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Question about Metaldehyde usage

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Forrest, Feb 8, 2009.

  1. Feb 8, 2009 #1
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    My understanding of the way that the liquid metaldehyde (like Deadline, and sluggit) is that you need to apply it, then let things dry. The reason being is that it needs to come into contact with the slugs and snails in order to kill them.

    My question is if it would be bad to apply this two or more days in a row. I was thinking that rather than let things dry out, I would just make sure that everything was nice and soaked with it, that way even the little buggers down in the bottom of the pots would be gone.
     
  2. Feb 9, 2009 #2
    Clark

    Clark Gator Member

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    Forrest, I use Slug-it concentrate (bought a bunch before they took it off the market). I mix it in a watering can and soak the entire area down. I think the method gets to all the little buggers located in the corners of the pots. Let it go dry (so the sphagnum moss in the Oncidiums is dry) and I have had very good results.
     
  3. Feb 9, 2009 #3
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Metaldehyde causes molluscs to over-generate the slime that they use to move and protect themselves. It's a very moisture intensive process for them. So, if you keep giving the critters moisture, it defeats the purpose of the metaldehyde. In other words, it's not the poison that kills them. You must dry out the areas where the slugs and snails are located.
     
  4. Mar 17, 2009 #4
    Ann

    Ann Beadin' fool

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    I found a great product called Sluggo. It's harmless to pets which was a concern of mine. Snails and slugs are drawn to it, eat it and then lose their appetites and die. I'm finding snail shells so I guess it's working.