Abstract: A barrier comprised of two or more adjacent conductive surfaces with each conductive surface having a sufficient width to insure that when all the conductive surface widths are added together, the largest snail to be protected against cannot step over the combined width; also all adjacent conductive surfaces are separated by a minimal insulating gap so that the smallest snail to be protected against cannot step over the insulating gap without contacting at least two adjacent conductive surfaces at one time. Each adjacent conductive surface is powered so that it has an electrical potential difference from the adjacent conductive surfaces. Thus any snail, slug or similar gastropod mollusk attempting to cross the barrier will receive an electrical shock that will inhibit it from crossing the barrier.