A single night of spring rain can transform a quiet garden into a slow-moving feast. Leaves that looked flawless yesterday suddenly show ragged holes, seedlings disappear at the soil line, and shiny trails twist across paths and patio stones. The culprits rarely rush or hide with much urgency. Slugs and snails simply glide through damp air and soft soil, confident that perfect conditions have arrived.
Digging into why these creatures explode into activity after rain reveals a fascinating slice of backyard ecology. Moisture, temperature, food availability, and biology all combine to create a perfect storm for slug and snail activity. Gardeners who learn how those factors work gain a powerful advantage when protecting tender plants.
