Attracting and trapping snails is one of the most effective natural snail
controls. The best way that I have found is through using the Snail Cafe. In my search for
a more effective way to deal with snails, several things happened. I found that people
generally use one chemical or another to rid themselves of snails. They continue dumping
chemicals into the soil even though their snail problem persists. Those people who do not
have snail problems do not lace the ground with anti- snail chemicals, concentrating on
nutrition and healthy soil, instead. During the transition period when you are creating a
healthier environment around your home, a good way to get rid of the snails is through the
use of a Snail Cafe.
The Snail Cafe ™ Main Unit
It should be made from a natural product such as wood. Wooden bird houses make
excellent Snail Cafes. Go to any bird or pet shop and look at their bird houses. A good
unit must be big enough to hold a bowl and also to allow snails to enter easily. The cost
to build a Snail Cafe is minimal. Pick one that allows enough room for the snails to
enter, and one that has a lid that can be opened and closed. This prevents the snail bait
or snail brew from getting into the soil and insures that you only kill snails (if using
boric acid). This unit will also protect the snail bait/brew from rain or sprinklers.
Inside of the cafe you place your homemade organic snail bait or snail beer. You should
alternate between using snail bait and snail beer. This will increase the effectiveness of
your Snail Cafe. Place in a shady spot. Remove snails everyday, weekly or as often as
needed. Discard the snails into the compost pile or use in the Ant
Cafe1*. Replace with new
snail bait or snail brew. Use as many Snail Cafes as needed
2*.
The Snail Bait
1 lb Cornmeal
and 1 lb Instant Harmony Grits
1 lb Flour
1 oz. Salt or Baking soda
1 lb. DE or Rock Dust
1 tablespoon Brewers Yeast
Mix all ingredients together and place into snail hotel.
Feeding the snails with this mixture will dehydrate them. The Instant grits will expand
and kill them. Also if they crawl over it , it will dry them up. Must be kept dry. Replace
when wet. Be patient as this takes time. The instant
Grits will work in several ways against the snails.
1..They will dehydrate the snails if
they eat it and
2... if they crawl over it the same results will occur. They brewers yeast
will expand the snails and kill them from within.
The Snail Brew
To attract them by the thousands!
Gallon plastic bottle
1 tablespoon Brewers
Yeast
1 quart Apple Cider or Vinegar
1 quart Cheap Wine or Beer
1 tablespoon natural soap
1 cup warm sugared water (add 1 tablespoonful of sugar or honey).
In one-quart bottle, add
one quart cheap wine or beer and 1 quart apple cider or vinegar. Mix with one tablespoon
of brewers yeast and enough 1 cup warm honey water to fill. Add one tablespoon of any
natural soap such as Dr Bronners Peppermint soap, or Citrus Soap
or Jungle Rain (see
natural soap chart). Do not shake but stir well. Pour into plastic cup or bowl and place
into the cafe4. Make sure the lid is open to allow the snails to enter. Place near their
favorite hiding places. You will have to check it regularly, to remove any dead snails
and/or replace with new snail brew. Works best at night. Providing snails with hiding
places makes them easier to locate and dispose of. Old nursery containers placed on their
sides make excellent temporary hiding places for snails. You can place a bowl of snail
brew inside these containers to attract them. You can also use boards laid on a rock to
allow snails to crawl under. Pick them off regularly. This provides day time shelter for
them so look under it during the day.
