Residents in the Finnish city of Riihimäki have broken all records in combating invasive Spanish slug populations. They collected 13,700 kilograms of the pests during a concentrated effort this year.
The city's 31 designated snail bins were emptied up to twice weekly at peak season. This represents the largest haul since systematic control measures began.
City invasive species coordinator Anne Kulhoranta praised the community effort. She thanked residents for participating in pest control on both private properties and public green spaces.
The collection period ran from late April through mid-October. Cool, rainy conditions early in the season created ideal breeding conditions for the slugs.
Riihimäki has been systematically fighting Spanish slugs since 2020. This year's campaign involved 31 collection points, including new locations in Uhcola, Tienhaara, and near the local hospital.
Workers emptied the snail bins 22 times total during the season. They complemented this with frequent mowing in affected areas, sometimes nearly daily in problematic zones.
The city applied approximately 1,500 kilograms of slug control products across 340 different locations. Most sites required 2-4 applications throughout the season.
Community involvement extended to six organized 'snail walks' where residents participated directly in collection efforts.
Spanish slugs reproduce rapidly and consume large amounts of vegetation. As an invasive species, they outcompete native snail varieties. A single slug can lay hundreds of eggs annually.
The city also removed over 13,000 kilograms of invasive plants during the same period. Targeted species included harmful varieties of cherry laurel and wrinkled rose.
This coordinated approach shows how community participation can significantly impact invasive species management. The record haul demonstrates that persistent, multi-pronged strategies yield measurable results in environmental protection.