WHAT IS A DECOLLATE SNAIL?

The Decollate Snail, or "Rumina decollata," is a carnivorous snail that feeds on young brown snails and brown snail eggs. It is about one inch long with a slim conical shell, and is much smaller than its brown-shelled pray. Decollates also eat dead and decaying vegetation, and may occasionally nibble at brand-new seedlings, so it's best to release Decollates in established gardens or solid ground cover like ivy or iceplant. Unlike the Brown Garden Snail, Decollates do not climb trees, walls, or foliage. They burrow under moist earth to protect themselves from the sun and cold.

WHERE DO I RELEASE DECOLLATE SNAILS?

Any shady, damp area with established landscaping that covers the ground closely is a good place.

HOW MANY SNAILS DO I NEED?

The recommended rate is 1 to 2 snails per square foot. Our starter cups of 100 are good for a 100 sq. ft. area.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Decollates lay an average of 2000 eggs during their 2-year life span. If you start with a smaller amount of Decollates, it may take a few years for the Decollate population to grow to the optimal level. To speed up control, handpicking the larger pest snails is recommended because Decollates prefer to feed on smaller brown snails and brown snail eggs. As Decollate increase in number, so does their effectiveness.

WHAT IF I'VE PUT OUT SNAIL BAIT?

We recommend that you wait about 6 to 8 weeks before releasing Decollates since snail bait kills Decollates as well.

WHO ELSE USES DECOLLATES?

In conjunction with UC Riverside, Cal Trans has used them along freeways since 1977. Some other users are: The San Diego Wild Animal Park, The San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Quail Botanical Gardens, Seaworld, and the Four Seasons Resort Aviara.

CAN DECOLLATES BE RELEASED ANYWHERE?

Not yet. The only states allowing the release of Decollate snails are California and Texas. California's State Fish and Game Commission authorizes Decollate use in the following counties: Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.

WHAT ADDITIONAL STEPS ARE RECOMMENDED?

You can attach copper bands around tree trunks, raised beds, and flowerpots. Snails and slugs do not cross over copper barriers. "Snail-Barr" is available for order on the order blank.