Are brown garden snails (Cornu Aspersum / Helix) common pests in Maryland? - Ask Extension
Hello, intrepid but unsuccessful gardener here just with a quick question about snails. I come from Scotland originally and we see brown garden snails...
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Are brown garden snails (Cornu Aspersum / Helix) common pests in Maryland? #890802
Asked December 14, 2024, 5:03 PM EST
Hello, intrepid but unsuccessful gardener here just with a quick question about snails. I come from Scotland originally and we see brown garden snails everywhere! Having lived in Virginia and Maryland for a little over a year now, I’m just wondering why I haven’t seen any of this species here yet - it’s wet enough! The climate in the Chesapeake Bay Area really isn’t so different from Scotland especially in Winter. Anyway, are snails considered a common garden pest here? Are snails terrorizing urban gardeners in Baltimore as well speak!? I just want to know. Thank you.
St. Mary's County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
We also have snails and slugs in the mid-Atlantic and they can be quite the garden pest for some people. It mostly depends on the right environment and habitat. They like moist shady environments, so if you have a hot and dry yard, then they may not be found much.
Here is a long list of land snails in Maryland with over 100 species: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/checklist/?category=Land_Snails
They can particularly be troublesome with leafy greens in your vegetable garden. Snails and Slugs on Vegetables.
Let us know if you have further questions.
Emily
