Slug Bait Comparison: Iron EDTA vs. Metaldehyde – Which One is Best for Your Farm?
Make your pasture stand out
Control of Slugs & Snails is important to help ensure pasture gets a good head start
The Importance of Slug Control
Slugs can cause significant damage to pastures, crops, and gardens, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. Effective slug control is crucial for maintaining healthy pastures and high-performing crops. But with multiple slug bait options available, which one should you choose?
Iron EDTA Slug Bait: A Safer, Eco-Friendly Solution
What is Iron EDTA?
Iron EDTA, also known as ferric EDTA, is a modern slug control solution that works by disrupting the slug’s ability to metabolize calcium, leading to dehydration and death.
Iron EDTA Slug Bait (Dusk™ Slug & Snail Bait)
Benefits:
✅ Highly Effective – Stops slugs from feeding almost immediately, reducing crop damage.
✅ Safe for Pets & Livestock – Unlike Metaldehyde, it poses minimal risk to animals.
✅ Environmentally Friendly – Breaks down into natural compounds without contaminating water sources.
✅ Organic-Approved – Some formulations, such as Dusk™ Slug & Snail Bait, are Biogro Certified.
Disadvantages:
❌ Higher Cost per/ha – Iron EDTA-based slug bait is generally more expensive than Metaldehyde options.
What About Metaldehyde? A Cost-Effective but Riskier Option
Metaldehyde has been used for slug control for decades, but its toxicity and environmental impact have led to increased restrictions.
Metaldehyde Slug Bait (Delicia® SLUGGOFF® Lentils)
Benefits:
✅ Fast-Acting – Works quickly to reduce slug populations.
✅ Cost-Effective – Lower cost per hectare compared to Iron EDTA slug bait.
Disadvantages:
❌ Highly Toxic to Pets & Wildlife – Can be fatal if ingested by dogs, birds, and non-target animals.
❌ Environmental Risks – Can contaminate water sources, posing a risk to aquatic life.
❌ Restricted in Some Regions – Due to its toxicity, many countries have placed limits on its use.
Which Slug Bait is Best for Your Farm?
If you prioritize safety, sustainability, and long-term effectiveness, Iron EDTA-based slug baits like Dusk™ Slug & Snail Bait are the superior choice. They offer excellent slug control while reducing risks to pets, livestock, and the environment.
However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative and can manage the associated risks, Metaldehyde Slug Bait (Delicia® SLUGGOFF® Lentils) may be a viable option.
Get the Best Slug Control Solution – Delivered with Your Seed or Fertilizer Order
Looking for the most effective slug bait for your pasture, crops, or garden? Want to add it to your seed or fertilizer order for easy delivery?
More information on the products mentioned above:
Delicia® SLUGGOFF® Lentils 8kg
Description
Contains Metaldehyde 30g/kg
Delicia Sluggoff Lentils have been specifically developed to help in the fight against all active stages of the snail and slug lifestyle cycle including juveniles. The active ingredient metaldehyde works on mucous secretion to cause desiccation but also immobilises snails and slugs through effects on the nervous system.
The importance of shape:
The unique patented extrusion process has for the first time resulted in a product that is designed with slugs and snails in mind. Rapid uptake ensures maximum efficacy and therefore maximum crop protection.
Other unique features of the Delicia SLUGGOFF Lentils are:
The patented extrusion process produces lentils free from dust
Slim “Biting Edge” allows easy consumption for even the smallest juvenile
Resistant to rain and mould for up to 4 weeks
The micronized and homogenous distribution of the 3% active ingredient inside the bait matrix means that Delicia SLUGGOFF lentils achieve better performance whilst using 40% less active per hectare when compared to other baits containing 5% active
Made from the highest quality wheat flour to give excellent palatability ensuring high uptake, with only 3Kg/ha applied in broadacre crops or 6kg/ha in horticultural crops the exclusive and patented lentil form ensures an application density of 30 to 60 lentils per m²
Pack Sizes: 8kg
Dusk™ Slug and Snail Bait
Iron EDTA complex 54 g/kg
Granular slug bait with outstanding safety and environmental profile. The weather-resistant formulation provides enhanced durability and excellent coverage.
GENERAL INFORMATION Dusk is a highly effective slug and snail killer. The pellet contains iron, which is bound into a complex. Once slugs and snails have fed on the pellet, the iron is released from its bound form in the gut and is uniquely toxic to slugs and snails.
Dusk is safe to use, and is safe around animals, pets, and birds. It does not harm earthworms. Dusk granules are optimally sized to allow for effective ground coverage and enhanced crop protection. As Dusk does not work through paralysis, slugs, and snails move away after feeding. There may therefore be no dead slugs or snails visible after use. Dusk can be used around seedlings or established plants in agriculture and horticulture.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE Broadcast: Use 15 kg/ha. Application can be made before, during, or after sowing. Apply evenly over the ground surface. For band application along rows, apply as close as possible to the plants. Application is best made after rain or irrigation when slugs and snails become more active. Do not apply to edible plant parts.
Drilling with seed: Use 10 kg/ha. Apply through the granule applicator hopper or mix in with the seed. Only use where the drill leaves an open slot allowing slugs access to the baits. Otherwise broadcast the baits as above. When stored appropriately, this product should show no significant degradation for 2 years from the date of manufacture. Contact your supplier for further information about the use of the product that is older than this.
DUSK™ is a trademark of Orion AgriScience Ltd.
