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Are ferric phosphate slug pellets safe for wildlife?

Are ferric phosphate slug pellets safe for wildlife?

Organic slug killers use Ferric or Iron Phosphate as their active ingredient. This on its own is fairly safe, as it is a pretty insoluble substance and not easily absorbed by animals.

Are ferric phosphate slug pellets safe for dogs?

Lately, a new active ingredient, ferric sodium EDTA, is available, as well. Iron phosphate is much less toxic to dogs, but also takes longer, as much as seven days, to kill slugs. They are often referred to as “pet safe”, even though they can be toxic. Consider taking measures to keep your pet away from these baits.

Is ferric phosphate harmful?

The substance is not harmful to humans, to other non-target organisms, or to the environment. It is an alternative to a more toxic chemical that has been used for controlling snails and slugs.

Are ferric phosphate slug pellets safe for birds?

Organic slug pellets contain Ferric Phosphate or Iron III phosphate as an active ingredient. If the pellets (or the slugs which have eaten them) are eaten by birds, mammals etc, they will suffer no adverse effects.

What should I do if my dog eats slug pellets?

Even small amounts can cause significant poisoning and severe signs, including incoordination, tremors and convulsions, can occur within an hour. Dogs or cats who have eaten the pellets should be seen by a vet urgently as only rapid treatment can save their life.

Is phosphate good for snails?

Iron phosphate is used in baits to control snails and slugs in a variety of settings, such as lawns, gardens, farms (including certified organic crop production), and non-crop areas. Iron phosphate can be produced industrially and is also a common mineral in soils.

Is the ferric phosphate in slug pellets poisonous?

Although it falls under the category of “low toxic” it is usually labelled as “harmful to pets & children” and all advice points to keeping it from getting into our drinking water as it is poisonous. Ferric Phosphate, as far as I can understand, is basically an iron overdose that damages the slug’s digestive system and kills it.

Is it safe to use slug pellets on hedgehogs?

But sadly many are killed by slug pellets containing metaldehyde. Please make sure if you use slug pellets, to use those containing ferric phosphate, this is harmless to hedgehogs, and usually labelled as ‘organic’. The most well known brand is ‘Growing Success Advanced Slug Killer’ but there are others.

Is it safe to eat ferric phosphate pellets?

Some pellets are even lethal to humans and can pollute groundwater. Methiocarb and metaldehyde can be fatal to humans and pets. Is ferric phosphate the same as iron phosphate? Iron(III) phosphate, also ferric phosphate, is the inorganic compound with the formula FePO4.

How long does it take for organic slug pellets to work?

See here. Organic slug pellets contain Ferric Phosphate or Iron III phosphate as an active ingredient. Called Ferramol, it affects the calcium metabolism in the gut system of snails and slugs causing them to stop feeding and die within three to six days.