Don’t be deceived by the seemingly innocuous appearance of clusters of bright pink eggs in your yard.
The invasive apple snail, a harmful species that seriously threatens regional ecosystems, is the source of these colorful eggs.
Apple snails are native to South America, but they have spread throughout the world, harming crops, plants, and natural environments. To find out why these snails are becoming a bigger problem and how they can affect your surroundings, continue reading.
Well-liked in aquariums, but becoming a bigger problem
Apple snails, particularly those like Pomacea bridgesii and Pomacea diffusa, are quite common in aquariums. Because they don’t eat the plants in the tank like most snails do, people like them.
Because of their size and distinctive appearance, they are also common in aquariums. Some species are among the largest freshwater snails in the world, reaching a maximum size of 6 inches (15 cm), which is comparable to a baseball or a human fist.
They are also known as spike-topped apple snails or mystery snails. In addition to their many different colors—brown, albino, yellow, blue, purple, pink, and jade—they occasionally have intriguing banding patterns.
Although they are popular in aquariums, certain species of apple snails are actually regarded as pests in the wild because they can damage crops and vegetation. It’s interesting to note that apple snails are considered a delicacy and even eaten in some locations.
Why Do Apple Snails Proliferate?
Apple snails, which are included among the 100 Worst Invasive Species in the world, can seriously disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species and destroying water habitats.
Apple snails have been able to move to areas with better conditions as a result of rising global temperatures. Particularly in warmer climes, they flourish in damp habitats like ponds, lakes, and swamps, and they have even evolved to endure terrestrial migration.
Tropical areas with alternating dry and rainy seasons are ideal for them. By employing a unique “lid” (the operculum) to cover their shells and prevent drying out while they wait out the dry spells buried in the mud, these creatures can even migrate across land.
Careless Dumping of Aquariums
Apple snails are indigenous to the West Indies, Central America, and South America. However, they can pose serious environmental problems if they spread outside of their normal habitats.
Careless aquarium dumping is mostly to blame for the introduction of apple snails to the US. They were first documented in Texas in the 1970s, and they have subsequently expanded to many other states.In 2006, Louisiana recorded their existence.
According to Bill Walton, a specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “the main idea is that they often get a little too large or maybe too abundant, and for whatever reason the aquarium owner decides they don’t want them anymore.”
“Therefore, they choose to simply discharge them into the waterways.”
From Ambition in Cooking to Invasion of the World
The issue of the apple snail is not new.
To start an escargot industry, a species of apple snail was brought to Taiwan in the 1980s. The objective was to give farmers, who mostly relied on rice for their livelihoods, other sources of protein.
But what started out as a nice concept ended up becoming a disaster. The snails didn’t become a popular food choice, at least not among the natives, but they also brought with them a parasite called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or rat lungworm, which was an unwelcome surprise. If the snails aren’t cooked correctly, this parasite can pose a major health risk to people.
To make matters worse, the snails started endangering Taiwan’s rice crops and upsetting fragile ecosystems rather than assisting local farmers. As if that weren’t enough, the snails quickly traveled throughout Asia before arriving in Hawaii, where they severely harmed the native ecology and agriculture.
National quarantine measures have been called for in the United States because apple snails are regarded as a major hazard to public health, agriculture, and trade.
To halt their swift spread, the European Union outlawed the sale and release of all apple snails in 2012.
How to Handle Apple Snail Eggs If You Discover Them
With their vivid, transparent clusters of pink or orange that gleam in the sunlight like tiny diamonds, apple snail eggs can actually look very lovely. Did you also know that there are 500–700 eggs in each cluster?
These vibrant clusters may make a beautiful sight in your pond or aquarium, but keep in mind that they can quickly become infested with snails.
Because apple snails can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems, it’s crucial to manage their eggs properly if you encounter them. What to do is as follows:
Apple snails can transmit parasites that can harm both people and pets, so avoid touching them with bare hands. Wear gloves whenever you handle them.
Remove the Eggs: Using a plastic scraper or spatula, carefully scrape the eggs from objects such as rocks, plants, or tank walls. If they’re trapped, a gentle brush can be helpful.
To safely dispose of the eggs, place them in a plastic bag that is sealed, crush them, and then dispose of them in the garbage. They could spread to other water systems if you flush them.
Look for Snails: Look about for any snails that could have hatched and get rid of them as well. Since apple snails procreate quickly, quick action is crucial.
Why do apple snails die?
The idea of apple snails taking over your garden can be unnerving if you’re a gardener. Removing their food, water, and shelter and forcing them to move is one of the best ways to deal with them.
The freshwater habitats surrounding your garden are usually home to apple snails. Their habitat may be severely diminished if these water sources are drained. You can get rid of any snails that are left after the water has been drained.
Freezing adult snails is one of the simplest methods to achieve their death. Put them in the freezer for around 12 hours at 0°C for a long-term fix.
Put them in the freezer for approximately half an hour at roughly 5°C if you wish to temporarily sedate them (for easier handling). After that, properly dispose of them.
Although managing adult snails is beneficial, the best course of action is to focus on their offspring, those annoying pink eggs. The secret to stopping more invasions is to remove and destroy these eggs as soon as you see them.
In conclusion
Although dealing with apple snails can seem like an uphill battle, you can safeguard your garden and stop these intruders from spreading if you put in a little work.
You may protect your plants and maintain the integrity of your water features by eliminating their eggs and taking action against adult snails. Recall that taking immediate action is crucial and can have a significant impact.
Despite their beauty, apple snails are everything but innocuous. They pose a severe threat to gardens and rivers because of their rapid rate of reproduction and capacity to harm nearby ecosystems.
You may help safeguard your environment against these invasive pests by taking prompt action to eliminate eggs, freeze snails, and control the water sources in your garden.
Remember that the best defense against apple snails is to be alert and to act quickly. Spread the news to your friends and family by sharing this post!
