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Slug and Snail Baits & Traps

- Iron-based baits are safer, easier and effective -

Summary: Traps with a yeast component, like beer, are highly attractive to slugs and snails. Slug and snail poison baits also use yeast. If poison baits are used we suggest the least toxic iron-based baits.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

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.

Use safer iron phosphate baits

Baits are the best approach for long-term management of slugs and snails but we urge you to consider iron phosphate baits (right) rather than metaldehyde-based baits. If you have the time, try setting out a few beer traps first. If this gets to be too much bother, try iron phosphate-based bait.

Beer-baited slug traps

There are many versions of homemade beer traps. The simplest is a shallow pan or plastic food container filled with an inch or two of cheap beer (old, stale beer works great). Bury the container so the lip is at about ground level so that slugs and snails can easily crawl into the trap. Suspend a cover that protects the beer but allows slugs and snails to enter. They will be attracted to the odor and fall into the beer and die. Empty the trap every day or two. Don't put dead slugs into the compost bin because they will smell bad.

Commercial versions of the classic beer trap also are available. These designs blend better into the garden and have a top that is easier to use.

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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