Got an email about these guys:

This weekend we went for a boat ride in a canal north of Bayou Black and
south of Hwy 90 in Gibson, LA. We were quite surprised to see a very
large population of Apple Snail egg masses (bright pink) on trees and
cypress knees there. See the pics I have attached. Two months ago,
these were not bad enough to be noticed. The snails themselves were
only seen at night. Looking more closely on the way back, we also
spotted several egg masses along Bayou Black.

We have initiated contact with our local invasive species experts and LA
Dept Wildlife and Fisheries but it looks like there is not much they can
do. See their reply below.

It is recommended that the eggs be scrapped from trees/grasses into the
water and Snails be killed.

It is way too big a job for any of us... but all of us may make a
difference. Look for them and if you come across any, get rid of them!!




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From: Michael Massimi [mailto:Michael@btnep.org]
<mailto:[mailto:Michael@btnep.org]>
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 11:54 AM

This is definitely the farthest west report I have yet received. It's
unfortunate, but not surprising. They have been spreading west along
the Hwy 20 borrow canal from Schriever for at least two years now, and
have been reported in Bayou Black for just as long. Not sure if they
reached Gibson via the Bayou or via the canal, but either route is
plausible.

The wetlands center in Lafayette is doing research on two potentially
useful chemicals, but as yet there is no snail-specific molluscicide.
We recommend removing snails whenever possible and crushing or otherwise
destroying the egg masses whenever possible. Unfortunately that's about
all we can do at this point.



Michael Massimi

Invasive Species Coordinator

Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program

985 449-4714
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Link to LWF

http://media.wlf.state.la.us/news/?id=944