Get ready to fight back against slugs

The timely application of a high quality molluscicide will therefore be of critical importance to protect young crops, as will the efficacy and quality of the slug pellets being applied.

Key factors to consider when choosing slug pellets

Bait Efficacy:

To maximise slug control molluscicide pellets should take effect as soon as possible after ingestion: a pellet with an appropriate amount of ferric phosphate will disrupt gut activity and suppress the slug’s appetite as soon as it has been ingested, thereby stopping grazing and protecting the crop even before the slug’s ultimate demise.

Ballistics:

Slug pellets should be of a uniform size, shape, weight and consistency to ensure they spread accurately and provide the optimum number of baiting points.

Pellet palatability:

A good quality, wet-processed slug pellet will remain mould-free and palatable for longer, even in wet conditions. 

Persistance and colour retention

Brightly coloured pellets which hold their colour and therefore remain visible for longer are easier to spot in the seedbed, making it quicker and easier to assess the evenness of application and to determine if/when another application should be made[AB3] .

When to apply slug pellets

Population threshold

Slug pellets should only be applied when the slug population has reached threshold: if in doubt, use slug traps to assess the level of risk.

Avoid wet weather

Do not apply slug pellets immediately prior to heavy rainfall as this can lead to the rapid degradation of slug pellets – especially if they are of a poorer quality.

Prolonged protection

To limit moulding, spoilage and degradation, use a slug pellet which is durable and long-lasting even in excessively wet conditions.

Gusto^® IRON: the obvious choice for cost-effective slug control

Gusto^® IRON is a ready-to-use, pelleted bait containing 2.94% w/w anhydrous ferric phosphate. It is approved for use in a range of agricultural and horticultural crops and offers the following key benefits:

• A durable, persistent and palatable slug pellet for the control of all UK slug species
• Rainproof and with superior mould resistance (see diagram below)
• Excellent colour retention for easy detection
• Uniform pellet size and density for accurate spreading to wide working widths
• Optimum number of baiting points when applied at a field rate of 5-7kg/ha

^{An independent trial, conducted under controlled conditions to maintain a warm, wet and humid environment, showed that Gusto IRON slug pellets retain their shape, colour and palatability for longer compared to other leading brands. The ADAMA pellets also remained mould-free for longer.}

Find out more

For more information about how Gusto IRON could help to improve slug control on your farm click here. Alternatively, for more general advice about slug trapping and integrated pest control head over to our dedicated slug control page at https://www.adama.com/uk/en/slugcontrol