Identification

• Snails are a type of mollusk. They have grayish bodies protected by white, black or brown shells. They have two sets of tentacles; one set supports the eyes, while the other set is used to detect odors. Snails have a large mucous gland below the mouth, and they leave a trail of slime as they move.
  
  

Effects

• Snails feed on plant tissue and chew holes through begonia foliage. They usually feed on plants during the evening and hide during the daytime, but they occasionally surface on cloudy or cool days.
  
  

Control

• Begonia enthusiasts control snail damage by placing traps near begonia plantings. They lay boards on the ground before evening and collect the snails from beneath the boards in the morning. They also remove leaf litter or debris where snails can hide, hand-pick and destroy snails from susceptible begonias, and apply chemical controls as necessary. Some species of begonia are resistant to snail damage, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.