Does This Simple Hack Really Get Rid Of Snails Humanely?

Snails might be cute with their wiggly antennas and spiral shell, but they are a garden menace. The slow-crawlers devour fruit, vegetables, and leaves. You don't want them in your yard. While there are household products like vinegar that'll control snails and slugs in the garden, there is a more humane means of pest control. 

Gardener and published garden writer Simon Akeroyd shared his technique for getting rid of snails with a wood plank. In an Instagram post, he recommended leaving a thick, damp wood board at the edge of your garden bed. The moist wood lures the critters in, where they'll camp. Then, you can gently remove the snails into a container and release them far away from your plants. It's a simple and humane way to keep snails out of your garden.

However, it may not work for huge spaces or an area with a large snail population. Dr. Chris Christensen from Truly Nolen Pest Control exclusively told House Digest, "Snails are more likely to be found in damp areas rather than [on] damp wood specifically." There's nothing stopping the snails from choosing your delicious plants or moist soil over the damp wood. Still, this method could be worth a try for small gardens.

"Creating an area of dampness may attract snails, but I would think it would protect a very limited area since they move so slowly," Dr. Chris Christensen exclusively told House Digest. It seems like it can be a solution for single garden beds but not for an entire backyard. 

The University of California's Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources also recommends using wood planks to trap snails and slugs — specifically, placing various 12-by-15-inch boards throughout your garden to attract them. You'd have to handpick the critters daily or even twice a day until the population is significantly reduced.

However, you might not see the numbers decrease because snails have a homing instinct. They'll find their way back to your plants even if you place them next door. The snails need to be released at least 66 feet away from your home to reduce the chances of them returning to your garden. "This pest management technique does not sound very practical; however, I cannot see any hazards associated with its implementation," Dr. Christensen said. It can be worth trying if you'd rather humanely evict the critters than eradicate the snails feasting on your flowers.