{"hq_id":"hq-p-out-000034","name":"Slug and snail bait (garden molluscicide)","category":{"primary":"outdoor","secondary":"pest control","tags":["slug bait","snail killer","metaldehyde","iron phosphate","molluscicide","garden"]},"product_tier":"OUT","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Garden molluscicide pellets for slug and snail control. Available in two main formulations: metaldehyde-based (neurotoxic; causes seizures and death in dogs) and iron phosphate-based (generally recognized as safe for pets/wildlife). Metaldehyde is the leading cause of molluscicide poisoning in dogs in the US and UK. Iron phosphate (ferric phosphate) breaks down to iron and phosphate in soil and is approved for organic gardening, though some formulations add EDTA chelators that may increase toxicity.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"insufficient_data","synthesis_confidence":0,"synthesis_method":"none","context_source":null,"compounds_resolved":0,"compounds_total":2,"synthesis_date":"2026-03-27","synthesis_version":"1.0.0"},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"dog, child","overall_risk":"high (metaldehyde) / low (iron phosphate)","primary_concerns":["Dog poisoning: metaldehyde is a leading cause of canine pesticide poisoning; causes seizures, hyperthermia, and death","Child ingestion: pellets resemble candy; blue/green coloring may attract children","No specific antidote for metaldehyde poisoning (supportive care only)"],"exposure_routes":"ingestion (primary)"},"exposure":{"routes":["ingestion"],"contact_types":["oral_direct"],"users":["adult","child","dog","cat"],"duration":"acute","frequency":"single_exposure","scenarios":["Dog eating scattered pellets in garden","Child picking up and eating blue/green pellets","Pellets scattered near pet feeding/play areas"],"notes":"Metaldehyde pellets are attractive to dogs. Dogs commonly consume large quantities rapidly. Onset of symptoms within 1-3 hours."},"consumer_guidance":{"red_flags":[{"indicator":"Metaldehyde listed as active ingredient","meaning":"Highly toxic to dogs; banned in UK for outdoor use","action":"Switch to iron phosphate-based product immediately"}],"green_flags":[{"indicator":"Iron phosphate (ferric phosphate) as active ingredient","meaning":"OMRI-listed; low mammalian toxicity; breaks down to soil nutrients","verification":"Check for OMRI organic certification on label"}],"what_to_ask":[],"alternatives":[{"name":"Iron phosphate slug bait (e.g., Sluggo)","notes":"OMRI-listed; safe for pets, wildlife, and organic gardens; effective slug/snail control"},{"name":"Beer traps / copper barriers","notes":"Non-toxic physical/cultural controls; copper tape deters slugs via electrical charge on slime"}],"notes":null},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"UK/EU","regulation":"UK metaldehyde outdoor use ban","citation":null,"requirements":"Metaldehyde banned for outdoor use in UK since March 2022 due to water contamination and wildlife poisoning.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":"2022","enforcing_agency":"HSE/Defra","penalties":null,"source_ref":null},{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"EPA FIFRA — Registered pesticide","citation":null,"requirements":"EPA registration required.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"EPA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":["EPA registration number","Active ingredient"],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":"CAUTION","pictograms":["exclamation_mark"],"hazard_statements":["Harmful if swallowed"],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":false,"disposal_guidance":"Metaldehyde products: hazardous waste. Iron phosphate: regular waste.","hazardous_waste":true,"expected_lifespan":"1-2_years"},"formulation":{"form":"solid_pellets","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":null,"name":"Metaldehyde","role":"active_molluscicide","concentration_pct":"1.5-4.0"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Iron phosphate (ferric phosphate)","role":"active_molluscicide_alt","concentration_pct":"1.0"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Wheat/bran-based attractant","role":"bait_matrix","concentration_pct":"90-98"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Bittering agent","role":"deterrent","concentration_pct":"trace"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":null,"compound_name":"Metaldehyde","role":"active_molluscicide","typical_concentration":null},{"hq_id":null,"compound_name":"Iron phosphate","role":"active_molluscicide_alt","typical_concentration":null}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["slug bait","snail bait","slug pellets","molluscicide"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Generic Mass-Market Brand A","manufacturer":"Consumer Products Corporation","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Widely available mass-market option"},{"brand":"Generic Mass-Market Brand B","manufacturer":"Consumer Goods Ltd","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Popular budget alternative"}],"sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-24"},{"type":"regulation","title":"UK metaldehyde outdoor use ban","jurisdiction":"UK/EU","year":2022,"id":"src_e7f33b5e"},{"type":"regulation","title":"EPA FIFRA — Registered pesticide","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_8254193a"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-24","timestamp":"2026-05-01T14:20:18.839Z"}}