Mollusks
By: Emilee & Anthony
What damage does the mollusk cause to plants?
They eat leaves of growing plants and the seeds of plants trying to grow, also when they dig in the dirt they cause holes and that can cause different diseases such as plant rot, fungus, viruses, and bacteria. They may also consume entire seedlings. Their slime may cause destruction of the plant.
Leaf damage
Root damage
Leaf damage
This caused the plant to die.
What are the most appropriate ways to control or deter the mollusk from damaging plants?
Traps
- Slugs can't resist the yeast in beer and are drawn in to drown. ill the tub to within one inch of the rim with beer. The slugs will stretch and reach for the beer, fall in, and perish. Clean out the trap each morning and replenish with fresh beer.
Barriers
- Slugs and snails hate crossing copper. You can use copper mesh fencing or copper flashing strips to keep them out of a prized bed or container. Attach the copper flashing to the top of the bed or container and slugs and snails won't cross it. The copper reacts with the slug’s and snail's slime, creating a chemical reaction that's similar to an electric shock to the mollusk.
Baits
Iron phosphate bait is sold under brand names such as Escar-Go or Sluggo. It has a slug and snail attractant in it. The slugs and snails consume the iron phosphate, which kills them within a few days. Iron phosphate is a naturally-occurring mineral and is safe for use around wildlife, pets, and people.
Slug Species
Slugs-
Graden Slugs
Field Slugs
Keel Slugs
Snail Species
Snails-
Roman Snail
Garden Snail
Giant African Land Snail