Evaluating treatment methods to control the egg masses of the crop pest Pomacea maculata

Management of Biological Invasions
By: , and 

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Abstract

Pomacea maculata is an invasive aquatic apple snail species that poses serious ecological, agricultural, and public health threats across the southeastern United States. Its spread, particularly in Louisiana, has heavily impacted rice and crayfish farming, an industry producing over 90% of U.S. crayfish and valued at more than $250 million annually. The snail damages seedling rice, clogs crayfish traps, reduces yields, and increases labor for farmers. Moreover, it is a known host of rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a parasite harmful to humans, making its presence in food production environments a public health concern. Controlling P. maculata is challenging due to its life cycle and reproductive strategies. The species lays large clutches of eggs above the waterline, where traditional aquatic molluscicides are ineffective. This study aimed to assess low-cost, practical methods for reducing egg hatch rates, specifically water submersion and vegetable oil application, on newly laid (day 1) and older (day 7) egg clutches. Laboratory trials on 125 egg clutches revealed that water submersion significantly reduced hatch rates and the development of dormant hatchlings, regardless of clutch age. Oil treatment only reduced hatch rates for day 1 clutches and had no effect on dormant hatchlings. These results suggest that water treatment is more broadly effective and feasible for farmers to apply without needing to determine egg age when applied on a routine, weekly basis. While oil showed limited use, its time-sensitive application limits practicality in the field. Water-based approaches offer a scalable solution for reducing P. maculata populations, but do not completely eliminate the potential for hatching and spreading. Without comprehensive control strategies targeting all life stages, the apple snail’s spread and associated impacts are expected to worsen, underscoring the urgency of continued management innovation.

Suggested Citation

Morningstar, C.R., Jordon, A., Stratton, L.D., and Daniel, W.M., 2026, Evaluating treatment methods to control the egg masses of the crop pest Pomacea maculata: Management of Biological Invasions, v. 17, no. 2, p. 363-373, https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2026.17.2.09.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evaluating treatment methods to control the egg masses of the crop pest Pomacea maculata
Series title Management of Biological Invasions
DOI 10.3391/mbi.2026.17.2.09
Volume 17
Issue 2
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 11 p.
First page 363
Last page 373
Country United States
State Florida
City Gainesville
Additional publication details