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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 11:04:52 GMT 8
Post by ikbokchook on Nov 27, 2009 11:04:52 GMT 8
Ok, I know some of you guys are keen gardeners and sound like you have great veggie patches. I have recently (a couple months ago!) revived my neglected veggie patch and put in some tomatoes, beans, peas, snow peas and 2 types of parsley. The trouble is the SNAILS! They leave the tomatoes and parsley alone but have destoyed everything else! I would love to put some more in before it's too late but need a snail solution! I can't use snail pellets because I have cats and a dog (I know you can get 'pet repellent' ones - but don't trust 'em!) and have tried just picking up all the ones I can see and feeding them to the chooks but more just take their place! Aaarrggghhh! Does anyone know of a way to get rid of snails that is safe for pets, kids, etc? Have heard of a 'beer trap' - has anyone tried this? Any suggestions gratefully recieved! Cheers, Jenny
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 11:26:51 GMT 8
Post by chickita on Nov 27, 2009 11:26:51 GMT 8
my Grandmar has used the beer trap apparently it works well, other than that i dont realy know any other tricks to snails, hope that helps
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 12:52:31 GMT 8
Post by shea on Nov 27, 2009 12:52:31 GMT 8
or you can put a duck or 2 in there, they cleaned up most of our snails and now we just pick out the few we see climbng the fence in the morning.
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 13:39:23 GMT 8
Post by Duck Diva on Nov 27, 2009 13:39:23 GMT 8
Hi Jenny, I have got onto a snail pellet called Multiguard. It really IS SAFE for kids and animals. This is the best thing since sliced bread!! lol They would need to eat alot and they would get a bit of a tummy ache. They wouldnt like the taste anyhow and wouldnt eat many. It uses Iron to kill the snails. They feel sick and crawl off and die. Plus the pellets break down and feed the plants. Here is a link to some info. www.multicrop.com.au/mguard.htmIt is available widely now and costs about $4 a box. Please try it on slaters too if you have trouble. You just need to crush the pellets up a bit before you sprinkle them around. Cheers, Wendy
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 14:09:33 GMT 8
Post by ikbokchook on Nov 27, 2009 14:09:33 GMT 8
Thanks for that guys! Lol shea - I like that idea the best but it would mean another pen AND getting some ducks! I think OH would have kittens! Hehe! Thanks Wendy, that does look safe for pets, but I'm still a little aprehensive about it Might try the beer trap and if that doesn't work will resort to the Multiguard pellets! Now wondering if the chickens will get drunk if I feed 'em the snails caught in the beer trap Anyone know how to make a good one?!
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 15:16:32 GMT 8
Post by ashley on Nov 27, 2009 15:16:32 GMT 8
Hey Ikbok
As chikita said beer traps work well for slugs and snails, bury a jam jar up to the rim, and 3/4 fill with beer, they will flock to it. the other thing you can do is water your garden just before dark (so they all come out), then go out about 9pm with a torch and go snail hunting... doing this 3 or 4 nights in a row will really cut the population.
If your not snail hunting avoid watering in the evening, water in the morning instead. Slugs and snails are most active at night when it's damp.
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 15:16:59 GMT 8
Post by fluffychook on Nov 27, 2009 15:16:59 GMT 8
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Snails!
Nov 27, 2009 19:50:57 GMT 8
Post by rap on Nov 27, 2009 19:50:57 GMT 8
I have tried beer traps but find that the beer evaporates very quickly and they are not very effective.I have ducks that patrol for snails around the garden.The only places i find snails now are the area's where the ducks can't get to.
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Snails!
Nov 30, 2009 12:28:58 GMT 8
Post by ashley on Nov 30, 2009 12:28:58 GMT 8
Beers traps only work for one night, after that the alcohol evaporates and it doesn't kill them. You need to use fresh beer every time you set them.
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Snails!
Nov 30, 2009 13:50:37 GMT 8
Post by ikbokchook on Nov 30, 2009 13:50:37 GMT 8
Oh dear! Not sure OH will sacrifice THAT much beer for me! Lol! Will still give it a shot though and will let you know how well it worked! Thanks!
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Snails!
Nov 30, 2009 16:47:25 GMT 8
Post by beck on Nov 30, 2009 16:47:25 GMT 8
well that does sound like a waste !!!! lol i think it looks like a duck or 2 for your yard he he just tell the hubby it is for the pest problem so you can save money by growing your own fruit and veg !!! best of luck
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Post by ikbokchook on Dec 1, 2009 19:15:44 GMT 8
Hehe Beck! I would do that but sadly I think my doggie would eat them for lunch!
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