CROPPING GENERAL

Hit snails hard now

Don't be sluggish when it comes to controlling snails

Mark Saunders

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

Stimulated by moisture, snails are becoming active after summer dormancy, presenting the opportunity for growers to commence baiting.
Baiting is most effective when snails are actively feeding but before they commence mating and egg-laying, according to experts supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Entomologist Helen Brodie, from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, said snail movement has been recently observed.
“Even though conditions have been mostly dry to date this year, snails have been observed becoming mobile in response to light rain events and overnight dews in parts of South Australia since March,” Brodie said.
“Baiting programs should target snails as soon as they become active and before reproduction – therefore, now is the time to act.”
Trials conducted over the past three years by SARDI as part of a GRDC research investment have shown that the reproductive organs of snails begin to mature from late March onwards, and then most reproductive activity occurs from late April to July.
Brodie said baits are not inherently attractive to snails, therefore baiting performance relies on snail activity which determines the chance of snails encountering and consuming bait pellets. At this time of year, even light showers or overnight dews are sufficient to stimulate movement.
“Ideal conditions for baiting are periods when the soil is likely to remain moist for several days. Baiting can be carried out anytime snails are active. However, current research is supporting autumn as the best time to bait for several reasons.
“Firstly, preventing adult snails from laying eggs is critical in reducing population growth. Juvenile snails are generally more difficult to control using baits due to reduced movement and bait encounter. Secondly, SARDI laboratory trials have found higher efficacy (against both snails and slugs) when baits are applied under warmer temperatures within the range we tested (10 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees C). And finally, baiting is most efficient when there is less ground cover and alternative food – the presence of crop plants and weeds at later times during the year reduces bait encounter.”
To ensure snails are likely to encounter pellets, use the appropriate rate according to the label. Snail and slug baiting guidelines are available at http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/286735/Snail_and_slug_baiting_guidelines.pdf.
Brodie said calibration of the bait spreader is needed to ensure effective application.
“Don’t assume your spreader is distributing bait pellets evenly. Research by the Yorke Peninsula Alkaline Soils Group and SARDI showed that spreaders calibrated for other applications (such as urea) may not broadcast baits as widely as expected, while ute spreaders often distribute the pellets unevenly.
“Different bait products have different hardness and ballistic properties. It is recommended that bait spreaders be professionally calibrated to ensure even broadcast of the target pellet density over the entire spread width. Bait spreaders can fragment pellets during application, which can reduce the number of effective baits.”

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.