A highly targeted new slug pellet combining excellent efficacy with low toxicity to all organisms other than slugs and snails has been launched by Certis.

The slug pellets marketed as Ferramol contain ferric phosphate, a stomach poison that once ingested by slugs causes feeding to stop immediately. It is irreversible and death results within 3-6 days.

Certis’ technical officer Alan Horgan said that Ferramol is approved for use on a wide range of crops. “The features of Ferramol will appeal to producers in the high value, speciality crop sectors where slugs and snails can cause a significant level of damage in terms of both yield and quality,” he explained. “The deadly pellets are attractive to only slugs and snails and have no unwanted side effects. In particular, the slug pellets have low toxicity to natural predators such as the carabid beetle and earthworms as well as to birds, domestic animals, children, people and other non-target organisms.

“For operations where pickers are working in the field these pellets give assurance to staff, whilst delivering a high level of slug and snail control,” said Mr Horgan.

The high quality pelleted, hard formulation provides long-lasting activity and can be applied year-round as either a preventative or curative treatment using conventional application equipment. Ferramol slug pellets are also rainfast and retain their shape even after repeated wetting and drying, but have been formulated to eventually degrade into harmless, naturally occurring plant nutrients. Slugs and snails find them irresistible even in wet conditions.

“Integrated pest management is increasingly concerned with maintaining populations of natural predators,” added Horgan. “A pest control strategy that combines both chemical and natural control is an important part of a pesticide reduction strategy.”

Ferramol slug pellets are available from distributors in 12.5kg packs.

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