Snails can be a major nuisance for alfalfa growers, feeding voraciously on leaves, stems, and crowns. Left uncontrolled, they can decimate an entire alfalfa stand. Luckily, there are several effective methods farmers can use to get rid of snails, protect their crop, and ensure optimal yield.
Identifying Snail Damage
The first step is learning how to spot snail infestations Look for these telltale signs
- Irregularly shaped holes in leaves and irregular notching along leaf edges.
- Silvery slime trails on plant surfaces and soil.
- Visible snails, often found on lower leaves and hidden bases during the day.
Snails tend to feed more actively at night or on cloudy, overcast days. Monitor plants vigilantly, especially after rainfall which creates ideal conditions for snails.
Cultural Control Methods
Implementing certain farm practices can help reduce snail populations
- Regular tilling exposes snails to predators and disrupts their habitat.
- Eliminate trash, weeds, and debris that snails use for shelter.
- Rotate alfalfa frequently with non-host crops like corn to disrupt snail life cycles.
- Consider planting snail-resistant alfalfa varieties if available.
While not foolproof, these tactics create a less hospitable environment for snails.
Physical Removal
Manually picking off snails is time-consuming but can be done for small infestations. Search plants thoroughly and drop snails into a pail of soapy water to kill them. Be diligent as any missed snails will continue breeding.
Natural Predators
Encouraging natural snail predators can reduce their numbers
- Ducks, chickens, and geese will readily feed on snails.
- Ground beetles, toads, shrews, and certain snakes prey on snails.
- Attract predators by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides or providing habitat piles.
- Purchase beneficial decollate snails that eat other snails but won’t damage plants.
This biological control limits snail populations without chemicals.
Traps
Simple traps can capture large numbers of snails:
- Sink shallow dishes of beer into the soil around plants. Snails are lured in by the yeasty aroma but drown.
- Prop up boards, tiles, or grapefruit rinds overnight, then collect snails that have sheltered underneath in the morning.
Check traps daily and dispose of captured snails in soapy water.
Iron Phosphate Baits
Iron phosphate baits such as Sluggo are effective for snail control. When ingested, iron phosphate stops snails from feeding without killing them right away. Scatter bait pellets around plants, replacing every 2-4 weeks. Iron phosphate products are safe for pets, wildlife, and people.
Biological Control
Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a nematode that parasitizes snail larvae when applied to soil. The nematodes multiply and kill immature snails but leave mature snails and other organisms unharmed. Reapply every 2-3 weeks.
Chemical Pesticides
In severe infestations, snail-specific pesticides may be warranted. Methiocarb and metaldehyde baits are poisonous to snails. Use with extreme caution, following all safety guidelines to avoid harming people, plants or other wildlife. Limit application to infested areas only.
Prevent Reinfestation
- Maintain proper field hygiene by eliminating weeds/debris.
- Avoid excessive irrigation which snails thrive on.
- Monitor regularly and act quickly at the first signs of damage.
- Encourage biodiversity to attract natural predators.
With persistence and an integrated approach using several methods together, alfalfa farmers can protect their crop from destructive snail pests. The key is prevention, close monitoring, and implementing both cultural practices and targeted controls as needed before snails get out of hand.
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FAQ
What kills snails but not plants?
What can you spray on plants to kill snails?
How do I get rid of slimy slugs & snails in my garden?
No one wants to go out and pick slimy slugs and snails off of their garden plants. Alas, you must. Head out in your garden at night and look for slugs and snails. The only time you’ll catch these pests at work is when it’s dark outside, so you’ll need a flashlight. I recommend wearing gloves to help with some of the icky factors.
Do slugs & snails damage garden plants?
Operating under the cover of darkness, slugs and snails can do massive damage to garden plants in a very short period of time. Each evening, they leave their cool and dark hiding spots beneath rocks and fallen leaves and descend upon a wide range of garden cultivars.
How do I get rid of snails in my garden?
Alum (Aluminum sulfate) can be found in most grocery stores in the spice aisle. Dissolve 1-3 tablespoons per gallon of warm water and soak the plants for at least 2-3 hours, or up to 24 hours in milder solutions. It can be effective in removing snails, but is slightly less effective at getting rid of the eggs.
Do slugs & snails eat seedlings?
Slugs and snails are soft-bodied, slow-moving creatures that thrive in moist environments. They feed on a wide variety of plants, making them a common threat to gardens. These pests are most active at night or on cloudy, damp days, which is when they do the most damage. You’ll need to find them before they find your tender seedlings.