Deadline application

[mooie]

I've never used Deadline before so I'm not sure when the best time is for application. We're staying fairly wet this spring and I'm pretty sure we'll start seeing slugs soon. Thanks for the help!

Teresa

[viktoria]

Apply now! Repeat frequently.

Viktoria

[kaylyred]

Hmm. I haven't heard of Deadline. How does it compare to Sluggo?

[mooie]

Thanks Viktoria and I will if I can. In looking at the forecast for the rest of the week, I'm seeing nothing but big chances of rain. Might have to wait til the monsoon season is over..sighhh...Not sure how 'washable' that stuff is.

Teresa

[Chris_W]

If it is still a bit cool and wet, I would wait until the first warm, dry day, but definitely make your first application before any hosta leaves unfurl.

Remember to use it sparingly. It only takes 5 or 6 pellets per square foot, so you barely even notice that it was applied. And personally I only do it everywhere twice a year - once in spring and once in fall - and then spot treat any problem areas in the summer.

Deadline is a lot better than Sluggo, because it contains metaldehyde. You can use a lot less of it, a lot less often, and it is highly effective and saves a lot of money in the long run.

[ThisIsMelissa]

Hmm... I've not heard of this product either.
Any opinion on it as compared to Ortho's Bug Getta? Same active ingredient.

[Schattenfreude]

Is this product safe for dogs in the yard? Where can you buy it?

Kevin

[Don Rawson]

Here's a list of commercially available molluscicides- pellets, granules, liquids, sprays- with varying ingredients and strengths. They will require consistent application throughout the growing season. Water the areas before treatment to encourage slug activity that night.

Bug-Geta Snail & Slug Killer, by Ortho (metaldehyde)
Bug-Geta Plus, by Ortho (carbaryl and metaldehyde)
Corry’s Slug and Snail Death, by E.M. Matson Jr. Co. (metaldehyde)
Corry's Liquid Slug & Snail Control (metaldehyde)
Deadline M-P’s, by Pace Int.(metaldehyde)
Deadline Liquid Slug and Snail Killer (metaldehyde)
Slug, Snail, and Sowbug Bait, by Miller Nurseries
Slug-n-Snail Beater, by Bonide (metaldehyde)
Slug-n-Snail Killer, by Bonide (metaldehyde)
Slugetta, by Bonide (metaldehyde)
Slug, Snail & Sowbug Bait, by Bonide (carbaryl and metaldehyde)
Scotts Liquid Concentratae Slug Clear (metaldehyde)
Blue Bombshell, by Wilbur Ellis Agribusiness (metaldehyde)

Dr. T's Slug & Snail Killer (iron and sodium ferric EDTA)
Escar-Go (iron phosphate)
Slug & Snail Bait, by Schultz Co. (iron phosphate)
Sluggo, by Monterey Chemical (iron phosphate)
Slug Out Slug & Snail Barrier, by GardensAlive.com
Stop Slug and Snail Repellent, by slugstopper.com

The most recent Hosta Journal contains an informative article titled, In Defense of Slug Pellets, be Mike Shadrack (page 11-12).

[Chris_W]

Is this product safe for dogs in the yard? Where can you buy it?

Kevin

It is, when used and stored properly. Don't ever pile it up, don't ever ring a plant with it, don't ever put it in an open container, and don't ever leave the bag where your dog can get at it. Most dogs won't have any interest in it, but others might.

Like I mentioned, the application only requires 5 or 6 pellets per square feet - that is VERY little. It takes about 2 pounds to cover 2 acres here. We buy Deadline MP in a 50 pound bag and it lasts a few years. It is a blue pellet so it is very easy to see where you've spread it and the birds don't seem to have any interest in the blue pellets.

I have never heard to make consistent applications through the year, and even the sales rep for Deadline told me that really only TWO applications are needed with the most important one being done in the fall to kill the adults before they breed with a followup in the spring to kill any that overwintered and kill the young hatchlings. We still spot treat in summer as we find some areas we must have missed.

Deadline has the same ingredient as Ortho Bug-getta but I've noticed with some of the meals and brown pellets the birds try to get at it, and I stopped using those products after noticing some bird deaths after using it one spring. I've never had the birds attracted to the blue deadline pellets and have never had bird deaths here after using it. You might be able to find Deadline at local agriculture/nursery supply outlets.

[jgh]

Interesting observation, Chris. Birds are highly aware of colors... they definitely would not associate blue pellets with food under any normal circumstances... food for thought!

[mooie]

Actually mine is a liquid...not pellets.

Teresa

[ThisIsMelissa]

I'm quite certain I've never heard of the product.

So, I don't think I've ever seen it. Is it available from garden centers or does it need to be ordered?

[mooie]

Melissa, I picked mine up at a garden center last fall on clearance. But it's definitely available online too!

Teresa