Snails and slugs: what they are, how they develop, and how to effectively eliminate them from fruit

Snails and slugs are terrestrial mollusks that can cause significant damage to many crops, especially in humid conditions. Numerous species are capable of feeding on plant tissue, and although they differ from one another, they share characteristics that favor their presence in damp environments with abundant vegetation. Adults and juveniles feed primarily at night, at dawn, or during cloudy and humid periods, while during the warmer, drier hours they tend to remain hidden under stones, plant debris, mulch, soil, flowerpots, or other sheltered places. Reproduction occurs through egg-laying in damp areas protected from the soil or vegetation. After hatching, the young begin to feed and gradually increase in size until they reach maturity. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, they can produce several clutches throughout the year, especially when there is sufficient humidity and moderate temperatures. The eggs may remain protected in the soil or among plant debris until conditions are suitable for their development. Activity increases especially after rain, heavy watering, or during periods of high humidity. They move primarily by contact with damp surfaces, leaving behind a characteristic mucous secretion that facilitates their movement. Snails can also protect themselves with their shells, while slugs lack shells and seek out particularly damp shelters to avoid drying out. The presence of shelters, organic matter, and dense vegetation favors the maintenance of their populations and makes them difficult to detect during the day.