Explore what the research says so far concerning snail management in citrus, an increasing concern in Florida citrus.
“Snail management is becoming a more common discussion in Florida citrus with the arrival of a newer species in the Southeast,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. The piece shared the details of the research so far into snail management in citrus, with the caveat that “Snail management is tricky at best.” See what the researchers have uncovered thus far, below.
Details on Snail Management in Citrus
The article shared the following information concerning snail management in citrus:
- “Over the past three years, the first emergence of newly hatched snails was noted in late April through early May.”
- “It is likely that populations of snails go undetected for several generations due to the small size of the younger life stages. Until snails are larger, or the population is high enough to begin clogging irrigation, they are easy to miss in fields.”
- “At present, there are six baits and one liquid molluscicide registered for use on snails in Florida citrus: Deadline GT, Deadline M-Ps, IronFist, Ferroxx, Ferroxx AQ, Sluggo (baits) and Slug-Fest (liquid). In a laboratory study, all baits were found to be effective in killing B. bonariensis within a seven-day period in a confined setting…However, these findings do not always translate to field efficacy.”
- “UF/IFAS researchers have been screening other pesticides registered for use in citrus as potential management tools.”
- “Molluscicides can provide short term relief from molluscan pests, but for long-term management, habitat manipulation and/or finding a predator is often key to snail and slug management.”
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