Metaldehyde bait-CAUTION

[Mark Evans]

Folks,

I thought I'd put my two cents in concerning metaldehyde baits.  I think
it best to put these baits into a container that only slugs can get
into.  The first time I used the pelletized metaldehyde baits, I
scattered them around the base of my hostas and ended up with dead
snails, slugs, WRENS and an INDIGO BUNTING.  I also know someone who
lost a family dog to these baits.  I've since switched to liquid
metaldehyde bait that I can squeeze between the rocks and other
inaccessible places that only slugs (charmingly called 'booger worms' by
the locals) can find.  And find it they do.  After the first spring
application, my Arisaema seedling bed looked like a scene from an
Indiana Jones movie with all the dying slugs roiling in a mass.  I hate
killing anything that I can repel, so if anyone knows of a SLUG
REPELLANT let me know.

Now for something nice about slugs.  My Rohdea japonica are beginning to
bloom and they are known to be slug pollinated.  When I see the heads of
red berries this fall, I'll thank the slugs (before I stomp, salt and
poison them!).

Sorry this wasn't all aroid related, but I hate to see wildlife and
family pets executed along with the roving mollusks.

Mark Evans
libevans at acs.eku.edu