I found a metaldehyde based product very effective and reliable over many years use. Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer is a ready-to-use pesticide and does not require mixing. The 4 percent pelleted metaldehyde bait, a concentration commonly sold to home gardeners, is reported to be toxic to wildlife, according to the EPA. Metaldehyde may cause signs of poisoning even when very small amounts are ingested. That does not convince me that when the product is used in the garden the effects are not reversible. The answer to this depends on the environmental conditions at the time of application, the species of slug and the exact formulation of the product. Most websites still claim that iron phosphate is perfectly safe since it is natural and organic, but they ignore the EDTA component which is common in many slug baits these days. 2nd The metaldehyde active has been used to kill slugs and snails for more than 40 years. Since I live in the middle of farm land a local farmer pointed out that every field around me is dosed in slug pellets. Acetaldehyde is naturally present in the environment and is produced in the human body as a breakdown product of alcohol. That being said I got lucky and our dogs have no interest in the smell this product but you should keep it in mind! Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? What do you think? Simply apply the slug killer by sprinkling the pellets carefully from the package using the twist-cap spout. I looked at several slug products available online and most dont advertise the inclusion of bitrex, but the SMDS usually mentions it. AK, CA, CT, HI, IN, MI, NY, OR, RI, SC, VT and WA. If the soil is not wet, sprinkle it with water just before applying the bait to make it more hospitable for slugs to come to the soil surface where the bait is. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. Signs of poisoning are generally seen within a few minutes to up to three hours after ingestion. The paper is a kind of meta-study citing other papers that wer published in peer-reviewed journals. Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer will eliminate current infestations and prevent new ones from arriving. Marketing Mint Pest Alert helped save an average of $28.33 per acre, or a value of approximately $453,000 in pest control savings in mint production statewide. I placed one in a small bedroom and I did not feel as many mosquitos as to in bigger areas. Have a gardening question? I live in Switzerland and I tried those nematodes almost 20 years ago in my vegetable garden. Snail, Slug Bait Poisoning in Cats | PetMD Does that work? If they recover they did not eat enough bait or the bait had was already deterioated. PDF EFFECTIVE IMPROVED COVERAGE SPECIMEN - Amazon Web Services The second reference is done in the lab, not in the field, but it does conclude thaty The present results show that the cellular stress level in control animals is higher at 15C than at 5 or 10C, and increasing temperature leads to more severe and faster pathological effects in metaldehyde-treated slugs. Applying slug and snail killer to the garden is an effective way to get rid of slugs. I doubt that death by pellets is more humane. They do take poisoned slugs when they find them. The first reference is a paper written by a scientiest (M. Bieri) of Lonza, a Swiss manufacturer of metaldehyde slug pellets. When there's an outbreak, I use bait to deal with them, but Stuart Reitz, Jean Natter | It dries probably within the hour after you put it out. As a preventive meaure I regularly scatter metaldehyde pellets close to the retreat, like under bushes and close to the edge of my garden, from where slugs might migrate. It is placed on the ground to create a protective barrier around various plants listed on the product label. Do not know about cats, do not have one. Slugs and snails are devastating to the garden. It can even harm children if ingested, but it does not harm bees or aquatic life. CORVALLIS, Ore. After years of studying the effects of baits on slugs for the Oregon grass seed industry, Oregon State University entomologist Glenn Fisher has learned a lot about battling the slugs. Buy on Amazon: 10: Voluntary Purchasing Group Slug/Snail Bait: 9.65. Kym Pokorny | Claims that iron phosphate EDTA products are natural and harmless to animals is clearly not true. Totally organic! The high body temperature may cause damage to internal organs. Buy on Amazon: 9: Exterminators Choice Slug and Snail 8.45. Metaldehyde is the older slug bait and has been used for many years. I have had to resort to after-dark inspection and using the scissors (secateurs) treatment! Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Poisoning occurs when pets eat metaldehyde-containing slug/snail bait off the ground or from the storage container. See the UC IPM web site at. The pellet slug bait would always get a mildew on it after a rain. Liquid slug killers dont carry the same risk because they seep into the ground quickly and dont draw attention, but pets can still lick or eat the soil, ingesting the slug killer. Deadline Force II is ideal for creating a barrier around specific plants to protect them from snails and slugs. For the Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer, you will want to keep both pets and children away from the treated area from the start of the application until the applied product is no longer visible. Apply this slug-killing product about once every 2 weeks to resolve the slug infestations. Plus, many of the formulas are safe to use around homes with children and pets. Iron phosphate is more effective than metaldehyde at lower temperatures, but is easily washed away with rain or irrigation. http://axcela.lonza.com/axcela/understanding-meta. Do not place Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer directly onto the labeled plant or around plants not listed. Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer is safe to use around humans and pets when applied according to the product label. Any gardener will tell you that slugs and snails absolutely LOVE hostas. The coverage is a product-specific feature that varies in range from 50 feet to more than 1,000 feet, so its important to read the product information and follow the manufacturers recommendations for use. Long-lasting; this all-weather formula is effective up to 4 weeks. Snails and Slugs Management Guidelines--UC IPM - ucanr.edu "Since more than 90 percent of the slugs are underground at any one time, total eradication is impossible. Since then my hostas have no slug damage. Login; View Cart; . You also have to mail-order them on time. He and his colleagues found that the less toxic slug baits containing iron phosphate are as effective as metaldehyde baits for controlling the slugs that damage gardens and landscapes, including the common gray garden slug. The death of birds feeding in metaldehyde-treated areas has been reported in the scientific literature. Which is more effective? Mar 2023 | Sodium ferric EDTA and iron-phosphate products are even less effective against rats, so if you have a real rat problem, invest in rat traps or rat poisons. "If you wait until your vegetables or flowers get big, the slugs are less likely to come down off their plant food sources to consume bait, and the plants may have already sustained damage.. If you drink copious amounts of alcohol you will die, if you drink just a lot you will get a hang over and if you drink moderately it might even be healthy according to some studies. Read on to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about slug killers and how to use them to keep pests out of your yard and garden. These brothers had their hundreds of hostas under cover so they only had to spray weekly. An alternative option that is just as safe for homes with kids and pets is the Natria slug killer with a rain-resistant formula and an easy-to-use twist-cap spout. For vegetable and fruit plants, pellet baiting is recommended. The same situation can occur with pets that are left out in the yard unattended. I went out early in the am , collected the slugs and dispatched them. Deadline Force II 1-Quart Snail and Slug Killer - Lowes "With baits, the slugs must actively encounter and ingest the bait for it to work," said Fisher. Bonide (BND903 - Slug Magic, 8.25. I spotted a few dead earthworms (Id scattered the pellets under planks), and found just as many seedlings cut down by slugsI dont mind hand-picking slugs, but I start to wonder what the neighbors think. Featured question. However the instructions on the label say that recommended dose of iron phosphate is 5 gramms/m2, whereas for metaldehyde it is 0.7gramms/m2. Since iron and phosphate are natural chemicals found in the environment, organic farming regulators approved the product for use. Pick a time when daytime temperatures will be at least 50 degrees, with night temperatures not below 42 degrees. We live in a large condominium. Can it be used safely in a community garden where some gardeners want to stay organic? I simply got the most powerful slug pellets I could and used them. Once a slug consumes the pellets, it typically takes just 3 to 6 days for the slug to die. After eating the bait, the slugs and snails cease feeding, become less mobile and begin to die within three to six days. Made with powerful iron phosphate, sodium ferric EDTA, and spinosad, these formulas are able to deter slugs, and even snails, within 1,000 to 17,000 feet and within a number of days. The amont of slime from the dying slugs is an indication of the population and allow me to adjust the regime. Don't forget to bait in the spring and the fall. Lilly Miller Brands Model No: 732 UPC: 070585003208. Its relatively safe for homes with kids and pets, though spinosad is known to cause skin irritation and redness, so its important to keep the pellets stored safely out of reach. However, its important to avoid creating piles of pellets that may attract pets and other nearby animals. It has a good track record for being effective at killing slugs and snails, but it is also toxic to cats, dogs, birds and other mammals. Buy on Amazon: 7: Southern Ag Snail & Slug 9.00. It seams to be working however I also placed it outside on my deck for I have an issue with carpenter bees, they dont seam to be effected by this product at all. Never induce vomiting at home without specific instructions from a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as this may worsen the situation if not performed correctly. Medications to support the liver may be given. Want to learn more about this topic? Blood work is commonly performed to monitor liver and other organ function. It is 3.5% for metaldehyde and 1% for iron phosphate. OSU recognizes the impact that its land grant history has had on Indigenous communities in Oregon. Width 5 inches Length 2 inches Height 10 inches . Deadline Slug & Snail Slayer 2% Bait. Asked June 13, 2022, 10:26 PM EDT. So I cut the feasters too. I used an iron phosphate product the past two springs. Which is safer for the environment? It keeps working for up to 4 weeks. And this is why some pellets are better than others. Buy on Amazon The active ingredient, metaldehyde, has a short half-life in soil and is not considered harmful to the environment. Water gardens and plants during morning hours to reduce moisture.". Follow the instructions and the slugs literally melt away. Provides guidelines for how beekeepers, growers, and pesticide applicators can work together to prevent Ramesh Sagili | I do not worry so much about them. Activated charcoal should only be administered by a veterinarian because complications, including aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Although cost for the home gardener is not going to be a significant factor, metaldehyde is the cheapest option. Great article. Seedlings of many vegetables and flowers are favored foods, and high populations of slugs can cause difficulties in establishing a crop. Treatment is often started without this testing if poisoning is suspected. I am discovering that Deadline Slug Baitgrayish semi-liquidis no longer available. I got rid of the slugs (and I mean those ones ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_slug) with the following method: News story. We have many planted ash trees in city parks and on rights-of-way, although the tree is now on the list of prohibited David C. Shaw | Metaldehyde (Slug and Snail Bait) Poisoning - Vca These products are sold as granules, sprays, dusts, pelleted grain or bait and are typically applied to the ground around plants or crops, to attract and kill slugs and snails. Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Snail & Slug Bait - Poisonous For Pets - Preventive Vet However, certain slug killer ingredients, like metaldehyde and sulfur, can be harmful to small children and pets, so its recommended to steer clear of these potent products. They are really not very effective against the big Arions (see this paper https://academic.oup.com/mollus/article/68/1/25/1078506?login=false) Water the garden beforehand, especially if it hasnt rained for a few days and the ground is very dry. One of the most important factors to consider when looking for any type of insecticide or pesticide product is that the treatment may be harmful to kids, pets, and wildlife. This alternative active ingredient kills slugs and snails within a few days and is still safe for use around kids, pets, and other wildlife. My yard is in a condo development and is right next to my neighbor who does Kaci Buhl | I cannot tell you 100% that the Deadline Force Slug and Snail Killer will still attract them, best to just give it a try. After suffering from really bad slug attacks over several years the question answered itself for me. Let OSU Extension experts pave the way to truth when it comes to practices in the garden. It speaks from my heart. Deadline Force II contains Metaldehyde 4% as the active ingredient. To control slugs without chemicals, many gardeners use broken shells, lava rock or other rough materials to deter slugs from the area. I have used a two-fold strategy fighting the slugs in my garden slugs. Is Crossbow a good choice for killing wild blackberries? Aug 27, 2018 | Additionally, Corrys Slug & Snail Killer is able to treat a broad area of up to 17,500 square feet, making it ideal for large yards and garden areas. Diagnosis is based on development of the expected signs and a known or suspected history of exposure to slug or snail bait. Discusses the difference between brand name and active ingredient and how to know whether a specific use is legal for a specific pesticide. After the initial application, the slug killer will last for up to 40 days. Keystone Pest Solutions Deadline Bullets Slug Bait Killer - 50 Pounds [5481-507] - Deadline Bullets (50 Pounds) Deadline Slug Bait - for use in labeled crops to control slugs. If you are going to kill slugs then the moral question about killing wildlife has already been made, just go ahead and do it well. Carolyn Cornie. Whether the slugs need to be still moving I do not know. Metaldehyde is the older slug bait and has been used for many years. If treated right, billions of microorganisms turn garden debris into black gold. Pets should not have access to areas where metaldehyde has been applied, as some products may remain active in soil for several weeks. Chris Branam | Get the Monterey Sluggo slug killer on Amazon or at The Home Depot. It is wonderful on snail and slugs. I would like go add some comments on the article: In Europe (I live in Switzerland) iron phosphate pellets are about twice the price of metaldehyde pellets for the same weight of pellets. Works quite well for me. The narrow opening makes it easy to control the flow of pellets from the package. I tried almost every suggestion from the Internet and none of them worked well enough to be a solution. Note: Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Deadline Slug & Snail Slayer Ready-To-Use Pellets - Corrys.com Rototilling the soil prior to planting a vegetable garden is an excellent way to reduce slug populations, said Fisher. Deadline Slug & Snail Slayer 2% Bait, 3 lb - Fred Meyer "This may suffice to protect the crop or garden, but often allows the population to recover over time.". 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023. As a preventive measure I disperse methaldehyde pellets close to the hiding places of the slugs. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. The reason it was to be banned was due to its effects on wildlife, not due to contamination of water. Reference 5 looked at three different species, and found that one was unaffected by iron phosphate, but was killed by metaldehyde. If the pet is not stable enough to safely induce vomiting, the veterinarian may perform a procedure known as gastric lavage (pumping the stomach). Only two effective chemicals are licensed and formulated into slug and snail baits for use on home gardens and on food and seed crops in the United States, Fisher pointed out metaldehyde and iron phosphate. Additionally, its important to read and follow the manufacturers directions for use to ensure that the slug baits and snail control products are safe and effective at ridding the yard of slug and snail infestations. One of the potential benefits of Sluggo is that the . Sadly, some pets that survive these initial signs develop liver failure two to three days after ingestion. Bob Vila has been Americas Handyman since 1979. By
Gardeners who are frustrated with battling slugs need to keep in mind that pest control using baits is very different from using an herbicide or insecticide. Photo Credit: Debbie Miller - Bugwood.org. Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT; Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT; Catherine Barnette, DVM. Nov 20, 2018 | The Monterey Sluggo Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer is an excellent option for homes with kids or pets because the active ingredient that is used to kill slugs and snails is iron phosphate. Why is deadline no longer available in Washington? Dogs, cats, birds, and other wildlife can all be affected by metaldehyde. Anyway, if you have dogs, exercise caution. The spray comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle and contains all-natural active ingredients, including rosemary oil, clove oil, and cottonseed oil. By baiting just before seeding, your slug bait will be the major food on the soil surface, so slugs won't be attracted away from the bait by foliage from plants, said Fisher. Dec 2019 | I see it as a binary decision, not one of degrees of death. This liquid slug treatment by Monterey doesnt pose the same risks because it is a simple spray that doesnt require a wheat-based medium. AZALEA (BAIT APPLICATION) BEANS (BAIT APPLICATION) BEGONIA (BAIT APPLICATION) BLACKBERRIES (BAIT APPLICATION) BLUEBERRIES (BAIT APPLICATION) Our landscaper has been using a diluted version of glyphosate to control weeds on the property and blackberry vines along the edge of the nearby river. Thus, the effects of metaldehyde in slugs are enhanced by higher temperature. And I placed one at each end of the deck . Products containing varying concentrations of metaldehyde include: "Cory's Slug and Snail Death", "Deadline," and "Slug-Tox." Because gardeners never see dead slugs it is hard to know if the product is working. Slugs are one of the most destructive and difficult pests to control.