snails in the greenhouse - need safe method to kill

[utah]

Hey all,

I've found a few snails living in the greenhouse. I've picked out (and smashed) the few I've found but I know there are more out there (still finding new snail trails).

Anyone have a good method for killing them that is non-lethal to my dogs? I can't use slug and snail bait because the dogs are in the greenhouse all the time.

Would salt on the floor (where it won't come in contact with the orchids) do the trick?

Suggestions (or good escargot recipes)??

[camille1585]

Are these little snails are big ones? For the little ones that crawl around in the plants, something that works quite well is to put a slice of cucumber on top of the medium, in the evening. The next morning the snails should be on the cucumber.

Another method I use in my garden is to bury slightly in the soil a pot with beer in it. The smell attracts snails, they fall in and then drown. But you need to change the traps regularily, because it sure stinks after a while! Or else you can try organic slug pellets. It is called Ferramol and is made with iron phosphate, so non toxic to humans and animals.
Bu still, my preferred method of slug/snail control is to let my pet ducks go in the vegetable garden after it rains. They eat all the snails and their poop provides extra fertilizer! I guess that's not an option for many people!

[BikerDoc5968]

Apple slices work like the cucumber routine. The other thing that some have mentioned is to just place the whole pot in some water and drown them...some use coffee in the water. If you do a search of the topics on OB, you're sure to find more info. I've used the apples and they do work but after several days they begin to break down and smell....

[utah]

Thanks all. The snails are a combination of small ones and a large one (family, I think). I've found a few of the small ones but there is a larger snail trail on the greenhouse wall and I haven't found that one yet. I'll try the cucumber or apple slices first. Thank you!

[Joansorchid]

Utah
If you have any thin copper wire you can make it into a loop and just lay it on top of the flower pot. The slugs and snails hate it as it gives them an electric shock.
Joan xx

[priz_m]

Hi Utah, I agree with Doc and camille, that is what seems to work, specially on the little ones, check the apple/cucumber slices on a daily basis until you see no more

[utah]

Originally Posted by Joansorchid

Utah
If you have any thin copper wire you can make it into a loop and just lay it on top of the flower pot. The slugs and snails hate it as it gives them an electric shock.
Joan xx

Oh, great idea!!! I have lots of very fine copper wire. Off to make copper loops and put apple slices on the floor (no cucumbers at the house). Wahoo - death the the snails!

Thanks all!

[orchids3]

Lettice leaves and potato peels wor well too.