AVI-Snail Bait is a highly effective molluscicidal bait formulation designed to control and eradicate snails and slugs in agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental crop settings. It contains Metaldehyde as the active ingredient, ensuring rapid action and effective population reduction to protect crops from slug and snail damage.
Chemical Details
- Active Ingredient: Metaldehyde (concentration typically 3% or 5%, confirm specific product registration label)
- Chemical Group: Molluscicide
- Mode of Action: Metaldehyde acts by causing excessive mucus secretion, leading to dehydration and death of snails and slugs.
- Formulation: Ready-to-use pelleted bait
- Appearance: Small, uniformly sized blue pellets (colour may vary based on manufacturer)
- Odour: Mild, attractant odour to lure snails and slugs
- Shelf Life: Approximately 2 years under recommended storage conditions
Key Features
Highly attractive bait formulation that lures snails and slugs effectively from their hiding places.
Fast knockdown effect, leading to reduced crop damage within hours of ingestion.
Weather-resistant pellets retain their integrity in moist conditions, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness in the field.
Safe for application around a wide range of crops when used according to label instructions.
Suitable for integrated pest management (IPM) programs to reduce reliance on foliar molluscicides.
Applications
Target Pests:
- Garden snails (Helix aspersa)
- Giant African snails (Achatina fulica)
- Slugs (various species)
Crops & Sites:
- Vegetables (e.g., cabbage, lettuce, spinach)
- Ornamental plants and flowers
- Fruit crops (e.g., strawberries, citrus nurseries)
- Tea and coffee plantations
- Home gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries
Method of Application:
- Broadcast application: Evenly distribute pellets on soil surface around plants, preferably in the evening when snails and slugs are active.
- Spot treatment: Place small quantities near plant bases, under dense foliage, or along known pest trails.
Recommended Dosage:
- Apply at a rate of 10-15 kg per hectare depending on infestation levels and crop coverage.
- For home gardens, use approximately 5-10 g per square metre distributed evenly.
Benefits
- Reduces snail and slug damage rapidly, protecting seedling emergence, leaf integrity, and fruit quality.
- Requires low application rates due to its attractant-based bait formulation.
- Easy to apply by hand or standard bait applicators.
- Ensures cost-effective pest management with minimal environmental impact when used responsibly.
How to Use
- Inspect and identify areas with high snail and slug activity—look for slime trails, damage on leaves, and sheltered moist areas.
- Apply in the late afternoon or evening for best results when snails and slugs are actively feeding.
- Avoid placing bait directly on edible plant parts.
- Reapply after heavy rain or if pellets are consumed and infestation persists.
Safety & Precautions
- Toxic to pets and wildlife if ingested. Place bait strategically to minimise non-target exposure.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing during application to prevent skin contact.
- Do not apply directly into water bodies or drainage systems.
- Store in original tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, away from food, feed, and out of reach of children and animals.
- Dispose of empty containers and leftover bait safely according to local regulations.
