Snails and slugs are voracious feeders, with small stages feeding on surface tissue and larger ones eating irregular holes in foliage. Generally, the culprit can be found on close examination of the plant. Slugs often live under benches or in dark, moist protected places close to the damage. These pests are nocturnal and can be found feeding at night. Control - Sprays or baits applied to moistened soil around plants are effective.
Repetitive applications are necessary.
Good sanitation with removal of extraneous plant material and debris which might shelter these pests aids in control. Pesticides should be applied according to label directions. Regardless of the pesticide or mixture of pesticides used, it is strongly recommended that the effects be evaluated on a few plants, under your particular conditions before treating all plants. Phytotoxicity of bactericides and fungicides on some ornamentals. Chase, A.R. and R.T. Poole.