A delicacy in Africa, giant snails are making people squirm in coastal Kerala. From the Pacific Islands, the slow-moving snails have now invaded homes in Mattancherry.

They feed on most things that come their way, from coconut leaves to flowers.

“In my entire life, I have crossed 58 now, I have never ever seen such a huge creature in this area and it is causing a real menace as it gets inside our houses,” says local resident Thilothama Bai.

They can grow as long as five inches or more, sometimes as large as the palm of an adult. Zoologists say they can multiply fast posing a serious threat to the environment and health.

“These can cause acute diseases and can also act as the intermediate host for a rat parasite which causes meningitis,” says a lecturer of Cochin College, Prof Antonia Roseline K J.

Students of the Department of Microbiology and Zoology of Cochin College have undertaken a snail eradication programme.

The department is also planning to educate area residents about the health risks and eradication methods.