The Agriculture Ministry says it is working with Regional Corporations to keep public spaces clean, to reduce populations of Giant African Snails.

This week, 103.1FM News received a report of large numbers of snails in parts of Penal, especially Dookie Street.

The Ministry’s Agricultural Entomologist, Rishi Mohansingh says Penal is among 63 communities where the snail is known to be present.

He adds that sanitation is important to address the matter.

Apart from snail bait, Mr Mohansingh says iron phosphate (which is available at agro-shops) can also be used, as can salt or bleach solutions.

Mr Mohansingh says agriculture officers in the various counties will host cottage meetings and training sessions in highly-infested areas.

Further information on managing this pest can also be found on the Ministry’s website agriculture.gov.tt, and citizens can also contact the hotline number 646-6284 or email snailreport@gmail.com.