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Snails are not one of the most welcomed guests in one's gardens! Although snails play essential roles in the ecosystem, they can also cause harm to your garden plants and yard. This article will explore the damage snails can do to your yard and what you can do about it.

About Snails

Snails are a type of invertebrate animal that belongs to the class Gastropoda, which includes both land and marine snails. They have a spiral shell that protects their soft body and a foot that they use to move along the ground. They are known for their slow movement and slimy trail and are found in many environments. Some species are considered pests as they can damage plants in gardens and agricultural fields, while others are considered a delicacy in some cultures. Snail populations can be controlled using baits, handpicking, barriers, natural predators, and education and consultation on preventing future infestations.

What Harm Can Snails Do To Your Yard?

Snails can cause harm to a yard in several ways:

• Plant damage
  Snails feed on various plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and shrubs. They can cause damage to leaves, stems, and fruit by eating holes in them, damaging the plants' overall appearance and reducing their yield.
  
• Soil damage
  Snails can also damage the soil by burrowing through it, which can cause soil erosion and make it more difficult for plants to grow. Additionally, they can leave slimy trails on the soil surface, making it difficult to walk on or work in the yard.
  
• Disease transmission
  Snails can also transmit plant diseases, such as viruses and fungal infections.
  
• Attracting other pests
  Snail populations can also attract other pests, such as rats and mice, which can cause further damage to the yard.
  
• Damage to other wildlife
  Snails can also harm other wildlife by competing for food and resources, and some species can even eat smaller invertebrates and snails, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.

Preventing & Controlling Snails

Snails can be a common problem in backyard gardens, but several ways exist to prevent and control their populations.

1. Physical barriers
   One of the most effective ways to prevent snails from entering your garden is to create physical barriers around the perimeter. For example, copper tape or mesh can be placed around the base of plants or on the ground to create a barrier that snails cannot cross.
2. Handpicking
   Regularly inspecting your garden for snails and handpicking them can also be an effective control method. This is especially effective when done early in the morning or after a rainfall when snails are more active.
3. Traps
   Beer traps can also be used to control snail populations. Simply bury a shallow dish or container filled with beer in the soil, and the snails will be attracted to it, fall in, and drown.
4. Natural predators
   Encouraging natural predators such as birds, frogs, and beneficial insects can also help control snail populations.
5. Proper irrigation
   Overwatering can attract snails to your garden. Proper irrigation and drainage can help prevent this problem.
6. Mulch
   Using a thick layer of mulch in your garden can also help to prevent snails. Snails prefer to live in damp environments, and the mulch will make it harder for them to move around and find food.
7. Chemical control
   Chemical control methods, such as baits and pesticides, can also control snail populations. However, these methods should be used with caution and only as a last resort, as they can harm other wildlife and the environment. Hiring a professional pest control company for this method is undoubtedly the best way to go about it!

In conclusion, snails can be a nuisance in the backyard and need to be dealt with quickly. However, with a few strategies and a professional lawn care company such as The Experienced Gardener, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful garden free of snails!