Snails usually feed on the lower part of plants, eating partly or completely through the leaf. To get rid from snails or slugs add coffee grounds along with crushed egg shells which will deter snails. Place used coffee grounds (the stronger the better) and broken egg shells in a circular perimeter around the plants you are trying to protect. Use sand. distribute playground sand around young plants early in the Spring. Be generous with the sand. Snails hate sand because it rips their bellies open and they die.