Metaldehyde Insecticide: Effective Slug and Snail Control
What Is Metaldehyde and Why Is It Used?
Metaldehyde is a widely used active ingredient in molluscicides, specifically formulated to control destructive pests such as slugs and snails. First introduced in the 1930s, metaldehyde-based molluscicides have since become a cornerstone in garden, field crop, and greenhouse protection, valued for their high efficacy, ease of application, and fast action.
Whether you are a professional grower, distributor, or retailer, understanding metaldehyde’s mode of action, application forms, and safety considerations is essential for delivering effective pest control solutions in your markets.
What Is Metaldehyde?
Metaldehyde is a cyclic polymer of acetaldehyde, primarily used as an active ingredient in slug and snail baits. It appears as a solid material, often blue or green in color for visibility, and is most commonly formulated into slug pellets, granules, or bait formulations.
Metaldehyde Uses
- Slug and snail control in vegetable, fruit, cereal, and ornamental crops
- Horticultural and home garden protection
- Field border applications for pest migration control
- Greenhouse and tunnel production pest management
Metaldehyde 6% GR
Metaldehyde 6% GR (2)
Metaldehyde Mode of Action: How Does It Kill Slugs and Snails?
Metaldehyde Mechanism of Action
When ingested or contacted, metaldehyde interferes with the normal mucus production and water balance of slugs and snails. It disrupts their cellular functions, causing them to dehydrate rapidly, leading to death through excessive water loss and paralysis of key systems.
- Acts via ingestion and dermal contact
- Does not require metabolic activation to be effective
- Slugs and snails stop feeding almost immediately, protecting crops quickly
Unlike neurotoxic insecticides, metaldehyde’s mode of action is specific to mollusks, making it a targeted control option with minimal impact on non-target organisms when used responsibly.
Metaldehyde-Based Product Forms
| Product Type | Description | Application Area |
|---|---|---|
| Metaldehyde Slug Pellets | Compressed bait pellets, easy to broadcast | Row crops, gardens, nurseries |
| Metaldehyde Slug Bait | Moisture-resistant granules mixed with food attractants | Home gardens, vegetable plots |
| Metaldehyde Granules | Smaller particle size for even distribution | Greenhouses, turfgrass, potted plants |
| Slug Killer Metaldehyde | Retail-ready bait for household/gardeners | Lawns, flower beds, ornamental borders |
These formulations are designed to attract slugs and snails, ensuring high bait uptake and rapid mortality, often within 1 to 2 days after application.
Why Use Metaldehyde for Slugs and Snails?
Key Advantages of Metaldehyde Molluscicides
- Proven efficacy in controlling a wide range of slug and snail species
- Quick crop protection – pests stop feeding almost immediately
- Flexible application timing – can be applied before or after pest appearance
- Cost-effective solution for both large-scale farming and retail gardening
- Shelf-stable and weather-resistant formulations available
Metaldehyde is especially effective against:
- Deroceras reticulatum (Grey Field Slug)
- Arion spp.
- Cornu aspersum (Common Garden Snail)
Metaldehyde vs Other Slug Control Options
| Feature | Metaldehyde | Iron Phosphate | Natural Control (Beer, Traps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of Kill | Fast (1–2 days) | Slower (3–6 days) | Variable, often incomplete |
| Mode of Action | Dehydration, mucus disruption | Metabolic disruption | Physical capture only |
| Residual Effect | Moderate | Shorter | None |
| Cost | Competitive, bulk available | Higher | Low, but labor-intensive |
| Application Consistency | Pelletized, even coverage | Granules | Inconsistent |
Metaldehyde remains a preferred option where fast knockdown and cost-efficiency are key, especially in commercial-scale operations or during peak pest migration seasons.
Dosage varies from region to region, so please inquire before purchasing.
Application Guidelines and Safety
Application Tips
- Apply in early morning or evening when slugs/snails are active
- Broadcast evenly across affected area
- Avoid over-application to prevent bait pile-up
- Do not apply directly to edible crop parts
Environmental and Safety Notes
- Keep away from water bodies and drainage zones
- Store away from children and pets
- Avoid use during heavy rainfall to prevent runoff
In some regions, use of metaldehyde is regulated or restricted near sensitive habitats — always follow local guidelines and product label instructions.
Metaldehyde Molluscicides from Our Factory
We manufacture and export a variety of high-performance metaldehyde formulations, including:
- Metaldehyde 5% / 6% / 8% Pellet or Granule
- Metaldehyde 3% + Attractant Baits
- Private-label slug killer formulations
- Bulk packaging or retail-ready options
All products are supported with:
- COA, MSDS, Label documents
- Custom branding
- Free samples for distributor evaluation
Conclusion: Why Choose Metaldehyde for Mollusk Control
For agricultural producers, horticultural professionals, and garden product retailers, metaldehyde-based slug and snail baits offer a reliable, fast-acting, and cost-effective solution to a persistent problem.
Whether you’re managing leafy vegetable fields, protecting ornamentals, or selling pest control products, metaldehyde molluscicides provide:
- Fast knockdown of pests
- Simple, visible application
- Compatibility with integrated crop systems
Looking for Metaldehyde Suppliers?
We are a professional supplier of agrochemical molluscicides, offering:
- Wholesale, OEM, and custom product development
- Global shipping and registration support
- Competitive pricing with high quality and consistency
Contact us today to request pricing, product samples, or export documents for your market. Let’s work together to grow your product line and protect your clients’ crops effectively.
What Is Metaldehyde and Why Is It Used?
Metaldehyde is a widely used active ingredient in molluscicides, specifically formulated to control destructive pests such as slugs and snails. First introduced in the 1930s, metaldehyde-based molluscicides have since become a cornerstone in garden, field crop, and greenhouse protection, valued for their high efficacy, ease of application, and fast action.
Whether you are a professional grower, distributor, or retailer, understanding metaldehyde’s mode of action, application forms, and safety considerations is essential for delivering effective pest control solutions in your markets.
What Is Metaldehyde?
Metaldehyde is a cyclic polymer of acetaldehyde, primarily used as an active ingredient in slug and snail baits. It appears as a solid material, often blue or green in color for visibility, and is most commonly formulated into slug pellets, granules, or bait formulations.
Metaldehyde Uses
- Slug and snail control in vegetable, fruit, cereal, and ornamental crops
- Horticultural and home garden protection
- Field border applications for pest migration control
- Greenhouse and tunnel production pest management
Metaldehyde 6% GR
Metaldehyde 6% GR (2)
Metaldehyde Mode of Action: How Does It Kill Slugs and Snails?
Metaldehyde Mechanism of Action
When ingested or contacted, metaldehyde interferes with the normal mucus production and water balance of slugs and snails. It disrupts their cellular functions, causing them to dehydrate rapidly, leading to death through excessive water loss and paralysis of key systems.
- Acts via ingestion and dermal contact
- Does not require metabolic activation to be effective
- Slugs and snails stop feeding almost immediately, protecting crops quickly
Unlike neurotoxic insecticides, metaldehyde’s mode of action is specific to mollusks, making it a targeted control option with minimal impact on non-target organisms when used responsibly.
Metaldehyde-Based Product Forms
| Product Type | Description | Application Area |
|---|---|---|
| Metaldehyde Slug Pellets | Compressed bait pellets, easy to broadcast | Row crops, gardens, nurseries |
| Metaldehyde Slug Bait | Moisture-resistant granules mixed with food attractants | Home gardens, vegetable plots |
| Metaldehyde Granules | Smaller particle size for even distribution | Greenhouses, turfgrass, potted plants |
| Slug Killer Metaldehyde | Retail-ready bait for household/gardeners | Lawns, flower beds, ornamental borders |
These formulations are designed to attract slugs and snails, ensuring high bait uptake and rapid mortality, often within 1 to 2 days after application.
Why Use Metaldehyde for Slugs and Snails?
Key Advantages of Metaldehyde Molluscicides
- Proven efficacy in controlling a wide range of slug and snail species
- Quick crop protection – pests stop feeding almost immediately
- Flexible application timing – can be applied before or after pest appearance
- Cost-effective solution for both large-scale farming and retail gardening
- Shelf-stable and weather-resistant formulations available
Metaldehyde is especially effective against:
- Deroceras reticulatum (Grey Field Slug)
- Arion spp.
- Cornu aspersum (Common Garden Snail)
Metaldehyde vs Other Slug Control Options
| Feature | Metaldehyde | Iron Phosphate | Natural Control (Beer, Traps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of Kill | Fast (1–2 days) | Slower (3–6 days) | Variable, often incomplete |
| Mode of Action | Dehydration, mucus disruption | Metabolic disruption | Physical capture only |
| Residual Effect | Moderate | Shorter | None |
| Cost | Competitive, bulk available | Higher | Low, but labor-intensive |
| Application Consistency | Pelletized, even coverage | Granules | Inconsistent |
Metaldehyde remains a preferred option where fast knockdown and cost-efficiency are key, especially in commercial-scale operations or during peak pest migration seasons.
Dosage varies from region to region, so please inquire before purchasing.
Application Guidelines and Safety
Application Tips
- Apply in early morning or evening when slugs/snails are active
- Broadcast evenly across affected area
- Avoid over-application to prevent bait pile-up
- Do not apply directly to edible crop parts
Environmental and Safety Notes
- Keep away from water bodies and drainage zones
- Store away from children and pets
- Avoid use during heavy rainfall to prevent runoff
In some regions, use of metaldehyde is regulated or restricted near sensitive habitats — always follow local guidelines and product label instructions.
Metaldehyde Molluscicides from Our Factory
We manufacture and export a variety of high-performance metaldehyde formulations, including:
- Metaldehyde 5% / 6% / 8% Pellet or Granule
- Metaldehyde 3% + Attractant Baits
- Private-label slug killer formulations
- Bulk packaging or retail-ready options
All products are supported with:
- COA, MSDS, Label documents
- Custom branding
- Free samples for distributor evaluation
Conclusion: Why Choose Metaldehyde for Mollusk Control
For agricultural producers, horticultural professionals, and garden product retailers, metaldehyde-based slug and snail baits offer a reliable, fast-acting, and cost-effective solution to a persistent problem.
Whether you’re managing leafy vegetable fields, protecting ornamentals, or selling pest control products, metaldehyde molluscicides provide:
- Fast knockdown of pests
- Simple, visible application
- Compatibility with integrated crop systems
Looking for Metaldehyde Suppliers?
We are a professional supplier of agrochemical molluscicides, offering:
- Wholesale, OEM, and custom product development
- Global shipping and registration support
- Competitive pricing with high quality and consistency
Contact us today to request pricing, product samples, or export documents for your market. Let’s work together to grow your product line and protect your clients’ crops effectively.
