As Southwest Florida welcomes the summer heat, some residents in northeast Cape Coral are also saying hello to snails invading their property. These pests are on their fences and on the walls of their homes.
For homeowner Wayne Jarvis, who has lived in the area for just two years, the explosion in the snail population has been hard to ignore.
“They must make a lot of babies, that’s all I can say,” Jarvis said. “There’s a lot more this year than there were last year.”
Jarvis says the snails are more of an eyesore than anything else, but they're persistent pests. Despite his regular remedies like coffee grounds and garlic water to deter them, they continue to return every few days.
“They were here last year,” Jarvis added. “But this year is worse. I don’t know if it’s because of the drought or what.”
Experts believe he may be onto something. According to Aaron Gutzdorf with Truly Nolen Pest Control, the hot, dry weather is pushing snails to seek out moist environments, like home gardens and shaded yards.
“Right now, snails are looking for moisture,” said Gutzdorf. “It’s completely normal to see them pop up in late spring and early summer.”
To fight back against the slimy pests, Gutzdorf recommends natural deterrents such as vinegar-based sprays and eliminating potential hiding spots in yards.
“We want to make sure we’re taking away their harborage points — what they want to live under and what they’re comfortable with,” he explained.
Truly Nolen also encourages residents to act quickly and call inspectors if they notice a sudden uptick in snail activity. Identifying problem areas early can help stop an infestation before it gets worse.
Also, don’t touch these snails with your bare hands. Some species may be poisonous.
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