Pest snails

Snails that arrive as stowaways on plants and reproduce explosively. They are not harmful but can become unsightly.

Detailed explanation

The most common species are Physa, Planorbarius and Melanoides (MTS). None are harmful.

Control is achieved by reducing food. Clea helena are the biological remedy: they prey on other snails.

The best prevention is to bathe new plants in potassium permanganate solution before introduction.