Snailkill (Metaldehyde 2.5% Pellets): The Ultimate Snail & Slug Controller
Stop crop damage overnight with India's most trusted molluscicide.
Are snails and slugs eating your profits? Snailkill is the leading solution for farmers fighting invasive gastropods like the Giant African Snail and Brown Slug. Manufactured by PI Industries, this Metaldehyde 2.5% pellet formulation acts as a powerful bait that attracts and eliminates pests quickly.
Unlike sprays that wash away, Snailkill is a Ready-to-Use (RTU) pellet designed to work where snails hide. Whether you are growing vanilla, tea, vegetables, or managing a home garden, Snailkill provides the "shock and awe" protection your plants need.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Rapid Action: See visible dead snails and slime trails the very next morning. It stops feeding immediately.
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Targeted Formula: Specifically lures mollusks out of hiding spots that standard insecticide sprays cannot reach.
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Long-Lasting Stability: Pellets are engineered to remain intact on the soil surface, ensuring pests find them before they find your crops.
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Moisture Durable: Works effectively in damp soil conditions where snails love to breed (unlike salt barriers).
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Ready-to-Use Convenience: No mixing, no measuring water, and no machinery required. Simply scatter the pellets by hand.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Snailkill |
| Technical Name | Metaldehyde 2.5% Pellets |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 25 (Specific Molluscicide) |
| Chemical Group | Aldehyde (Cyclic Polymer) |
| Formulation | Pellet Bait (Ready-to-Use) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Snailkill uses a sophisticated "Attract-and-Kill" mechanism. The bait contains food attractants that lure snails away from your plants. Once the snail touches or eats the pellet:
- Irritation & Secretion: The chemical causes the snail to violently secrete massive amounts of mucus (slime) to flush out the toxin.
- Rapid Dehydration: This uncontrolled sliming drains the snail's body water reserves, leading to immobilization.
- Systemic Failure: The active ingredient acts as a neurotoxin. The snail dries out (desiccates) and dies, usually leaving a visible slime patch.
Note: In very humid conditions where dehydration is difficult, the stomach poison action ensures mortality via nerve damage.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
|
Field Crops (Citrus, Rubber, Tea, Paddy) |
Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica), Snails |
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Vegetables (Tomato, Chilli, Brinjal, Beans) |
Brown Slug (Laevicaulis alte), Garden Snails |
|
Ornamentals (Nurseries, Greenhouses) |
Slugs, Helix Snails |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre". Do NOT dissolve in water; this is a solid bait application.
Dosage per Acre & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (kg / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus, Rubber & Tea | 5 - 10 kg | N/A (Solid) | N/A | No Residue |
| Paddy (Rice) | 5 - 10 kg | N/A (Solid) | N/A | No Residue |
| Vegetables | 2 - 5 kg | N/A (Solid) | N/A | 0 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Since this is a soil bait and not sprayed on fruit, harvest can usually be done immediately after ensuring no pellets are on the produce.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply in the late evening or at night. Snails are nocturnal; applying during the hot sun degrades the chemical before the pest eats it.
- Method: Use the "Scatter" method. Spread pellets thinly near crawling paths and plant bases. Do not make piles (piles are dangerous to pets).
- Coverage: Clear weeds before application. This removes alternative food and forces the snail to eat the Snailkill bait.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask). Wash hands thoroughly. Keep dogs away for at least 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Snailkill safe for dogs and pets?
No. Snailkill is palatable but highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause fatal tremors. Keep pets tied up or away from treated areas.
2. Can I use this during the rainy season?
Yes, Snailkill works in damp soil. However, heavy monsoon rain can disintegrate the pellets. Re-apply after heavy downpours for best results.
3. How is this better than Salt?
Salt damages soil (salinity) and burns plant roots. Snailkill is soil-safe and actively attracts the snail, whereas salt is just a passive barrier.
4. Does it kill beneficial insects?
Generally, no. Since it is a bait, it primarily targets pests that eat it (snails/slugs). It does not harm bees or predatory insects like sprays do.
5. What is the shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry place under lock and key. Once opened, seal tightly as moisture can degrade the pellets.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE). WARNING: Highly toxic to domestic animals (dogs). In case of accidental ingestion, induce vomiting immediately and seek veterinary care.
