Hey everyone! I know this might sound silly, but I have a real fear of snails and slugs. Their slimy, soft bodies completely freak me out, and I can't help but feel a rush of fear when I see them. With all the rain lately, I've noticed there are more snails in my garden, and it's becoming hard for me to even step outside to enjoy it. When it's sunny and they're hiding, it's fine, but in the wet weather when they're out and about, it really gets to me.
This is my first year with a little garden in the city, and I feel like I might have to give it up because of my fear. I know I need to get over it but I don't really know how. Any tips on how I can manage this fear and possibly enjoy my garden without freaking out?
9 Answers
Honestly, why do you even need to touch them? If they're munching on your herbs, just remove them with a tool rather than handling them directly!
I think exposure therapy could be helpful here. Start by spending a little time looking for them, maybe from a distance at first. A friend of mine was terrified of butterflies and spiders, but over time, with exposure, she learned to appreciate them. It might take a little time, but thinking of snails as just being part of your beautiful garden can help create a positive vibe! ?
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's lovely how photography helped her see the beauty in insects. I think I could try watching snails on my patio first.
There was a 'Fear Clinic' episode about this recently! I can't provide any solid advice, but it might give you some insights. Give it a watch!
Oh, I’ll definitely check that out!
Learning about them can help dissolve your fear of the unknown. The more you know about how snails work, the less scary they might seem!
I had some wild numbers in my head about how far they could travel. Turns out it's not nearly as bad as I thought!
You're not alone! I suffer from molluscophobia too! Sometimes when I see a snail, I can't help but make some weird, high-pitched sounds. Honestly, avoiding the garden on rainy days might be your best bet for now. Solidarity, my friend!
Happy to know I'm not the only one! They really are like little aliens, aren’t they?
You can use tongs to grab them if that helps! I find them repulsive too, so I get it. Some gardeners have success treating with nematodes for slug control—might be worth trying!
Would nematodes work for snails too?
As tough as it sounds, getting used to them is crucial. Avoiding will just make it worse. Keeping your garden tidy could help control the population too since they like to hide!
Ugh, that's the last solution I wanted to hear, but I know it's true. This means I have to confront my fears to enjoy my garden!
I had to face my own fear of spiders to be able to garden. I found it helpful to remind myself that while I’m in their space, I am also there for my own happiness. Maybe as you spend more time gardening, your anger at them munching on your plants will take over your fear! If not, just use gloves and a stick like I did in my first year! Good luck!
You don’t actually need to touch them if that grosses you out! A cheap pair of kitchen tongs works wonders. I have some old IKEA ones labeled "not for food!" that I use for slugs and snails. They retract into their shells when you lift them anyway!
Or even a litter picker would do! That's a solid idea!
Because they’re eating my precious herbs! ?