Life can be funny – and I don’t mean in a ha-ha sort of way.
Just last week my neighbour was bemoaning the colonization of our yard by giant African snails. I might have, sort of, rolled my eyes as he asked me why our gardener was not combating them with all his might. This never-ending battle is certainly not part of his job description, but that I kept to myself.
The day after my neighbour’s distress over the snails, a funny thing happened.
As I drove down the gap I saw two women walking along, each toting laden grocery bags in one hand and a broom handle in the other. I smiled.
An African snail reconnaissance team – just what we needed. I stopped to confirm my suspicion. Were they collecting snails? Yes indeed, and as a church fund-raiser, no less.
What an excellent idea.
I pointed them in the direction of my gate, and told them to come back anytime. Just yesterday morning they were back on the hunt again.
There’s no doubt that the snails are out of control, their numbers more evident with the rain that coaxes them out of their hiding places.
I’m convinced that ongoing vigilant collection and destruction are the only way to get their numbers down. Will they ever be entirely gone?
It’s hard to say. We certainly are not in a position to blanket the country with snail bait.
From time to time I notice in various forums discussions regarding how delicious the snails are, and that perhaps the solution is to “make lemonade when life hands you lemons”.
Let’s face it: culturally, Barbadians have no intention of eating African snails.
No way, no how, will you find me dining upon the snail that has eased its way through the gutter, up the side of my garbage can, inside the can, back out again, finally climbing up the guard wall in an attempt to get inside my mail box, and not because it wants to read my mail.
Not to mention the fact that before all of that it was managing to snack its way through an entire hibiscus hedge.
I do laud those that are repurposing, and redecorating the shells. With enough paint and glitter, you’ll never know that the shell was once home to a slimy African snail!
The women that come to my yard told me that the Ministry of Agriculture pays 50 cents per pound for collected snails. It would be interesting to get some statistics on this “bounty” programme.
I would also like to see more outward encouragement for those that might be seeking to earn a living or raise funds by collecting snails. Perhaps a slight increase in the price paid per pound would encourage more to get involved.
As for the ladies that collect in my yard, they need a marketing team – I don’t think a single house in my neighbourhood would say no to their services.
It’s a win-win situation. My snail population has decreased and they are able to raise much needed funds.
homegrownbarbados@gmail.com