Snails: those slimy, gluttonous creatures that feast on your young plants at night like an all-you-can-eat buffet. They seem to appear suddenly, in large numbers, and before you know it, your garden is covered in slimy feeding trails. But how long do snails actually live? And why do you keep getting them? Time to unravel the life cycle of this pest.
How long do snails live?
An average slug lives for about one to two years . That might not seem like much, but in that time, a single slug can produce hundreds of offspring. The real issue isn't how long they live, but how easily they reproduce and how well they survive, even in winter.
How can it be that it bothers me so much?
The answer lies in the snail's life cycle. Here's how it works:
- Eggs: A snail lays up to 400 eggs at a time, usually well hidden under leaves, stones, or in loose soil. The eggs hatch after 2 to 4 weeks , depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Young snails: The young snails immediately crawl around and start feeding. They grow slowly, but after 2 to 3 months they are mature enough to lay their own eggs.
- Adult snails: Most species live for 1 to 2 years , but some can even live for 3 to 5 years. During this time, they continue to feed and lay eggs, especially when conditions are favorable.
- Hibernation: Snails love moisture, but they can also survive the winter. They then burrow deep into the ground or into sheltered corners, becoming active again as soon as spring arrives.
How do slugs reproduce so quickly?
Slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning each slug is both male and female. When two slugs mate, they can both lay eggs, which they hide in moist, sheltered spots in your garden. The young slugs often hatch within a few weeks and can reproduce within the same year. This is how a small slug population can quickly grow into a major plague.
So snails don't just disappear. Their eggs survive in the soil, and as soon as it's moist and warm enough, a new generation emerges. That's why it feels like you're starting over every year.
