There are around 40 species of land snail found in the UK. While a small number of these snails can produce mild toxins, none are poisonous enough to seriously harm humans. Most snails found in British gardens and woodlands are completely harmless. This article explores the topic of poisonous snails in the UK, looking at which species produce toxins, how toxic they are, and whether you need to take precautions around British snails.
Are any UK snail species venomous or poisonous?
Of the land snails found in the UK, only three species are known to produce toxins that could potentially cause mild symptoms in humans:
The stinging nettle snail
The stinging nettle snail (Janthina exigua) gets its name from its ability to cause a mild stinging or tingling sensation if handled. This is caused by a toxin secreted from its foot. The stinging nettle snail is a small land snail found in southern England and Wales.
The garlic snail
The garlic snail (Oxychilus alliarius) produces a garlic-smelling mucus that can cause mouth and eye irritation if touched. This species is common throughout the UK in woodlands and gardens.
The worm slug
Worm slugs (Boettgerilla pallens) produce a mild toxin that can sometimes irritate skin. They are native to south and south-east England.
So in summary, while a small proportion of UK snail species can produce irritating secretions, none are poisonous enough to cause serious harm to humans. The toxins may result in temporary tingling or irritation if directly handled, but this quickly subsides.
How poisonous are the toxins produced by UK snails?
The toxins produced by the three snail species mentioned above are mild irritants rather than poisons. Here is some more detail on the toxicity:
Stinging nettle snail toxin
– Causes a stinging or tingling sensation on skin contact
– Lasts around 5-15 minutes
– Not harmful in small doses
Garlic snail mucus
– Can cause mouth and eye irritation
– No severe or long-lasting effects
– Unlikely to cause issues unless directly touched or ingested
Worm slug toxin
– Mild skin irritant
– May cause a rash or itchiness for a short time
– Not toxic in small amounts
So in all cases, the toxins produce temporary, mild effects only. No known cases of serious poisoning have been reported from handling British snails. The toxins are not potent enough to be dangerous to humans.
What symptoms could you get from touching poisonous UK snails?
As mentioned, 3 native snail species can cause minor irritation when handled directly:
Stinging nettle snail
– Tingling or stinging sensation on skin
– No marks/rashes
– Lasts around 5-15 minutes
Garlic snail
– Possible mouth/eye irritation if mucus touches these areas
– No serious or long-term damage
Worm slug
– Mild itching or redness where toxin contacts skin
– A small rash may develop
– Symptoms usually mild and temporary
So in summary, possible symptoms from direct contact include:
– Tingling, stinging or itching skin
– Possible mild rash
– Slight mouth/eye irritation if mucus gets in these areas
But all these effects are transient, causing no lasting harm. There are no reports of anyone becoming seriously ill from contact with native UK snails.
Should you avoid touching wild snails in the UK?
While a small number of snails can produce skin irritants, the toxins are mild and unlikely to cause anything more than temporary discomfort. So there is no need to avoid touching all wild snails in the UK. However, a few sensible precautions will minimize any risk:
– Avoid deliberately handling the 3 snail species known to produce toxins
– Wash hands after touching wild snails, their mucus or shells
– Take care around snails with brightly colored shells, as brighter colors can signal toxicity
– Don’t allow snails to directly contact eyes, nose or mouth
– Supervise young children around snails
As long as you take reasonable care, it is generally safe to touch British snails. And be sure to wash hands afterwards.
Are garden snails poisonous?
None of the snails commonly found in British gardens are poisonous. Species such as the:
– Common garden snail
– Brown-lipped snail
– White-lipped snail
– Glass snail
– Cellar snail
Are all harmless. They do not produce any toxins that can harm people. So you don’t need to worry about poisonings from handling garden snails in the UK. As always, washing hands after contact is sensible. And take care not to touch eyes, etc.
Which UK snails are edible?
There are a number of UK land snail species that can be eaten if correctly prepared:
Roman snail
The large Roman snail is native to mainland Europe but also found in southern England. It can reach up to 4 inches in shell length.
Garden snail
The common garden snail found throughout Britain is edible when fully cooked.
White-lipped snail
This widespread species has white-rimmed shell and is a popular edible snail in Europe.
Brown-lipped snail
Similar to the white-lipped but with brown lip to shell. Found across Britain.
Petit-gris snail
A small Species naturalized in South East England after introduction from Europe.
So most common garden and woodland snails in the UK are non-toxic. But always cook snails thoroughly before eating to guard against any risk.
Are there any snails native to the UK that are dangerous?
No land snail species native to the UK is dangerous or highly poisonous to humans. The 3 species mentioned earlier in this article that can produce mild skin irritants are the only ones known to secrete toxins. And the toxins do not cause serious or long-term harm.
There are also no populations of highly toxic invasive snail species established in Britain. Snails such as the cone snail and blue-ringed octopus, which contain very dangerous venom, are not found in the UK.
So in summary, no UK snail species pose a serious risk to human health. No known deaths or lasting injuries have been attributed to contact with British snails. Basic precautions should however be taken, such as supervision around young children.
Can you eat slugs found in the UK?
Slugs are more prone to transmit parasites than snails, so it is not recommended to eat wild slugs raw. However, well-cooked slugs are safe to eat. Some species found in the UK that can be prepared for food include:
– Black slug – Arion ater
– Red slug – Arion rufus
– Yellow slug – Limax flavus
– Green cellar slug – Limacus maculatus
– Grey field slug – Deroceras reticulatum
Ensure slugs are thoroughly cooked before eating to kill any parasites present. Well-cooked slugs have a mucilaginous texture described as similar to okra. Once again though, most experts advise against eating raw or undercooked slugs due to possible parasite transmission.
What steps should you take if poisoned by a UK snail?
As mentioned, no UK snail species produces toxins that can seriously harm or poison humans. At worst, mild tingling or irritation may result from direct contact with certain species. If this occurs:
– Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any mucus/toxins
– Apply a cold compress to soothe any irritation
– Take oral antihistamines if irritation is severe
– Contact emergency services if severe swelling, difficulty breathing or other concerning symptoms develop
In practice though, such severe reactions are extremely unlikely from contact with British snails. No hospital visits or medical intervention are required for typical symptoms, which should resolve naturally within 15-30 minutes.
Conclusion
While a small number of UK snail species can secrete mild irritant mucus, no land snails native to Britain are highly poisonous or dangerous to humans. At most, touching snails directly might cause minor stinging or itching for a short time. But this does not require medical treatment.
Exercising basic precautions like not handling snails carelessly, washing hands after contact, and keeping snails away from eyes/mouths is sensible. With reasonable care, it is safe to touch British snails without serious risk of poisoning.