Chemical Fertilizers That Kill Slugs

Iron Phosphate

• Iron phosphate is found naturally in the soil, and it interacts with the gut of the slug, causing it to starve to death. Iron phosphate is available on the market and is beneficial because it fertilizes the soil and is safe to use around pets.

Methaldyhde

• Methaldyhde is a poison that dehydrates the slug if it is eaten. However, if the slug is able to rehydrate from rain or standing water, it is not effective. This chemical is applied to the soil as a paste or as granules. Dogs are attracted to this chemical, and it can be fatal if they ingest it.

Preventing Slugs

• Once the slugs have been removed from the garden, prevent them from returning. Copper barriers are popular for protecting trees or potted plants. When the slug comes in contact with the copper strip, it delivers small electrical shocks to the slug. Frequently tilling the soil will expose their eggs to sunlight and break their life cycle.

Organic Solutions

• There are many organic ways to kill a slug. A trap using dog food or stale food to lure the slug can be effective. Trap them under a pie tin or in a deep dish where they drown, and then dispose of the slugs. Slugs have soft bodies, so putting crushed eggshells, wood ashes or sandpaper around the garden will deter a slug.