A new guide in the United Kingdom encourages gardeners to see slugs and snails as allies. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Wildlife Trusts count no fewer than 150 kinds of molluscs.
Among these species, only a few pose a problem, say the two organizations. Gastropods are also a very popular dish for frogs, thrushes and beetles, and are part of the menu of hedgehogs. The guide advises erecting a natural barrier with plants that are not popular with these gastropods.