Snails

Joe Shaw jshaw@opuntiads.com
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:24:52 PDT
Not only slugs and snails, but climbing cutworms (which can be very 
destructive to foliage) and various weevils are suitable targets.
+++++++++++++++
Hi Gang,

I've enjoyed all the comments about snails and slugs; this is a clever group 
of folks.  I do a lot of manual removal of pests; the idea of dropping them 
in a container of detergent/soap/beer/vinegar water is excellent.

One reason that I manually remove pests is that I enjoy wildlife in my yard, 
especially birds.  Too many pesticides and the birds are adversely affected.

I confess I use imidacloprid on some plants, and myclobutanil as well.  I 
just can't see adding mollusc poison to the garden to control snails.  I 
don't seem to have exotic snails in my yard, but the native ones are pretty 
good eaters when they get going.  The birds, or perhaps night visiting 
opossums, eat a lot of snails (something is eathing them).  When I find 
snail eggs I make sure to destroy them.

I wish there was a local bird that controlled scale and mealy bugs on potted 
plants.  My Opuntia collection is a magnet for scale and mealies.


Cordially,

Joe
Conroe TX--The redbuds have just finished blooming (or nearly so), and the 
Cherokee rose is just getting into full swing.  The first Crinum have opened 
their flowers.  Rosa gigantea is putting out a lot of vigorous growth, 
perhaps this is the year it will climb up a tree and give the Wisteria some 
company.   Hippeastrum hybrids are putting out leaves quickly now; they 
tried in February but got hit by a frost.  The wild Hymenocallis liriosme 
are in full bloom nearby, and Allium drummondii seems ready to put up 
flowers. 


More information about the pbs mailing list