It is more difficult to establish decollate snails in groves that are irrigated by furrow. Bait immediately following an irrigation or rainy period when the soil is wet and snails are active. The waiting period before the decollate snail can be released following a baiting program depends on soil moisture. Under sprinkler or low-volume irrigation, the toxins will break down faster than in drier soil, and a decollate snail release program can start in about 2 months. Bait is consumed most easily by snails if it is applied under trees, but unless snails are exposed to sun and dry conditions, the bait will not be as effective.
Snails move around a lot more under humid, moist conditions than under dry conditions.
Affix a copper foil band around the tree trunk at a height of 1-2 feet above the ground. It is essential that the copper foil be affixed to the tree trunk with about an 8 inch overlap so it will slip and allow for trunk growth. Tree trunks can be banded with a slurry of basic copper sulfate with a small quantity of boiled linseed oil added as a sticker. For use on all varieties. Use higher rate for heavy infestation.