lepanthes telepogoniflora

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by ezil

Steve, I absolutely hate the critters. I took everything out of the terrarium, soaked the lava rocks in a strong bleach solution, and also "baked" them later in the oven for half an hour at 450F. All the orchids got repotted in new medium and pots. All other plants (baby tears mainly) got discarded. Even then I had to put out snail bait every 3-4 weeks. I check for snails all the time. I had always repotted new plants before adding them to any of my terrariums, but now it's strict quarantine. When in doubt about a plant, create a barrier of copper (mesh is best) between it and the rest of the terrarium, and try to catch the culprit(s), bait helps! I think that once you've had snails, you can never believe you are totally rid of them. Somewhere, some place, there'll be an egg waiting to hatch, and start your misery all over again. It's one of the reasons I prefer to work with smaller, isolated growing areas. That way a pest like that can be contained, but it's a lot of work!

Excellent suggestions!! Thanks! I won't be able to break down the tank and I'd like to avoid using harsh chemicals, but a dilute dose of copper might be my best bet. I'd forgotten how toxic even low levels of copper can be to aquatic invertebrates. Hmmmmm.... now to shake the couch for some pennies!!