Snails are often deterred by strong-smelling plants, particularly many common herbs and pungent species. These smells signal the presence of compounds that snails find unpleasant or irritating, causing them to avoid areas where these plants grow.
Plants with Repellent Smells
Several plants are known for their ability to deter snails, often attributed to their aromatic compounds. Incorporating these into your garden can help create a less attractive environment for these mollusks.
Here is a list of plants identified as deterring snails, based on common knowledge in gardening and pest control:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Note on Smell/Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Wild garlic | Allium ursinum | Pungent, onion-like smell characteristic of the Allium family. |
| Berberry (Southernwood) | Artemisia abrotanum | Aromatic, feathery foliage with a citrusy-herbal scent. |
| Chamomile | Matricaria chamomilla | Sweet, apple-like fragrance, especially when crushed. |
| Oregano | Origanum vulgare | Strong, spicy, and slightly bitter aroma. |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Distinctive, strong floral and herbal fragrance. |
| Garden cress | Lepidium sativum | Peppery, pungent smell, related to mustard. |
| Starflower/Borage | Borago officinalis | Though its smell is mild to humans, it is noted as a deterrent. |
| Curry leaves | Helichrysum italicum | Strong, curry-like aroma from its leaves. |
Specific Examples from References
Based on the provided information, snails dislike the smells associated with plants such as:
- Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
- Berberry (Artemisia abrotanum)
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Garden cress (Lepidium sativum)
- Starflower/Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Curry leaves (Helichrysum italicum)
These plants are utilized in gardening practices as natural deterrents against snails and slugs.
How These Smells Work
The strong aromas or specific chemical compounds released by these plants act as repellents. Snails navigate and find food primarily through scent, and intense or irritating smells disrupt their ability to move towards or feed on preferred plants. Planting these species strategically can help protect more vulnerable plants nearby.
By understanding the smells that snails find unpleasant, gardeners can use natural methods to manage snail populations and protect their plants.
