Australian scientists have uncovered a quirky yet game-changing discovery in pest control: invasive snails hate garlic but are drawn to the color red. 🧄🔴 The findings, published by the national science agency CSIRO this week, could offer eco-friendly solutions to protect crops from these slimy invaders.
Science Meets Snail Drama
Lab and field tests on four invasive snail species revealed their unexpected love for red objects and aversion to garlic—and to a lesser extent, coffee. 'It’s like they’re vampires fleeing garlic,' joked lead researcher Valerie Caron. The color preference shocked scientists, as gastropods were previously thought to be color-blind!
Why This Matters
These insights could help farmers design smarter traps using red lures or create garlic-based repellents, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. 🌾💡 ‘This is low-tech, accessible science,’ said Caron. ‘It offers a sustainable way to tackle a global agricultural problem.’
