Be Nice to Snails

[Colin2016]

Been hearing that I have to be nice to snails as well as slugs, not a chance for either on my plot, they enter at their own risk.

[oldherbaceous]

I think there’s plenty about, so i’m going to protect my seedlings!

[Westi]

In 'normal' years I just move them to the hedge row, but this year with all the rain it is a total invasion! They have a place in the eco system for sure; but like all overly successful species there has to be a cull to recreate the balance or the whole species will die out. I can't squish them or like seeing them dried out on the ground risking another species, so rely on Sluggo. I'm unsure how it works but when they feast on these granules they go underground to die so no risk to other secondary feeders.

[Primrose]

When qi was actively gardening qi confess I used to rehome them by throwing them over the back garden fence into the garden wasteland that still exists there. Now aI can't get out there to have a regular urge aI expect they,re having a field day.

I always believed that thrushes used to enjoy feasting on them once they'd cracked their shells but sadly haven't seen a thrush in our garden for ages.

[Stravaig]

I think you can eat ordinary ggarden snails if you detoxify them first. Keep in a container and feed them only water and lettuce. Then run out and buy butter and garlic. I have eaten snails (in France) but didn't like them very much because of the thick bit on the bottom. Can't remember if it's called the sole or maybe the shoe. Nah, I'll not be having them again any time soon.

[Primrose]

How do you cook them? Not that I would attempt to try, but much as Ihate slugs and snails I,m totally against the cruelty inflicted of cooking any live creature in a slow manner which causes them pain, because yes, they do have a nervous system and feel pain like any other living creature.

I feel more strongly about this after we once discovered a dying rat screaming in pain in one of our rat bait boxes after a rat invasion. It was pretty sickening.and the memory has stayed imprinted in my mind. If something has to be killed, I want it to be instant with no pain or suffering, however insignificant it is.

[Stravaig]

Hi Primrose,

I'm not sure I've ever cooked snails. If I have I've forgotten how - and most of my cookbooks are in the removal company's storage. I had a look on G and found this, which seems sensible.
https://www.thesnailhouse.co.uk/2021/11 ... re-snails/

My late stepfather used to enjoy dropping creels to catch lobsters. He kept them alive until he was ready to cook them and then he dropped them into boiling water. I learned at chef school that this is a cruel way to dispose of them. I was taught the best way is to thrust a sharp knife into the 'cross' on the back of their head. This kills them instantly. My stepfather, who would never be deliberately cruel to anyone or anything was keen to learn from me how to do this.

I generally don't like killing things, the main exceptions being mosqitoes and flies. I kill them as soon as I see them.

[vivienz]

I'm afraid every one I have found in my greenhouse has been promptly stepped on and squished. I have used nematodes this year but they can take a while to get settled in so I resorted to a heavy stomp. Very quick and chemical free, too.

[Westi]

I'm re-applying Sluggo pellets regularly & can see the decrease in numbers I'm finding, along with adding them to the bucket & tossing them over into the hedge row. I don't like seeing them when dead & even worse stepping on them, the crunch & guts is repelling, but has it advantages as you can truly see the results. When they ingest Sluggo they go underground to die as it dehydrates them; probs looking for moisture, but success can only be measured by plants not showing nibbles or slime trails.