Ferramol Slug Pellets

Hello All! I've put some ferramol slug pellets down in the veg plot and some of the borders and window boxes. They profess to be pet-safe. bird-safe, hedgehog-safe. But one of my dogs seems attracted to them. I'm keeping my eye on him hoping he won't have a go at eating them. I can't find any other info on the pellets although found a safety sheet on the net but no mention of pets. Anyone have any more info on the product please? Or if anyone is seeing a vet some time soon could you please ask the question? Thanks in advance. Winnie.

 

Unless I'm very much mistaken, slug pellets are largely based on salts that are harmless in small quantities to most creatures, but work by dehydrating the slugs and snails very quickly (we all know what salt does to slugs and snails - it promptly converts them into a pile of snot). So if I'm right, then one or two slug pellets eaten by a dog would have a similar effect on their metabolism to us putting salt on our fish and chips. Of course by that same token, too higher quantity will have an adverse effect, which is why many people shy away from using slug pellets if there is a viable alternative way to control the slugs and snails (aside from pets eaten the pellets, there is also the issue that birds eating the poisoned slugs will also be eating these salts in a relatively high quantity).

 

Ferramol is the safer alternative because of it's low toxicity to mammals, I think it is iron phosphate based (possibly not phosphate but I do remember the iron part) and works in a different way. You can apparently leave the slugs where they are instead of having to pick them up and dispose of the carcasses.

 

I find coarse grit works particularly well.

 

Thanks to all for prompt responses. Note to Clueless: these pellets are not the regular sort but the more animal-friendly kind (except to slugs). I just don't want emergency trips to the vets - having two daxi's. I've thought of egg shells but don't eat that many eggs. I've got wood chips all around the veg plot which I hear is a deterrent but there are always macho slugs!! Will have a look at putting coarse grit down (thanks Paul). Yes, Clare you're right these are iron based. We'll see what happens!!! Once again, "thankyou"!

 

I use these pellets too - having chickens that get a turn around the garden, I didn't want them eating them. Not had any problems so far. From what I read, the slugs slither away somewhere quiet to curl up and expire, which might be why I seldom find any dead ones around!

 

Slug pellets r bad the slugs eat them and then the poor garden birds eat the slugs and feed them to there babys