They cruise through the neighborhood on a nightly basis. They think they’re so cool and sly, slithering through all-low-to-the-ground like they own the place. They act like nobody knows what they’re up to (sha). Well, I know what they’re up to and I’ve seen their destruction everywhere. Oh yeah, sure, there’s always some misguided little waif who blurts out about how cute they are and how judgemental I am. I‘ve had enough. No matter the cost, they’re all gonna pay. “Prepare to meet your maker, slime buckets! Snails must die!”
Slime Bucket
Snails are a major force of destruction in the garden. They’ll gobble up the pretty annuals and lilies and reproduce at a rapid rate. It’s so easy to treat the problem that you’ll be cheating yourself if you don’t take advantage of the solutions out there. Summer annuals are such a big bonus to the summer garden; it seems a shame not to have them due to snails. By the way, if you live in Fresno or Clovis, and think you don’t have snails in your garden; you might be in denial. Get help and then get thee some flowers!!
Myth: all snail bait is poisonous. Nope, there are pet safe products out there. Read labels. Myth: snail bait is too expensive. Well, I guess it’s expensive it you dump it into a pile but, most snail products have an application rate of one pound per one thousand square feet. You don’t need a thick layer, just fully encompassed coverage around the snail-yummy ™ plants.
There are some home grown remedies out there. I’ve heard some good things about coffee grounds and some people say a pie pan of beer does well. I even tried copper tape, unsuccessfully. As far as the beer thing; I just don’t think you want that many pie pans of beer around, they’re messy, they’ll evaporate and won’t provide lasting protection. Plus, I think I’d rather pile the little creatures on the sidewalk and pour salt on them while I suck down a cold one and teach my kids about the circle-of-life. (Did I say that out loud?) Conventional snail bait is my choice. I use the harshest stuff where I have no pet traffic and I use pet safe products elsewhere. Also, Liquid snail bait is great on the inside rim of pots. Read labels.
NOTE: Salt kills snails. It also destroys soil and plants. If you decide to go Dr. Jekyll, do it in a bucket.
There are predatory snails out there, decollate snails, that can be purchased to eat the bad snails. If you go that route, keep in mind that snail bait will kill those “good guys”. It’s a method that would require some patience but, I included a picture for those of you who are curious about their appearance.
The Killing Machine - Good Guy
With our wet springtime and temperate weather, snails have been out in force this year. It’s time to stand up for your right to pretty flowers and become a killing machine. Snails must die!
Happy Planting!
PS. Mommies…Here’s something “cute” to color. 
I spread “Cory’s”, it’s like 10 bucks for a 10 lb bag at Costco, my dogs and kids haven’t died yet, but many a snail has. I also will spend up to an hour some mornings out in the yard pulling snails from my plants and teaching them to fly into the street, they never seem to get it.
If you are talking Corrys, I wouldn’t recommend it for use around pets. You’ve been lucky. Keep it mind that some products can equal death to a loved one. Please be sure to read the labels and always recommend label reading to your friends. The pet safe brand is more expensive but the firm pellets do tend to hold up a while in the garden. Keep your family members safe and read labels… _@”