Mollusk barrier

Abstract

A barrier for deterring slugs, snails, and other gastropod mollusks from entering an area, and a method for using the same are provided. The barrier includes an elongate tubular support having a plastically deformable core member and an outer sheath. A plurality of outwardly extending projections are attached to the tubular support. Means for fixing the position of the barrier may also be provided. A planter having an integrated mollusk barrier is also provided.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A barrier for deterring gastropod mollusks, the barrier comprising:
 (a) an elongate tubular support comprising a plastically deformable core member and an outer sheath;   (b) a plurality of outwardly extending arcuate projections attached to the tubular support, the arcuate projections spaced longitudinally along the tubular support to define the barrier; and   (c) an embeddable attachment means for securing the barrier on a porous substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable core member is a metal wire. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable core member is a copper wire. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the outer sheath is polypropylene. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the outer sheath has at least one opening that exposes the core member. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier of  claim 1  further comprising a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being releasably connectable. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the embeddable attachment means comprises at least one outwardly extending spike attached to the tubular support. 
     
     
         8 . The barrier of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of C-shaped receivers attached to the tubular support, the C-shaped receivers oriented substantially longitudinally along the tubular support and configured to define a through-hole through which a spike can be inserted. 
     
     
         9 . A method for deterring gastropod mollusks from entering an area, the method comprising positioning a barrier along the perimeter of the area, wherein the barrier comprises:
 (a) an elongate tubular support comprising a plastically deformable core member and an outer sheath;   (b) a plurality of outwardly extending arcuate projections attached to the tubular support, the arcuate projections spaced longitudinally along the tubular support to define the barrier; and   (c) an embeddable attachment means for securing the barrier on a porous substrate.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the plastically deformable core member is a metal wire. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the plastically deformable core member is a copper wire. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the outer sheath is polypropylene. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the outer sheath has at least one opening that exposes the core member. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the barrier further comprises a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being releasably connectable. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the embeddable attachment means comprises at least one outwardly extending spike attached to the tubular support. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the barrier further comprises a plurality of C-shaped receivers attached to the tubular support, the C-shaped receivers oriented substantially longitudinally along the tubular support and configured to define a through-hole through which a spike can be inserted.