How Does Metaldehyde Work?

Metaldehyde acts directly and specifically on the mucous producing cells found only in slugs and snails. This action is irreversible and results in the death of the animal. Metaldehyde causes the mucous cells to secrete large amounts of mucous, therefore depleting their energy reserves by ultimately exhausting them. This happens irrespective of the temperature or the amount of moisture in the local environment. However, at lower temperatures the effect may occur more slowly.

Over the past few decades, Metaldehyde has proved to be a highly efficient molluscicide for the control of harmful slugs and snails. To provide maximum effect the active must be incorporated into a high quality bait that ensures palatability for molluscs as well as long-lasting integrity under humid conditions.