Who would have thought that giant snails could become a threat to agriculture? But that’s exactly the situation in Florida, where giant paint-eating snails have been discovered. These creatures are capable of destroying paint coatings, which can have serious consequences for crops and the state’s ecosystem.
Giant paint-eating snails, or Pomatia attica, are an invasive species that was first discovered in Florida in 2011. They have been spotted on buildings and bridges, where they feed on paint and other materials containing calcium. Recently, however, these snails have been seen on plants, including mangoes, avocados and other crops, raising concerns among scientists and agricultural organizations.
The Attica pomatia can reach sizes up to 15 cm in length and is bright red in color. It feeds on paint, which contains calcium, which is essential for its growth and development. In addition, these snails can destroy buildings and bridges, resulting in serious economic losses.
According to a report by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, giant paint-eating snails can become a threat to the state’s crops, including mangos, avocados, lemons and other fruits. This could lead to serious economic losses for the state.
“This is a very serious threat to our agriculture,” said Julie Carlton, professor of ecology at the University of Florida. “We have to find a way to control these snails before they cause more damage.”
There are various methods of controlling giant paint-eating snails, including the use of chemicals and biologicals. However, some scientists warn that these methods can have negative effects on the environment and other animal species.
“We have to be very careful in our choice of methods to control these snails,” says Professor Carlton. “We need to find a balance between protecting our agriculture and preserving the state’s ecosystem.”
