Metaldehyde - Pests it manages & Pros and Cons

Metaldehyde is a chemical compound that is used as a molluscicide, meaning it is used to kill slugs and snails. It is a common ingredient in slug and snail baits that are used in gardens and agricultural settings.

Metaldehyde is most commonly used as a slug and snail bait. To use it in this way, follow these steps:

1. Purchase a slug and snail bait containing metaldehyde. These are typically available at garden centers and home improvement stores.

2. Follow the label instructions carefully. Different products may have different application rates, so it is important to use the correct amount as directed.

3. Spread the bait around the areas where you have seen slugs and snails, or in areas where you want to prevent them from entering. Pay particular attention to damp, shaded areas, as these are popular habitats for slugs and snails.

4. Be sure to keep the bait out of reach of children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.

5. Reapply the bait as needed, according to the label instructions. This may be necessary after heavy rain or after a period of time has passed.

Metaldehyde can also be applied as a spray to plants to kill slugs and snails. In this case, follow the label instructions for mixing and applying the spray. As with bait, be sure to keep the spray out of reach of children and pets, and avoid applying it to areas where it may come into contact with bodies of water.

The pros of using metaldehyde include its effectiveness at killing slugs and snails, which can be a major pest in certain crops and gardens. It is also relatively easy to use, as it can be applied in bait form or as a spray.

However, there are also several cons to consider when using metaldehyde. It can be harmful to non-target animals, including birds and mammals, if ingested. It can also be harmful to humans if ingested, so it is important to use caution when applying it and to keep it out of reach of children and pets. 

Metaldehyde, a chemical compound used as a molluscicide to kill slugs and snails, can be harmful to pets if ingested. In addition to dogs, cats and other small mammals may also be at risk of metaldehyde poisoning.

Symptoms of metaldehyde poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, tremors, difficulty breathing, and seizures. In severe cases, metaldehyde poisoning can be fatal.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested metaldehyde, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The treatment will depend on the severity of the poisoning and may include medications to control vomiting and seizures, fluids to help flush the toxin out of the body, and supportive care to help your pet recover.

To prevent metaldehyde poisoning in pets, it is important to use caution when applying metaldehyde and to follow the label instructions carefully. Keep the product out of reach of pets, and be sure to store it in a secure location. If you have a pet, it is also a good idea to choose alternative pest control methods that are safer for pets, such as physical barriers or pest-repelling plants.

In addition, metaldehyde can be toxic to certain aquatic species, so it is important to use it only in areas where it will not come into contact with bodies of water.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of using metaldehyde before using it, and to follow the label instructions carefully to ensure its safe and effective use.

Safer alternatives:  Iron phosphate, Copper