Molluscicides () are chemicals that kill molluscs. They are also known as snail baits, snail pellets, or slug pellets. These pesticides against molluscs are usually used in agriculture or gardening, in order to control gastropod pests specifically slugs and snails which damage crops or other valued plants by feeding on them. They are also used to limit the spread of Schistosoma mansoni, a human parasite that causes schistosomiasis, by preventing it from reproducing asexually within snails.

thumb|Metaldehyde pellets

A number of chemicals can be employed as a molluscicide:

  • Quicklime slaked lime, and kainite, respectively kill by dehydration. Hundreds of kilograms per hectare are required. relatively non-toxic, most are approved for use in organic gardening
  • Metaldehyde
  • Niclosamide
  • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. methiocarb), highly toxic to other animals and humans with a quick onset of toxic symptoms.

Many chemicals have been developed as molluscicides.

Slug pellets contain a carbohydrate source (e.g. durum flour) as a bulking agent.

See also

  • Pesticide poisoning
  • Pest control
  • Biological pest control

References

  • Overview of potential piscicides and molluscicides for controlling aquatic pest species in New Zealand [http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc283entire.pdf]
  • National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) Information about pesticide-related topics.
  • Get Rid of Slugs and Snails, Not Puppy Tails! Case Profile - National Pesticide Information Center
  • Slugs and Snails - National Pesticide Information Center
  • Snail bait and dogs
  • Snail Bait Poisoning
  • in the Garden Safety in the Garden
  • Metaldehyde toxicity
  • Iron phosphate: The first honestly effective snail & slug bait

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