Snails are one of the most feared pests in compost. But not every species is harmful. Simple measures help against eggs in the substrate.
Snails do not cause any damage on the compost heap
Beneficial and harmful species
Shell snails like the banded snail do not cause any problems in the garden. They feed mostly on dead plant parts. The protected Roman snail turns out to be beneficial because it eats the eggs of the slugs. Some slugs have negative effects. The Spanish slug in particular conquers the gardens. Field slugs and garden slugs are also among the pests.
The appearance of the Spanish slug is very variable. There are both light and dark to almost black colored individuals. For food, she prefers melon and pumpkin plants, which are often grown on the compost. When food is scarce, it also feeds on other plants.
You can recognize the garden slug by its gray to black colour. The sole is colored yellowish to orange. It lives in the top layer of soil under fallen foliage and feeds mainly on plant roots. The field slug is yellowish white to brown in color and often has a net-like pattern and a light sole. These pests live on various plants on which they feed.
compost as habitat
Snails need a humid and warm climate. The compost offers them ideal living conditions. Here they are an important part of the cycle because they recycle organic residues. As long as the snails are only on the compost, there is no need for action. In August, the egg-laying season begins for many species. The clutches are often placed in the compost substrate, as the moist conditions are ideal here.
combat
Check the area around the compost for clutches. Snails prefer to lay their eggs under stones and boards or in the compost. Uncover stones and boards so that the clutches are exposed to the sun. As a result, the eggs die and serve as food for birds. In autumn you should turn over the compost and mix in fresh lawn clippings. The fresh material stimulates the activity of the microorganisms. The temperature in the substrate rises so that the eggs are killed.
How to avoid eggs on the bed:
- sift the matured compost
- store screened material in a bin
- apply dried substrate to the beds