Find out the most recent recommendations for snail management in Florida citrus based on ongoing research by UF/IFAS.
“Many citrus growers in Florida have been impacted by Bulimulus bonariensis …” and “…UF/IFAS has been developing knowledge to provide management recommendations for this pest,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. These snails are attracted to irrigation systems, clogging microjets and other components. The article shared the latest recommendations for snail management as spring approaches. See the details below.
Snail Research Details
UF/IFAS researchers “followed populations of snails in four locations in Central Florida,” for the last three years. They found that:
- “Activity associated with traps began in late February or March, depending on the year.”
- “Populations increased through June, often followed by a rapid decline from late July through September.
- “Hatchling snails are too small and fragile to detect with the sampling methods used and therefore under-sampled in groves. These small young snails are hard to detect, so they likely go undetected until larger snails become active in larger numbers, which appears to be later in the spring emergence.”
- “Soil temperature is one of these [environmentally ideal] conditions. Relative snail activity increases when soil temperatures are between 59 and 86 degrees.”
The article also added that “Despite the widespread freeze in late January/early February, it is likely that the snail populations survived and will be active again once the environmental conditions are ideal.”
Recommendations for Snail Management
The article maintained that “Based on the relative population activity that was documented from sampling, it is likely that Bulimulus bonariensis will require a minimum of two (and potentially more) management actions to reduce the populations to a point where they are not impeding irrigation.”
In giving recommendations for snail management article shared that “there are six baits and one liquid molluscicide registered for use on snails in Florida citrus:
- Deadline GT
- Deadline M-Ps
- Iron Fist
- Ferroxx
- Ferroxx AQ
- Sluggo (baits)
- Slug-Fest (liquid)
The article shared that “In a laboratory study, all baits were found to be effective in killing B. bonariensis within a seven-day period.” It added that “Field evaluations of baits and their timing are planned for 2026.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.