[Plot 1 Problems]

Looks like the blue death pellets may be making a return for a while:

https://www.fginsight.com/news/news/metaldehyde-slug-pellet-ban-overturned-following-legal-challenge-90522?fbclid=IwAR2Nk6UQugTGtwOEMU1ZRm7gm_XyfAXs3S4Ulv9gKhHOo45YfnNK0_o5LiE

[rowlandwells]

as I've still got some of those pellets left so it will give me the opportunity to use them I have to say I only use them on netted beds so no birds or other things can get into the bed

although saying all that we visited a well known garden the other week and I was surprised to see blue pellets used on open planted ground not netted also I have been trying garlic spray recommended by some of our members that seems to be doing the job


but also I will be looking at some other pellets that could do the job of ridding us of those slugs rather than the blue ones when I've used the blue ones up if poss?

[mikem]

Whilst they were withdrawn from sale it was legitimate to continue to use them until next year and, if I read it correctly where they are used "under cover".

[mumofstig]

as I've still got some of those pellets left so it will give me the opportunity to use them I have to say I only use them on netted beds so no birds or other things can get into the bed

although saying all that we visited a well known garden the other week and I was surprised to see blue pellets used on open planted ground not netted

At least one make of the acceptable pellets  (aluminium sulphate or iron phosphate) are also coloured blue - so it isn't possible to tell the difference by the colour. They don't make things easy, do they

[Plot 1 Problems]

as I've still got some of those pellets left so it will give me the opportunity to use them I have to say I only use them on netted beds so no birds or other things can get into the bed

although saying all that we visited a well known garden the other week and I was surprised to see blue pellets used on open planted ground not netted

At least one make of the acceptable pellets  (aluminium sulphate or iron phosphate) are also coloured blue - so it isn't possible to tell the difference by the colour. They don't make things easy, do they

I can confirm this, my new pellets were blue. And also not as effective as the old ones...

[rowlandwells]

that's interesting to know Plot 1 as I said we still have a few blue pellets left over but we will try the aluminium  sulphate pellets next year when the blue pellets run out

the one thing I found with the blue pellets is they soon dissolve after a shower of rain never mind these thing are always sent to try us

[Plot94]

I have tried very hard for the past few years to cut down dramatically on the use of slug pellets, unfortunately there are times when it seems there is no alternative. When I do use them it is sparingly and wherever possible in a fenced and netted bed. It is extremely infuriating when I see other plot holders using them as a barrier protection with a thick carpet of pellets around each plant  .
If used correctly and sensibly I am in favor of using them but indiscriminate use can only damage the image of home gardeners and then a ban is probably inevitable and necessary.

[John]

I know someone who still has 3 bottles of Derris in his or her shed

Seriously though, I believe the risks to pets and wildlife were very overstated and without foundation in actual evidence. A theory that became fact. However, incorrect use by farmers has been causing pollution of water so there is a basis to ban it.

I've been using Growing Success and Neudorff Sluggo for years - both are ferrous phosphate based and I find them more effective than metaldehyde pellets. A bit more expensive - but used correctly a pack will be more than enough for a year.

I think the blue colour is used in some fertilisers (like Miracle Gro) as a warning. Certainly the pellets contain a bittering agent to stop pets and mammals eating them

[wighty]

Spoke to our garden supplies rep today and he hadn't heard of this and was still plugging the copper tape replacement which we've declined.  When they ban stuff the companies we buy it from won't take it back and we have to dispose of it ourselves which in our case means we have to take it to a specialist  place in Southampton.  What we do is put in our shed and use it up .  I do wish they would    make up their minds!

[Plot 1 Problems]

I know someone who still has 3 bottles of Derris in his or her shed

Seriously though, I believe the risks to pets and wildlife were very overstated and without foundation in actual evidence. A theory that became fact. However, incorrect use by farmers has been causing pollution of water so there is a basis to ban it.

I've been using Growing Success and Neudorff Sluggo for years - both are ferrous phosphate based and I find them more effective than metaldehyde pellets. A bit more expensive - but used correctly a pack will be more than enough for a year.

I think the blue colour is used in some fertilisers (like Miracle Gro) as a warning. Certainly the pellets contain a bittering agent to stop pets and mammals eating them

There's an old boy on our site who has a vast arsenal of banned substances in his shed! He also sterilises his soil with Jeyes fluid every winter to ward off any lurking diseases...

But yes, I agree about the over egging of the negative effects of metaldehyde. It seems a common theme that government bodies are very quick to latch on to headline grabbing research and swing the ban hammer, when the real problems are caused by farmers abusing controls. Glysophate being used to stress wheat to increase production anyone?

[mrs bouquet]

I have seen them thrown around, it is not necessary to use more than 3 or 4 together and place them under a piece of tile or similar, this will keep others away, and the slugs like the dark little places.  Mrs Bouquet