Image Source: Plantura Magazin
Garden snails have conquered nearly every corner of the world, spreading from the Mediterranean to every continent except Antarctica. If you’re wondering “What do garden snails eat?”, the answer might surprise you – these persistent creatures consume almost any organic material they encounter in your yard.
In fact, garden snails can devour up to 10% of their body weight in food, making them particularly destructive to home gardens. Their diet includes everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to withered leaves and decaying matter. However, they’re especially drawn to common garden favorites like cabbage, spinach, artichokes, cucumbers, and peas. Understanding their eating habits is the first step to protecting your precious plants from these hungry visitors.
The Secret Diet of Garden Snails Revealed
Ever noticed those mysterious holes appearing overnight in your favorite plants? Understanding what garden snails eat is key to protecting your precious garden. These nocturnal creatures have specific food preferences that might surprise you.
Common vegetables snails love to munch on
Leafy greens top the menu for hungry garden snails. They’re notably drawn to cabbage, spinach, lettuce, artichokes, cucumber, peas, Brussels sprouts, beans, radish, and turnips [1]. While most vegetables are fair game, snails show an unmistakable preference for tender, young growth rather than tougher, mature plants [2].
Gardeners often find their seedlings completely decimated overnight, as snails typically feed after dark or during overcast, damp weather [3]. Interestingly, while snails devour most garden vegetables, they generally avoid strong-smelling plants like onions, garlic, and most herbs containing essential oils [4]. Additionally, they seem to steer clear of endive and Mediterranean herbs due to their bitter taste [5].
Fruits that attract snails to your garden
Juicy, soft fruits prove irresistible to garden snails. They frequently target strawberries, tomatoes, apples, peaches, cherries, plums, apricots, pears, and melons [1]. Garden snails will travel surprising distances to reach these treats – some have been observed climbing two meters up swaying vines just to reach preferred fruits [2].
Furthermore, ripe fruits positioned close to the ground face the greatest risk from snail damage [6]. These mollusks often leave distinctive large holes in fruits, sometimes consuming them before they’ve fully ripened. Consequently, fruits with strong fragrances like jackfruit and papaya have shown to be particularly attractive, with studies showing over 70% of snails being drawn to these scents within 24 hours [7].
Why snails are drawn to certain plants
Garden snails aren’t random eaters – they’re surprisingly selective. Generally, they prefer soft, tender foliage rich in nutrients over tougher plant material [8]. What’s more, snails appear to target plants that are actively growing, focusing on the most vigorous, rapidly developing parts [2].
Another fascinating observation: snails seem drawn to plants that are already damaged or “beat-up” [4]. Moreover, they gravitate toward nutrient-dense options – given a choice between iceberg lettuce and spinach, they’ll consistently choose spinach for its higher nutritional value [8].
Overall, snails show a remarkable attraction to plants with high moisture content and tender tissues. This explains why seedlings and young plants face the greatest risk, as their developing tissues provide both the texture and nutrition snails crave [2]. Armed with this knowledge, you can better understand which plants in your garden need extra protection.
Different Types of Snails and Their Eating Habits
Not all garden mollusks are created equal when it comes to their dining preferences. Some can actually benefit your garden, whereas others might destroy it overnight. Understanding the different types helps you determine which ones need managing.
Roman snails: The helpful decomposers
Roman snails (Helix pomatia) are the gardener’s allies, primarily consuming wilting and decaying plant material rather than living vegetation. These protected species use their 40,000-toothed rasping tongue to crush withered leaves, creating valuable humus and enriching your soil. A population of Roman snails with a biomass of 34 kg/ha can process up to 650 kg of plant material per hectare during an active period [9].
What makes them particularly beneficial is their impressive 81% food assimilation rate [9], making them crucial contributors to organic matter decomposition. Essentially, they’re nature’s recycling system. Young Roman snails even feed on slug egg clutches, naturally controlling more destructive species. Although they occasionally nibble fresh greens when hungry, they generally leave your prized plants alone.
Spanish slugs: The garden destroyers
Conversely, Spanish slugs (Arion vulgaris) represent the dark side of garden mollusks. Considered among the 100 worst invasive alien species in Europe [10], these voracious pests have earned the nickname “killer slugs.” They spread rapidly across Europe since the 1950s and have now reached North America [10].
Unlike their beneficial cousins, Spanish slugs actively target fresh, green vegetation and show a preference for student flowers, Baldrian, and pumpkin plants [11]. These omnivores will subsequently eat dead organisms, other slugs, and even actively hunt smaller snails. In Sweden, they’ve been documented completely defoliating native woodland shrubs [10].
How to tell which snails are in your yard
Identifying which types inhabit your garden starts with nighttime observation, as most feed after dark. Roman snails have large, brownish shells measuring 25-40mm in width [12]. Meanwhile, Spanish slugs are large, shell-less mollusks that leave distinctive slime trails.
Garden snails typically have two pairs of tentacles with eyes at the tips of the longer pair [13]. Look for feeding patterns—irregular holes in leaves likely indicate destructive species, whereas decomposing matter with minimal plant damage suggests beneficial types like Roman snails.
Surprising Foods in a Garden Snail’s Diet
Beyond their reputation as plant-eaters, garden snails have some fascinating and unexpected dietary habits that might change how you view these shell-bearing creatures in your yard.
Do snails eat other snails?
Yes, certain snail species showcase cannibalistic tendencies! Moon snails, for instance, are known carnivores that feed on other mollusks, including fellow snails. These predators have evolved a sophisticated hunting method—they secrete an enzyme to soften their prey’s shell, drill through it with their radula (rasping tongue), and then digest the animal inside [14].
Interestingly, most common garden snails won’t actively hunt their own kind but will opportunistically feed on already dead snails. This behavior differs significantly from truly cannibalistic species like Schizoglossa novoseelandica that actively hunt live individuals [15]. Even young snails sometimes display this behavior—newly hatched common garden snails occasionally eat unhatched eggs from their own clutch [15].
The truth about snails and decaying matter
Despite their reputation for attacking garden plants, most garden snails actually prefer dead and decaying plant material over living vegetation [16]. In fact, the more you remove dead plant matter to “clean up” your garden beds, the more likely snails are to target your living plants instead [16].
Garden snails excel as nature’s recyclers, acting as detritivores that break down organic waste. They consume fallen leaves, lawn clippings, decaying wood, and even animal carcasses [17]. Through their digestive systems, they transform this material into nutrient-rich soil that benefits your garden [18].
How snails help with garden cleanup
Snails and slugs play several beneficial roles in your garden ecosystem:
- They speed up decomposition, breaking down dead plant material and converting it to nutrients that your plants can use [19]
- They help with fungal spore dispersal through their diet [20]
- Their movement helps aerate the soil, improving structure and water infiltration [21]
- Some species even consume harmful nematodes and pest eggs, providing natural pest control [19]
When snail shells break down after death, they slowly release calcium into your soil [19]. Remarkably, a balanced garden ecosystem actually benefits from a moderate snail population—they’re a sign of a healthy garden when their numbers aren’t excessive [19].
So before you declare all-out war on these mollusks, remember that they’re not just garden pests—they’re also nature’s cleaning crew, helping to maintain the health of your garden’s ecosystem.
Effective Ways to Protect Your Plants
Tired of waking up to find your prize plants decimated by hungry mollusks? Fortunately, there are multiple ways to protect your garden without harmful chemicals. Armed with knowledge about what garden snails eat, you can create effective defenses.
Snail-resistant plants to grow
Many plants naturally repel snails due to their texture, scent, or compounds. Consider adding these snail-resistant options to your landscape:
- Aromatic herbs: Lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint repel snails with their strong scents
- Flowering plants: Fuchsia, hydrangea, geranium, peony, phlox, and Japanese anemones
- Textured plants: Ferns, euphorbias, lamb’s ear, and plants with hairy stems deter snails
- Ornamental options: Astrantia, Lady’s Mantle, Dianthus, and Foxglove rarely face snail damage
Natural barriers that stop snails
Creating physical barriers can effectively halt snails in their tracks:
First, copper tape applied to raised beds or pots creates a mild electric shock when snails attempt to cross. This reaction with their slime makes it highly effective for protecting specific plants.
Second, diatomaceous earth sprinkled in a continuous band around plants works by dehydrating slugs and snails, though it needs reapplication after rain. Similarly, seaweed meal creates an effective barrier when sprinkled around seedlings.
DIY snail traps that actually work
Beer traps remain among the most effective DIY solutions. Bury a shallow container with its rim level with the soil and fill with beer—snails are attracted to the yeast smell, fall in, and drown. For better results, create a covered trap using a plastic bottle with side openings to prevent birds from accessing it.
When to consider commercial solutions
Iron phosphate-based slug pellets offer an organic solution that’s safe for pets and wildlife, unlike traditional metaldehyde pellets. These products remain effective after rain and don’t need frequent reapplication.
Alternatively, nematodes provide biological control for small gardens when applied early in the season. These microscopic organisms specifically target slugs and snails without harming beneficial garden creatures.
Conclusion
Garden snails present a fascinating paradox in your yard. While some species can damage precious plants, others work as nature’s cleanup crew, breaking down organic matter and enriching your soil. Rather than viewing all snails as enemies, understanding their dietary preferences helps you make informed garden management decisions.
Ultimately, successful snail management comes down to balance. Your garden actually benefits from a moderate snail population – they aerate soil, spread beneficial fungi, and accelerate decomposition. However, when numbers grow excessive, simple barriers like copper tape or natural deterrents like aromatic herbs effectively protect vulnerable plants.
Smart garden planning offers the best long-term solution. Choose snail-resistant plants for areas where damage frequently occurs, maintain healthy soil with proper drainage, and create designated decomposition zones where beneficial snails can thrive without threatening your prized vegetables. This approach lets you harness the ecological benefits of snails while keeping your garden’s star attractions safe and thriving.
FAQs
Q1. What do garden snails typically eat in the wild?
Garden snails have a diverse diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and decaying plant matter. They particularly enjoy tender leafy greens, soft fruits, and young plant growth. However, they also consume fungi, algae, and even small amounts of soil for minerals.
Q2. Are garden snails harmful to my garden?
While garden snails can damage plants, especially seedlings and tender growth, they also play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. They help break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and disperse fungal spores. A moderate snail population can actually contribute to a healthy garden balance.
Q3. How can I protect my plants from snail damage?
There are several effective methods to protect your plants from snails. You can use physical barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth, plant snail-resistant species, create DIY traps using beer, or consider organic commercial solutions like iron phosphate-based pellets. Maintaining a tidy garden and removing hiding spots can also help control snail populations.
Q4. Do all garden snails have the same eating habits?
No, different snail species have varying dietary preferences. For example, Roman snails primarily consume decaying plant material and rarely damage living plants, while Spanish slugs are more destructive and actively target fresh vegetation. Understanding the specific species in your garden can help you manage them more effectively.
Q5. What surprising foods do garden snails eat?
Garden snails have some unexpected dietary habits. Some species exhibit cannibalistic tendencies, consuming other snails or their eggs. Many snails also eat decaying animal matter, fungi, and even pet food if available. Additionally, they play a crucial role in breaking down dead plant material, contributing to nutrient cycling in the garden ecosystem.
References
[1] – https://gardentherapy.ca/what-do-garden-snails-eat/
[2] – https://agritapestry.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/what-do-snails-like-to-eat/
[3] – https://extension.umd.edu/resource/slugs-and-snails-flowers
[4] – https://www.mycottagegarden.com/single-post/snail-slug-proof-plants
[5] – https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/20-slug-proof-plants/
[6] – https://aptivepestcontrol.com/pests/snails-slugs/the-diet-of-snails-what-you-need-to-know/
[7] – https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Percentage-of-snails-attracted-and-not-attracted-to-the-different-attractants-over-time_fig4_315696872
[8] – https://www.greenmatters.com/p/what-are-snails-attracted-to
[9] – https://ruffordorg.s3.amazonaws.com/media/project_reports/82.07.04 Detailed Final Report.pdf
[10] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_slug
[11] – https://plantura.garden/uk/pests/slugs-and-snails/types-of-garden-snails-and-slugs
[12] – https://www.naturespot.org/species/garden-snail
[13] – https://www.wildlifebcn.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/Land Snails Key v 2.3 iv2018 illustrated.pdf
[14] – https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2022/07/15/moon-snails-unique-creature-eats-other-snails-and-clams/10044753002/
[15] – https://snailsandslugs.wordpress.com/tag/cannibalism/
[16] – https://www.greenidiom.com/benefits-of-snails.html
[17] – https://www.ecoguardpestmanagement.com/pest-resources/what-do-snails-eat
[18] – https://awesomewildlifeco.co.uk/blogs/in-the-garden/the-importance-of-slugs-and-snails-in-the-garden?srsltid=AfmBOoqpo-iDiYF_b1APYKIsGuZaSnj8ZP-0S4N3MZb65RU4I8bQGRNu
[19] – https://www.treehugger.com/slugs-snails-in-garden-5323064
[20] – https://www.buglife.org.uk/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-slugs-and-snails/
[21] – https://worldscoolestraingauge.com/blogs/archimedes-and-me/in-praise-of-slugs-and-snails?srsltid=AfmBOoqlgHY_WHJcHvVfB0Yo7Zbc2XyJNa6GlJ9YDMlG0easi1Vyyfgr
