Report #165 - Report: Brown Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum)

Brown Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) on Jul 23, 2008

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

One to two inch light brown shells with brown snail inside. Bold behavior and will go out on leaves even during the day time :)

Commentary

Hi Susan, thank you for your report. Apparently, the snail you are describing is the he brown garden snail (formerly known as Helix aspersa). It was introduced as an escargot delicacy in California in the 1850s where they are now a major garden pest an a pest in the citrus growing industry. The UCDavis site lists ducks as a good control option.

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/brown_garden_snail.htm
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/NURSERY/reg_bgs.shtml

Thanks again for your report - it sounds like considering a backyard duck or two may help solve the problem.

Lisa DeBruyckere
July 29, 2008, 11:37 a.m.

Location

I live on Waxwing Way in Beaverton, Oregon. Since last summer, I have found large snails in my perennial flower garden. These are large light brown snails that are about one inch to two inches. When I was little, I would go to Pierre's Pizza and they had snail shells with cans of escargot. These look exactly like that type of snail--almost collection nice. I am an Oregon Native and gardener and have never seen these in the garden ever. I am working to salt them like slugs.

Brown Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) on Jul 23, 2008

Description of specimen

Commentary

Location

Expert Reviewer