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Pet Safe Slug Prevention

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Q: 
I recently got a wonderful new puppy. I have a real problem with slugs in my garden and flower pots. Before I got my puppy I was using a product containing metaldehyde which seemed to work very well, however I read that it is highly toxic to animals. I don't want my new puppy to get sick. Do you know any methods for pet safe slug control?
 

A:
I'm glad you're concerned and want to find a safer method for slug prevention. Metaldehyde is very toxic to mamals, birds, and even humans. Veterinarians report many cases of metaldehyde poisoning every year. It's especially dangerous to use with a puppy around, because puppies love to eat everything and are more susceptible to poisoning. Metaldehyde slug baits can be very enticing to animals since they also contain fruit flavors to attract slugs. Metaldehyde is fatal to dogs, cats, and other small animals if enough is ingested and causes nervous system damage. There are many very effective safe ways to control slugs. Sluggo and Worry Free are two brands of slug bait that are animal, environment, and human safe. They both use iron phosphate to kill the slugs and work just as well as metaldehyde . Coffee is also said to be great at killing slugs. You can also put a ring of copper around areas that you want to be slug free. The copper causes a chemical reaction when the slug touches it, which repels them from the area. Enticing them to a different area with half a grapefruit, apple, or other types of fruit can reduce the damage on gardens. Slugs will also drown happily in a bowl of beer. Just dig a shallow hole and place a bowl in it with about an inch or two of beer. Just remember if you feel these safer methods are not working as well as metaldehyde that dead plants are better than dead pets. If you still feel the need to use it then either put up a secure fence to keep pets out or provide close supervision. Cat climb fences, so if you have outdoor cats keep that in mind. Good Luck keeping those pesty slugs away. Bellow are some links for more information and pet safe slug control:

Sluggo 1lb.

Sluggo 1lb.

SLUGGO is a unique blend of iron phosphate and bait additives. The bait not ingested will biodegrade and become a beneficial addition to your gardens soil


Organic Insecticidal Soap

Organic Insecticidal Soap

"This Clean-smelling Insect Killing Soap kills soft-bodied pests on vegetables, flowers, fruits and houseplants"


Wiggle Waggle Pet Services * Tigard * OR * 97223