Snails & Slugs; Management using Pesticides?
Metaldehyde and methiocarb are the active ingredients in most of the formulations designed to kill snails and slugs. They are relatively toxic materials to a wide variety of organisms and they are environmentally destructive. The purpose of this section is to address their characteristics – NOT to recommend their use. metaldehyde: Metaldehyde is a molluscicide used to attract and kill slugs and snails. It is a synthetic aldehyde and it is prohibited for use on certified organic crops by the OCIA. It is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Restricted Use Pesticide and must carry the signal word “Caution” or “Warning” along with the statement that, “This pesticide may be fatal to dogs or other pets if eaten. Keep pets out of treated areas”. It is of moderate to low acute toxicity to mammals, relatively non- toxic to fish and insects, but significantly toxic to birds and molluscs. It breaks down readily when exposed to sunlight. The University of California Pest Man
