seasons

When the weather turns wet, it’s not just humans who seek shelter—many pests take advantage of the moisture and humidity. Rainy season pests can cause serious problems for homeowners, from mosquitoes breeding in standing water to ants invading kitchens in search of...

Nov 20, 2024
Brown Rat Perched On A Stone Ledge, Surrounded By Green Foliage, With A Focused Expression And Vibrant Background.

3 Reasons Why it’s Important to Act Fast to Get Rid of Pests

You've spotted pests in your home—maybe a trail of ants, a mouse in the garage, or a few cockroaches in the kitchen. Your first reaction might be to ignore it, hoping the problem will go away on its own. But that's a mistake. In this article, we'll explore three...

Nov 19, 2024
Modern Basement Interior With Light Beige Walls, Dark Wood Flooring, And A Cozy Seating Area Featuring A White Armchair And A Patterned Rug Next To A Stylish Staircase With Wooden Railings.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home

There’s nothing quite like the peace of a well-maintained home. But that peace can be disrupted when pests find their way indoors. Whether it’s ants marching through the kitchen, spiders taking up residence in your home, or mice scurrying in the attic, pests are...

Nov 18, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.