Baits containing the active ingredient metaldehyde are most common.
Metaldehyde baits are particularly poisonous to dogs and cats, and the
pelleted form is especially attractive to dogs. Metaldehyde snail
baits should not be used where children and pets cannot be kept away
from them. Some metaldehyde products are formulated with carbaryl,
partly to increase the spectrum of pests controlled to include soil
and debris-dwelling insects, spiders, and sowbugs. However, carbaryl
is toxic to soil-inhabiting beneficials like ground beetles and
earthworms and should be avoided if snail and slug management is all
that is required. Metaldehyde baits containing 4% metaldehyde are
significantly more effective than those products containing only 2%
metaldehyde; however, they are also more toxic to dogs and wildlife.
Most currently available 4% products are formulated for use in
enclosed bait stations to minimize their hazard.

Avoid getting metaldehyde bait on plants, especially vegetables. Baits
containing only metaldehyde are most reliable when temperatures are
warm or following a rain when snails and slugs are active. Metaldehyde
does not kill snails and slugs directly unless they eat a substantial
amount; rather, it stimulates their mucous-producing cells to
overproduce mucous in an attempt to detoxify the bait. The cells
eventually fail and the snail dies. When it is sunny or hot, they die
from desiccation. If baiting is followed by cool and wet weather, they
may recover if they ingest a sublethal dose. Do not water heavily for
at least 3 or 4 days after bait placement; watering will reduce
effectiveness and snails may recover from metaldehyde poisoning if
high moisture conditions occur. Most metaldehyde baits break down
rapidly when exposed to sunlight; however, some paste or bullet
formulations (such as Deadline) hold up somewhat longer under
conditions of sunlight and moisture.

Diatomaceous Earth is also used for control of snails and slugs. In
areas with high humidity or moisture, irrigation or sprinklers are
used or in areas with extensive periods of rain it is rendered
ineffective at a fast rate. It poses a rish of irritation and
possible respiratory problems during application. It kills by
dehydration.

A recently registered snail and slug bait, iron phosphate (available
under many trade names including Sluggo and Escar-Go), has the
advantage of being safe for use around domestic animals, children,
birds, fish, and other wildlife and is a good choice for a garden IPM
program. Ingestion of the iron phosphate bait, even in small amounts,
will cause snails and slugs to cease feeding, although it may take
several days for the snails to die. Iron phosphate bait can be
scattered on lawns or on the soil around any vegetables, ornamentals,
or fruit trees to be protected. Iron phosphate baits may be more
effective against snails than slugs.

Garden Safe divison of Schultz makes the product that i orignally
posted about.

http://www.gardensafe.com/ProductCat...SlugSnailBait/

$6.90 for 2# bag at Home Depot. A little goes a ong way and its very
effective and long lasting. Iron Phospate is not supposed to be
harmfull to fish or pets, but on the bag its listed as a precautionary
statement.



==============================================
Put some color in your cheeks...garden naked!
"The original frugal ponder"
~~~~ }((((o ~~~~~~ }{{{{o ~~~~~~~ }(((((o