Where to get PROPER slug pellets? (Metaldehyde-based) 21 May 2020 at 4:09PM in Greenfingered MoneySaving 5 replies 335 views

cubegame

Does anyone know where one can get proper slug pellets from now (since the ban was lifted)?
The ferric phosphate ones simply don't work.

Davesnave

Forward Planning.com was where I went when  the ban was announced. Definitely a top shelf item now, though still available at eye watering prices on eBay. There might also be a hiccup in the supply due to Covid, as the commercial suppliers are low on many chemical stocks at present.

I use the ferric ones that don't work in the polytunnel. I say they don't work because they disappear and I wonder if rodents are enjoying them. If they aren't, something is.

I'm not sure what happens next. Potato growers used a huge proportion of the metaldehyde pellets and I can't see pricey spuds going down well with the public. Maybe it'll be on, off, on, off like Asulox for bracken, which is the sort of thing that happens when government guys in grey suits make farming decisions. (see my sig!)

greyteam1959

eBay ??
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slug-Killer-350g-Mini-Blue-Pellets-Scatter-1-5-Metaldehyde-Active-Snail-Kil/274353739231?hash=item3fe0c1d5df:g:9ZsAAOSwAlJerLE9

Davesnave

As I said, "available at eye watering prices on eBay"

Hardly difficult to find, but should we be giving such rotten value promotion here? They aren't even regular strength.

adonis

Maybe try this, https://www.bowdenhostas.com/pages/Garlic-Wash-Recipe.html

I know it is for hostas but it may do the job you want.

twopenny

Didn't even know they'd been banned until I tried to buy some more.

What I have used for small precious areas is sheeps wool pellets. They worked very well. Managed to get some on offer so not quite so damaging on my purse.

Just started experimenting with coffee grounds and that seems to have done the trick. I tip them into a flat dish and dry them in the sun. Then storing them in a jamjar. Plants stopped getting eaten. Found a snail shocked into caffine overdose. What it will do to my runner beans I don;t know but they're growing well!

Don't use them with tomatoes. Check before trying this which plants will tollerate them. Quite a few are ok.