Controlling snail populations throughout the seasonal cycle is vital. Snail activity is triggered in autumn by rainfall and cool moist conditions. Snails begin feeding and reproductive organs mature around March and April. Using a long lasting weather-resistant bait such as Sluggem, Slugger or Sluggit is the foundation of an effective snail management programme.

Mating starts about two to three weeks after the first autumn rain. A light shower is enough to trigger snail movement and breeding. Snails are hermaphrodites (with both male and female reproductive organs) enabling each snail to lay egg clusters after mating. Egg clusters are laid in the topsoil from late autumn to early spring.

It is estimated that each snail can lay about 400 eggs a year, which varies with species and seasonal conditions. Controlling snails before or soon after egg laying commences is essential. Baiting snails during autumn rains with Sluggem, Slugger or Sluggit will greatly reduce egg laying and therefore prevent the problem of juvenile snails feeding and growing on farm crops through the winter, spring and early summer.

Orchard Agri Chemicals' Sluggem contains metaldehyde (30g/kg) and carbaryl (20g/kg) as active ingredients, Slugger contains metaldehyde (10 g/kg) and methiocarb (5 g/kg), while Sluggit contains only metaldehyde (15g/kg) as the active ingredient. Sluggem is formulated with carbaryl, partly to increase the spectrum of pests controlled to include soil and debris-dwelling insects and spiders. Slugger is formulated to increase effectiveness in controlling white snails, Theba Pisana.

However, carbaryl is also toxic to other soil-inhabiting beneficial insects such as isopods and earthworms and should therefore be avoided if snail and slug management is all that is required. Where only snails or slugs need to be controlled, the use of Sluggit is recommended.

Orchard Agri Chemicals developed Sluggem, Slugger and Sluggit as a softer pellet making them easier for snails and slugs to gnaw on. The smaller pellets cover a greater area and are most reliable when temperatures are warm, or following rain when snails and slugs are active. It is important not to water heavily for at least three or four days after bait placement; watering will reduce effectiveness and snails may recover from Metaldehyde poisoning if high moisture conditions occur.

Sluggem, Slugger or Sluggit should be scattered in areas that is regularly frequented by snails and slugs, such as areas around sprinkler heads. Quite often the area around fences are left untreated, when in fact these areas need to be treated with a higher concentration of bait pellets to prevent investation of the neighbouring farms. Placing bait repeatedly in the same areas maximises control because snails tend to return to food source sites. For the best results baiting should take place just before or during planting. If necessary a second treatment may be applied as soon as seedlings appear above the ground. However, don’t pile bait in mounds, especially hazardous bait, because piling makes bait attractive to pets and children.

The timing of any baiting with Sluggem, Slugger or Sluggit is critical; baiting is less effective during very hot, very dry, or cold times of the year due to snails and slugs being less active during these periods. Irrigate before baiting, in order to promote snail activity, and apply the bait in the late afternoon or evening. Snail monitoring should be part of all growers routine checks. Counting snails 7 days after controls have been applied provides an indication of success or otherwise. Alternatively make use of Orchard Agri Chemicals' snail and slug control programme SlugPro.