Frequently Asked Questions About Slugs & Snails
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What are slugs and snails?
Slugs and snails are common garden pests and belong to the scientific category of mollusks. They are classified as gastropods, known for their sliding movements, the slimy mucus trail they leave behind, and their love of eating plants throughout outdoor areas.
The main difference between snails and slugs is the external shells that snails have. Some slugs have soft internal shells, but most have no type of shell at all. Both slugs and snails have two upper tentacles on their foreheads that carry eyes on the top; they use these for sight and smell, and they have two lower tentacles that extend down for touching and tasting. Reach out to us today for pest control in Sonoma County.
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Are slugs and snails dangerous?
Both slugs and snails are small and often thought of as nothing more than a nuisance, but these garden pests can be dangerous. Slugs and snails won’t bite humans, and they aren’t poisonous, but they do carry serious diseases and parasites. As slugs and snails make their way throughout your property, you risk interacting with them and picking up illnesses such as angiostrongyliasis, clonorchiasis, fascioliasis, and rat lungworm, among many others. Rat lungworm is especially dangerous for both humans and animals and requires immediate medical attention.
A more common concern is the damage snails and slugs can inflict on your garden and plants.
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Why do I have a slug and snail problem?
You may be encountering slugs and types of snails in Sonoma County due to your property attracting these pests. Slugs and snails are drawn to areas that provide ample amounts of food and moisture. Unfortunately, slugs and snails are not picky eaters, and just about any type of vegetable or flowering plant can provide food for these pests. Snails and slugs may also end up on your property unintentionally; you may have brought in slugs and snails from a recent plant purchase.
Keep in mind that defeating a slug and snail problem involves reducing things that might be attracting this pest to your property.
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Where will I find slugs and snails?Slugs and snails in California are typically found outdoors, where they have the most food. They hide in damp, dark places during the day, such as under piles of debris and leaves, near fallen logs, around overgrown foliage, and in areas of moist soil. Slugs and snails leave their hiding places at night to feed on the vegetation around them.
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How do I get rid of slugs and snails?
If you want to get rid of slugs and snails in Sonoma County and protect your outdoor areas from these pests, look no further than California Exterminators Alliance. Our team of expert technicians will help you eradicate all traces of these plant-damaging, potentially hazardous pests from your property, returning your outdoor areas to safety.
Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions or to get started removing these pests from your outdoor spaces.
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How can I prevent slugs and snails in the future?
The following prevention tips for slugs and snails can protect your property from developing infestations of these garden pests in the future:
- Clear outdoor areas of piles of debris, woodpiles, leaf piles, and other overgrown areas that provide damp and dark hiding spots.
- Install weatherstripping and door sweeps in addition to window and door screens around your property to keep slugs and snails outside.
- Address moisture issues around your property that contribute to excess water puddles and the humid conditions slugs and snails love both inside and out.
- Thoroughly inspect all new plant purchases for slugs and snails prior to bringing them to your property.
Get in touch with California Exterminators Alliance for more slug and snail prevention advice or assistance removing these pests from your property.
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