2109 Sumner, Aberdeen. Some of our Daffodil buds have been partially devoured and we see the characteristic slime trail of slugs. There are currently two chemicals recommended for slug control in home gardens. Metaldehyde has been used since the early 1930 s and iron phosphate since 1998. It is formulated as a uniform and dust free cereal based mini-pellet.
Mortality develops slower than that induced by metaldehyde formulations.
The labeled application rate is 3 to 4 times higher than that for metaldehyde mini pellets. Metaldehyde is available in various baits. These include meal formulations, large pellets, and mini-pellets. Good quality meals may give fast plant protection due to the good coverage, but they do not last more than one week. Rainfall quickly reduces the effectiveness by dissipating the active ingredient from the carrier.