Being in my garden is one of the most calming things for me. Over time, I’ve seen many kinds of insects, most of them really interesting. But nothing compares to what I discovered that afternoon while pulling out weeds.
I noticed a small area of soil covered with tiny white balls. At first, I thought they were bits of plastic blown in by the wind. But when I looked closer, I saw they were too round, too smooth, and looked almost alive.
To be careful, I put on my gloves and gently loosened the soil around the tiny balls. They were soft and a bit squishy, like jelly. Then it hit me — maybe they were eggs. But eggs of what? A bird? An insect? Or something worse?
My curiosity took over, so I picked up a few and brought them inside. Under the kitchen light, I saw tiny dark spots inside their clear shells. I used my phone to search online — and instantly wished I hadn’t. They were snail eggs. Gardeners online said that one snail can lay dozens at a time, and they hatch in just a couple of weeks if it’s damp. Something that looks harmless can quickly turn into a serious infestation.
I also found out that in some places, especially where tropical snails live, their eggs can carry parasites that are harmful to people. Just thinking about that made me feel uneasy.
I went back outside, collected the rest of the eggs, and poured boiling water on them. Many gardeners say this is the best way to stop them from hatching. Then I turned the soil and checked under pots and leaves for more of them.
Now, whenever I spot something shiny in the soil, I always take a closer look. Nature can be full of surprises.
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