Metaldehyde: instructions for use from slugs, dosage and harm to humans
Metaldehyde is a drug that helps to cope with harmful slugs and snails. The product contains an active ingredient with the same name. The substance can be used on personal plots. With its help, it is permissible to process berry crops, citrus fruits, vegetable and fruit plants. Also, the composition is suitable for fighting slugs on tobacco and grapes.
Active ingredient and formulation
The active ingredient of the drug is metaldehyde. The composition contains 5% of this ingredient. The substance also contains kaolin, wheat bran and other components.
The product is produced in the form of granules, which have a cylindrical shape. Each fragment has a diameter of 3 mm. In height, it can be 5-12 millimeters. The granules may have a blue, green or pink tint. They do not soak very quickly in water and are resistant to precipitation. The action of the remedy can last 3 weeks.
Used against what?
This insecticide is actively used against slugs and snails. The drug is used to combat parasites on cultivated plants. It also helps to destroy pests in basements, cellars, and garden plots.
The substance is easy to use. It is sold in granules, which are resistant to precipitation and do not soak in water during the first use. This helps to maintain effectiveness for 3 weeks.
The active ingredient is not addictive to parasites. They die literally in the first day after use. Another advantage of the product is considered to be quite economical consumption.
How the drug works
Metaldehyde is a contact and enteric pesticide that is designed to kill shellfish. When parasites enter the stomach, the substance causes damage to the mucous membranes of the digestive system. This entails their quick death.
When in contact with the granules of the drug, pests produce a very large amount of mucus. After that, they become motionless and dry out in 2 days.
Slugs and snails are severely burned by normal contact with the chemical. In addition, they develop complete dehydration of the body. Thanks to double exposure, it is possible to obtain one hundred percent death of mollusks for several hours.
The use of this drug has a number of advantages:
- The composition helps to get a lasting effect. At the same time, the product provides protection of the site or premises from parasites for up to 3 weeks.
- Product does not harm crops. When the active component decomposes, nitrogen and sulfur are produced. They fertilize the soil and activate the development of cultivated plants.
- The drug helps protect plants from fungi. It is slugs that are considered the main carriers of such diseases.
- The substance does not harm earthworms and beneficial microorganisms that are present in the soil. It is also considered to be of low toxicity to bees.
- The tool is available as a granular bait. It is ready to use and does not require additional manipulations.
- Rainfall does not reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Instructions for using Metaldehyde
The finished bait can be placed between the rows, on the paths, in areas of maximum accumulation and reproduction of parasites. On average, the consumption rate is 20 grams of the substance per 1 square meter of beds.When using the drug in summer cottages, it is recommended to scatter it at least 20 centimeters from cultivated plants. When processing cabbage beds, it is important to avoid penetration of the substance into the heads so that it does not subsequently enter the food product.
Since the maximum activity of these pests is observed in the evening or at night, you need to deal with them in the evening. It is also acceptable to do it early in the morning.
It is permissible to carry out manual work on the site no earlier than 10 days after the application of the substance. You can start harvesting only after 1 month.
So that the remedy does not lead to negative consequences for the human body, you should definitely use gloves. It is also permissible to use devices that help to make a non-contact layout of the composition. Spoons or scoops are suitable for this.
Precautions
Processing of the suburban area should be carried out using personal protective equipment. It is strictly forbidden to drink, smoke or eat food during operation. After completing the procedure, you need to wash your hands and face with soap and water. Of no small importance is the rinsing of the oral cavity.
Harm to humans
With strict observance of the instructions, the product does not pose a danger to people. It is used in organic farming. The composition does not have a toxic effect on animals. It has an unpleasant taste and aroma for pets. Also, the substance does not harm the bees.
Storage Features
The drug must be kept in a cool, dry place. It should be kept away from food and medicines. It is also important to ensure that the substance is out of the reach of animals and children.
Analogues
Effective analogues of the drug that contain the same active ingredient include the following:
- "Meta";
- Thunderstorm;
- "Anti-slug";
- "Compo";
- Celaflor Limex.
In addition to metaldehyde, these products contain compressed bran and components that act as baits. To scare away birds, the granules are given a blue tint. To prevent pets from eating the drug, it is made bitter.
"Metaldehyde" is considered an effective tool that successfully copes with slugs and snails in garden plots. In order for the use of the substance to give the desired results, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for its use.
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