Slug and Snail Baits & Traps

- Iron-based baits are safe, easy and effective -

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 and wildlife that ingests the bait. Fortunately, safer alternatives based on a naturally occurring fertilizer, iron (ferric) phosphate, are now available (see Related Articles below for information about accidental pet poisonings with slug baits).

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, stale beer. 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 but don't put dead slugs into the compost bin because they will rot and smell bad.

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