written by Rhymar Alfred
The Giant African Snail, first discovered in Dominica in 2007 in the village of Dos Dane, is believed to have arrived on the island through shipping materials. Scientifically known as Lissachatina fulica, it is one of the largest land snails in the world. The species is considered a serious agricultural pest because of its rapid reproduction and invasive nature, fueled by an insatiable appetite.
The Giant African Snails (GAS) have been noticed in many communities in Dominica including Goodwill, Stockfarm areas and Paix Bouche. In Paix Bouche, villagers and local officials are joining forces, rolling out strategies not just to control the pest, but to wipe out its spread altogether.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Blue & Green Economy through its Plant Protection and Quarantine Services hosted a community session with residents and officials from Stockfarm and surrounding areas. The meeting, led by acting Head of Plant Protection and Quarantine Services, Lynesa Ferreira, focused on charting a way forward in tackling the Giant African Snail problem.
Ferreira guided the audience through a PowerPoint presentation. She outlined key facts about the snails. These included their physical features and rapid reproduction. She also described the types of environments where they thrive, including littered areas.
The session also highlighted practical do’s and don’ts for safely capturing, eliminating, and disposing of the invasive pests.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture have put together a schedule spanning from August 18th to December 5th, 2025, where they will engage in community outreach, nocturnal surveys and clean-up. Ferreira also stressed that PPE’s such as gloves and masks should always be used when handling the snails. This precaution is to avoid becoming sick from vectors such as the Rat Lung Worm, which causes serious health problems like meningitis.
During the dialogue, community members voiced their frustrations about the growing problem in their yards and gardens. One resident from Upper Goodwill explained that, despite spending heavily on metaldehyde-based snail bait, his efforts have failed. He blamed abandoned properties in the area, which the snails use as nesting grounds. He added that residents are now trying to contact property owners to arrange clean-ups in order to help control the infestation.
Facility Manager Daryl Hurtault says the Giant African Snail has become a major problem, especially in the agricultural area. The pests have now spread right across the campus, and he admits the school urgently needs help to get rid of them.
During the meeting, Communications Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Petra Shillingford, suggested starting a programme. This programme would involve DSC students. Clubs like the Environment Club would participate in efforts to collect and destroy the snails. She noted that incentives could be offered to encourage participation. Director of Agriculture, Keian Stephenson, agreed and promised the ministry’s support alongside the college.
Stephenson also shared that aside from using methaldehyde baits, a mixture of white lime and salt can work just as well. Farmers and gardeners can spread it as a barrier around their plots to stop and kill the snails.
Agricultural Officer for the Central Region, Delroy Williams, recommended a more organic method—using beer. By placing a bowl of beer in the ground, the snails are attracted and eventually drown. Williams warned, however, that beyond being a nuisance, the Giant African Snail could cause serious economic and agricultural losses in rural communities.
Some community members shared that they’ve tried using mixtures like alkali with water and even bleach to kill the snails. However, they admitted that in some cases, the pests managed to survive. In response, the Head of Plant Protection and Quarantine reminded them that the most effective method is fire, saying, “They can’t survive hell—burn them.”
Origin and Spread of the Giant African Snail
The Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) is native to East Africa. Its spread across the Caribbean is largely attributed to human activity, including the transport of agricultural goods and shipping materials.
Across the Caribbean, the timeline of its appearance includes:
- 1984: The snail was first reported in the Caribbean sub-region in Guadeloupe and has since spread to several other countries.
- 1988: The species was reported in Martinique.
- 2007: First confirmed sighting in Dominica (Dos Dane).
- 2008: Officially identified in Antigua.
- 2014: Reported in Havana, Cuba.
- 2020: First sighting in Barbuda.
