A snail that threatens crops has infected a garden in Bermuda and is thought to have reproduced, said a government official.

Agriculture and Fisheries staff have moved quickly and eliminated approximately 100 European Brown Garden snails, or Helix aspersa, at the introduction site but urge the public to be on the lookout.

Plant Protection Officer of the Plant Quarantine Laboratory, Claire Jessy-Aldrich, said the menace was introduced to Bermuda from England when a family moved here with garden ornaments -- to which the snails were attached.

"The (snail) is considered to be the number-one urban snail pest in England, Australia, California and several other US states and a serious threat to all local commercial crops of vegetables, flowers and foliage,'' said Mrs.

Aldrich.

"This snail is native to Europe and the Mediterranean where aggressive birds and small mammals keep the pest population under check.

"It is not known whether the local bird species will be effective in controlling the European Brown Garden snail if the population spreads from the introduction site,'' she said.

The snail is described as large, a fully-grown adult being about one-and-a-half inches wide by one-inch tall.

"It can easily be recognised by its chestnut-brown shell with wide, spiralling, yellowish-brown stripes, interrupted by yellow flecks or streaks,'' said Mrs. Aldrich.

She said the snail will eat seedlings, leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and in some cases, the bark of trees.

"California reports the snail to be a serious pest of citrus as it climbs trees to defoliate branches, attack fruit and remove bark from branches,'' Mrs. Aldrich said.

"Like most land snails, the European Brown Garden snail is nocturnal and does most of its feeding at night.

"Warm, humid nights are perfect for snail activity. During the day they can be found in damp, cool areas under plants, in crevices in walls and hiding under plant pots and outdoor furniture.

"Any member of the public who may have seen this pest is asked to contact the Plant Quarantine Laboratory at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries immediately at 236-4201,'' Mrs. Aldrich said.