There are pests in the garden. Some pests are familiar, like slugs and aphids. Others are not, and can still cause a lot of damage. These pink eggs in the garden are not harmless. They may seem harmless, but they should attract your attention.
These pink eggs are laid by an invasive species: the aquatic potato or apple snail.
This species is banned in France and the EU. It is dangerous to the environment, ecosystems and public health.
It is becoming more common in Europe. The species was first seen in France in July 2018. People with aquariums imported these snails. This species lives in freshwater but can also live on land, where it will invade your plantings and eat them.
The Pomacea canaliculata spreads quickly in environments without natural predators.
The bright pink eggs are laid on plants, bridges and walls in wet areas. This mollusc can lay thousands of eggs in its lifetime, making it hard to control.
Apple snails eat a lot and damage aquatic ecosystems. These snails destroy aquatic plants, which can lead to more harmful algae. These algae can also make the water unsafe for fish, other animals and people.
Snails can destroy aquatic plants and affect pond quality. They also eat plants and endanger plantations. This snail usually lives in wetlands, but it can also be found on land. If you don’t take action, its pink eggs can become a problem.
These snails can also harm people. These molluscs carry parasites that can cause liver fluke and eosinophilic meningitis in humans.
If you find these eggs, tell your local environmental authority. The eggs will be checked in a lab to make sure they are not from harmless native species.
