Snails and slugs
Night-feeding molluscs that chew ragged holes in leaves, seedlings and soft stems, especially in wet weather.
Also known as: Garden snails, Slugs
Symptoms and identification
Irregular holes in leaves and flowers, chewed leaf edges and seedlings eaten down to the stem overnight. Silvery, slimy trails on leaves, pots and paths are a clear sign. Damage is worst after rain and on young, tender growth.
Causes
Snails and slugs feed at night and on damp, cloudy days, hiding by day under pots, stones, mulch and dense foliage. The monsoon and regular evening watering create ideal conditions for them.
Organic treatment
Go out with a torch after dark or after rain and pick them off by hand. Set traps such as a shallow dish of beer sunk into the soil, or an upturned grapefruit half, and empty them every morning. Copper tape around pots stops them climbing.
Prevention
Water in the morning rather than the evening, clear away debris and raise pots on stands. Surround seedlings with rough barriers such as crushed eggshells or coarse sand, and encourage birds and toads in the garden.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
If damage is severe, use pellets based on iron phosphate, which are safer for pets and wildlife than metaldehyde. Scatter them thinly, following the label.