Beer and bran-based slug baits
Slugs and snails are highly attracted to the odor of yeast. In fact, beer, which has a strong yeasty odor, makes an excellent attractant. Beer-based traps are widely used for inexpensive slug and snail control. However, beer traps are very messy and difficult to use because they need to be emptied and re-filled every day or two.
Bran and yeast-based baits also are highly attractive to both slugs and snails. Baits are usually formulated with a poison that kills the slug or snail when the bait is consumed. Until recently the chemical metaldehyde was used as the poison component. Metaldehyde is, however, hazardous to pets, wildlife, and any other non-target animal that ingests the bait. Fortunately, safer alternatives based on a naturally occurring fertilizer, iron (ferric) phosphate, are now available.
|
|