Giant African Land Snails have invaded Miami-Dade County

— and we need your HELP!Be part of the team to eradicate these destructive pests!

» One of the most destructive species of land snails.

» Feeds on over 500 kinds of plants, making them a serious threat to Florida’s agriculture, natural areas, and landscapes.

» Causes damage to plaster and stucco.

» May carry a parasitic nematode that can cause meningitis in humans.

» Can grow up to 8 inches in length, reproduce rapidly (up to 1,200 eggs per year), and can live for up to 9 years.

» Is an invasive, nonnative species.

» Was detected in Miami-Dade County in September 2011. Since then, close to 40,000 have been collected.

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U. S. Department of Agriculture are working hard to eradicate the giant African land snail. To increase the effectiveness of efforts underway, there are things you can do to help!

» Scout your yard and collect snails: Giant African land snails are large enough to be seen easily, and they can be collected by hand. It is strongly advised to wear gloves, or use a shovel or rake to pick up the snails, because they can pose a serious health risk to humans. If you do collect snails, seal them in a plastic bag and then place the bag in a bucket or plastic container and call the toll-free snail (888-397-1517) help line.

» Report snails: Call the state’s toll-free helpline number (888-397-1517) to report the snails and to have them picked up and prop-erly disposed of by a state or federal agriculture inspector.

» Use traps and baits: Apply approved over-the-counter snail and slug baits to your property, especially in moist shady areas where they are likely to be found.

» Keep yard free of excess plant debris: Make your yard an unfriendly snail habitat — Keep your yard free of plant debris where snails and slugs are typically found.

» Spread the word: Encourage your neighbors to follow these steps to prevent the further spread of snails.

To report sightings of giant African land snails, call 888-397-1517.

For more information on the giant African land snail and its control, contact your county Extension office, www.solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu,

edis.ifas.ufl.edu, or www.freshfromflorida.com/pi.

Recommended Homeowner Snail BaitsAlways follow label directions.

Trade Name Active Ingredient Comments

Sluggo Escar-Go Others

Iron Phosphate Product must be ingested, snails are sensitive to iron.

Deadline Trails End Slugfest Others

Metaldehyde Use with caution around pets. Broadcast the material thinly under shrubs and other moist shady areas.

NiBan Borid Others

Borates (boric acid) Not proven, but looks promising for giant African land snail.

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