Have you noticed small, cone-shaped snails climbing your plants? We recently found large groups of ghost snails (Bulimulus bonariensis) feeding on marigolds and herbs in a St. Lucie County garden. These snails are becoming more common across Florida, and knowing how to identify them can help you protect your garden.
What is a ghost snail?
Ghost snails, also called peanut snails, are small land snails with light brown or tan, cone-shaped shells. Most are about ½ to 1 inch long. They often gather in large groups and can be found climbing plants, trees, fences, walls, irrigation equipment, and even outdoor furniture.
It’s important not to confuse ghost snails with Florida’s native tree snails. Native tree snails are larger, often brightly patterned, and typically found on trees rather than in garden beds. They play an important ecological role and should not be removed. If you’re unsure which species you’re seeing, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for help with identification.
These ghost snails were first found in Florida in 2009. Since then, they have spread to many counties and have become a concern in both farms and home gardens.
What do ghost snails eat?
Ghost snails usually feed on dead plant material, algae, and other organic matter. However, researchers have also found them feeding on living plants.
In our garden, we observed ghost snails feeding on:
- Marigolds
- Herbs
- Tender leaves
As they feed, they can leave holes in leaves, scraped areas, and shiny slime trails. Large groups of snails can cause more noticeable damage, especially on young or tender plants.
Why are they climbing?
One of the easiest ways to recognize ghost snails is by their climbing behavior. During hot, dry weather, they often climb plants and other objects instead of staying on the ground. You may see dozens of snails gathered together on tree trunks, plant stems, irrigation equipment, or garden structures.
Researchers believe they climb to escape hot, dry soil and to find cooler, more humid places.
Why should gardeners care?
Ghost snails have become a pest in several Florida crops, including citrus, peanuts, soybeans, blueberries, and cotton. They can also become a problem in home landscapes.
Besides feeding on plants, large numbers of ghost snails can clog irrigation equipment and may spread to new areas by hitchhiking on potted plants, garden tools, or equipment.
What can you do?
If you find ghost snails in your garden:
- Check plants regularly, especially during warm weather.
- Hand-pick snails when populations are small.
- Inspect new plants before bringing them home.
- Remove yard debris where snails may hide.
- Watch irrigation equipment for snails gathering around emitters.
Researchers at UF/IFAS are studying the best ways to manage ghost snails. Molluscicide baits have shown promise in research trials, but scientists are still learning the best way and time to use these products.
Help us keep track of ghost snails
Ghost snails are still spreading across Florida, and every observation helps us learn more about where they are found. If you notice these snails in your landscape or garden, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for help with identification and management recommendations.
Early detection is one of the best ways to slow the spread of new invasive pests and protect Florida’s gardens and landscapes.
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