Exploring seasonal population dynamics and potential chemical control of invasive Bulimulus snails in Florida citrus

Bulimulus bonariensis is an invasive land snail species that has infested various commercial crops in the Southeastern U.S., threatening productivity and raising concern among growers. In Florida citrus, B. bonariensis has been observed clogging irrigation jets, defoliating young trees within individual protective covers, and girdling trees with pre-existing winter frost damage. Currently, there is limited information available on the season population dynamics and potential chemical control of these snails, which are important factors to consider when developing management programs. To explore snail population trends, experimental traps were deployed at three sites and were checked for snails biweekly from 2023-2025. When plotted, the count data revealed seasonal trends in snail activity that varied across sites, emphasizing the importance of monitoring. Additionally, heat maps developed using ArcGIS indicated a clumped distribution of snails within groves, highlighting the opportunity for targeted management. To evaluate potential chemical controls, snails were treated with molluscicidal baits registered for use in Florida citrus, along with various insecticidal sprays that, while not registered for snail control, are used by growers to control other common citrus pests. This was done to determine their potential for inclusion in a B. bonariensis management program. Among the treatments, the majority of molluscicidal baits and abamectin sprays exhibited the highest mortality rates over a two-week period. The results of this study provide pertinent information that could help growers manage B. bonariensis and mitigate its adverse effects on citrus production.