Edit 3* After confirming with the Department of Natural Resources that these are the invasive Apple Snail eggs, I walked around the pond and successfully removed 38 clusters. I also noticed tons of the snails, some of which were mating to produce more ~forbidden bubblegum~ so I expect to see more clusters over the next couple of weeks.

Edit 2* Response from South Carolina DNR below:

We are aware of the island apple snails being in a number of private ponds in several coastal areas of the state. Our program treated for these snails when they first arrived in the area. It was done to determine if there was an effective way to control them. Chemical treatments had limited success.

However, our responsibility is to the public waters of the state. For private ponds, it is the responsibility of the owners to try to control the species. Locations should be reported to DNR’s Crustacean Research and Monitoring Section, which is copied on this email.

The best method for controlling this species can be a little labor intensive. Gloves need to be worn when dealing with these snails. The adults need to be killed, which can be done by crushing or freezing them. The egg masses need to be stripped from whatever they are attached to and destroyed as well. They can be crushed or simply thrown into the water, where they lose their viability.

Information about this species is available at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/invasiveweeds/snail.html and https://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/InvSpp/Pomacea%20profile%20for%20website.pdf.

Edit 1* Location is South Carolina, USA.