Symptoms
Irregular holes in young leaves and tender shoots. Silvery slime trails on plants and soil. Plants eaten to ground level in severe cases. Most active at night and after rain.
Prevention
Remove hiding places such as boards, stones, and dense mulch near plants. Handpick snails at night. Use copper tape as a barrier. Encourage natural predators such as toads and ducks.
Treatment
Organic
Use iron phosphate baits (slug/snail bait). Apply diatomaceous earth around plant bases. Set beer traps. Scatter crushed eggshells as a physical deterrent.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply metaldehyde or methiocarb baits in the evening. Keep baits away from vegetables and fruit contact. Reapply after heavy rain. Observe strict food safety precautions.
Affects 1 crop
Sources
MARDI Vegetable Pest Guide; DOA IPM Manual