snail/slugs pellets vs vegie patch

[DoubleDogFarm]

I use Corrys Slug and Sail

Double yikes! metaldehyde

Environmental Effects
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metaldehyde does not present a direct environmental risk to water and soil quality; the compound has a half-life of only several days in soil and is soluble in water. Because it rapidly decomposes to acetaldehyde, it is not persistent in groundwater either (EXTOXNET). However, metaldehyde does pose risks to the health of wildlife.

In addition to laboratory studies on mice and rats, data indicate that the compound is toxic to various other organisms. Although LD50 values, the median lethal dosages, are unavailable for birds, several cases of death have been reported for birds feeding in metaldehyde-treated areas. Likewise, poultry living in exposed areas have shown tremors, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea. Metaldehyde does not seem to affect aquatic organisms (EXTOXNET). Pelleted baits have been reported to be toxic to multiple organisms. Likewise, these baits are appealing to dogs, and therefore numerous agencies recommend that pets be confined during the application of the chemical.


More here https://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Metaldehyde

Eric

[rainbowgardener]

yup, also see my post at the very beginning of this thread, first response to the OP.

[garden5]

This is why I hesitate to use any kind of fertilizer or "pest spray" even though it is labeled "organic." There are ways a company can sneak some bad stuff into these products and still maintain an "organic" or "all natural" label. For me...I'll stick with good old fashioned egg shells and hand-picking.

[Odd Duck]

Corry's slug and snail death pellets are NOT labeled as organic. While I'm not an organic expert and don't know enough to argue about the iron sulfate slug baits that are labeled organic, we're talking about 2 very different things here.

Metaldehyde (Corry's among others) are highly toxic to many, many species. I have not researched the iron sulfate bait risk to other species, but I definitely know about the metaldehyde toxicity.

So, I would recommend using any slug and snail baits with extreme care, and if hand picking is a viable option, that's always going to be the safest. Beer drowning also seems a safer option (but many dogs will drink beer if given the chance). JMHO

[cherishedtiger]

OH... well... um... great now I gotta find something better to use... luckily the animals aren't allowed near the garden, and I do hand wash everything. Any difference between the pellets and the powder? Because I use the powder you sprinkle around everything.
Well I think I will just find something else... don't want anyone getting sick!