Vermicompost Snails?

[nativeplanter]

Originally Posted by FreyaFL

These go from small (3/8"?) to VERY small (less than 1/8"? Only noticeable because they're light colored.) I've decided to just not worry about them. (Unless someone tells me differently. Hehe)

Malaysian trumpet snails are actually a rather invasive species, especially in Florida. I might find a way to eradicate them before I used the compost outside. A good summary of them is here: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactS...speciesID=1037

Of course, depending on where you live, they may be rampant anyway. But since that can carry parasites, I don't think I'd want them in the vegetable garden.

[FreyaFL]

Bummer. Someone's told me different. LOL

Interestingly, the snails in my harvested vermicompost seem to be dying. I'm not purposely drying out the compost, but it just is drying. I think they like the worm bin because it's pretty moist. I'll let the compost dry out more and check again before using. (And, probably, get myself a sieve. Can't hurt!)

Thanks, nativeplanter, for the info!

[nativeplanter]

Sorry for the different info!

I think letting it dry very thoroughly should suffice. They are a primarily aquatic species, so would need at least some moisture. I wonder how you got them in the first place?

[FreyaFL]

I read in a couple places where others had these snails (none of them received responses as to whether these were okay or horrific) and someone mentioned they could come in on organic lettuce. Then, I read in many other places that people use these to keep their fish tanks clean, which made me think about my aquaponic system. I wonder if some hydroponic/aquaponic growers use snails to control algae? If so, that could be the source. (I will NOT tell this theory to my kids or they'll never eat lettuce again. LOL)