Look out for clusters of small, pink eggs. They may seem similar to raspberries or bright cocoons. However, these are eggs of the apple snail, an invasive species that is threatening local U.S. ecosystems by invading crops, plants, and wildlife habitats. As soon as you notice the pink eggs, take action to prevent the species from spreading.
The aquatic apple snail
Apple snails are spreading through the United States, and many affected states’ Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have released statements asking the public to look out for these specimens. They are popular in aquariums because of their golden brown shells that grow as large as an apple, as they are so named. Some theorize that the aquarium trade led to the snails being let loose into local waterways. Alternatively, they may have migrated using shipping ports.
The apple snail biology
Apple snails are voracious, opportunistic eaters and rapid breeders, a bad combination for invasive creatures. They consume all kinds of aquatic vegetation and other snail species. And unlike other snails that are classified as mollusks, apple snails are amphibians, so they can survive in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Their unique gill and lung makeup allows them to adapt to seasonal changes and lay eggs on land, away from underwater predators.
“They are very adaptable to our waters and our climate,” says Jeff Sorenson, invertebrate wildlife program manager at Arizona’s Department of Game and Fish. “They have very few natural predators, especially here in Arizona, so that allows them a very competitive advantage that will out-complete and even predate on our native snails, which is a big part of our food base for a lot of our fish and wildlife…”
Their negative impact on ecosystems
Apple snails are considered an invasive species because they damage plant life, steal food sources for native species of fish, and destroy nests to hide their eggs, according to Solitude Lake Management. To make matters worse, apple snails should not be consumed. When ingested raw, the snails can transmit a deadly parasite called rat lungworm. This greatly limited their use for the escargot industry.
No pesticide available
Infestations of apple snails are particularly concerning because no pesticide could selectively kill them without harming the nature around it, according to the Lousiana Advocate.That is why the best way to eliminate apple snails is by targeting their pink clusters of eggs.
“A single female… can produce up to 15,000 eggs a year, which could translate to quite a few small snails, which will continue to perpetuate in the system,” says Sorenson. Therefore, destroying them one by one can significantly reduce their population.
How to get rid of apple snail eggs.
- Put on gloves and eye protection to avoid irritations.
- Scrape the eggs off of their surface. You can use a paddle, cardboard, or other hard material.
- Dispose of the snail eggs by crushing them or scraping them off into the water if they are over a pond or lake.
- Thoroughly wash your hands afterward in case of contamination.
- Report the sighting to local wildlife officials so they can be aware of potentially new locations.
Apple snails in your garden
Needless to say, gardeners would hate to find apple snails on their lawn. Targeting the eggs is the most effective way to get rid of them. If you find adults, you can pick them up (with gloves!) and dispose of them as you would other pests. One popular method involves dropping them into a bucket of soapy water, according to The Spruce.
How to protect your yard from slugs and snails
Naturally, prevention is the best cure. Slugs and snails like hiding in wet, shady areas away from the heat of the day. So avoid thick mulching, and divide your plants to encourage better air circulation. Wrap raised beds with copper tape or copper wire to keep the slimy crawlies at bay, according to Garden Design.
You can even plan your gardening for pest-control by choosing highly aromatic herbs like sage, lavender, and rosemary, as well as ornamental grass and prickly foliage. Unfortunately, snails and slugs like basil, strawberries, marigolds, beans, and leafy greens, so keep that in mind while setting up your yard.
