Slug-killer metaldehyde to be banned to protect wildlife

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has announced a restriction on a popular slug-killing pesticide to be introduced across Great Britain from Spring 2020.

The decision to prohibit the use of metaldehyde, except in permanent greenhouses, follows advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that metaldehyde, which is the main pesticide in slug pellets, poses an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals.

Slugs can cause significant damage to plants and crops, particularly potatoes, cereals and oil seed rape. However, there are other ways to mitigate their impact through soil preparation.

For example, sowing the seed deeper into the soil may prevent the slugs from reaching them. There are also alternative pesticides containing ferric phosphate which provide effective control of slugs and snails without carrying the same risks to wildlife.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “I recognise that significant effort has been put into encouraging growers and gardeners to use this pesticide responsibly by the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group.

“However, the advice is clear that the risks to wildlife are simply too great – and we must all play our part in helping to protect the environment.

“I encourage companies and growers to look at the alternatives, such as ferric phosphate, which is authorised and does not carry similar risks.”

The outdoor use of metaldehyde will be phased out over 18 months to give growers time to adjust to other methods of slug control.

It will be legal to sell metaldehyde products for outdoor use for the next six months, with use of the products then allowed for a further 12 months.

The new restrictions on metaldehyde will also reduce the possibility of the pesticide contaminating drinking water sources.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) chief land use adviser, Susan Twining said: “Slugs are a serious pest in the UK affecting establishment, yields and crop quality. Metaldehyde is a cost-effective and reliable form of control helping to reduce costs and food waste.

“The farming industry has made many changes to usage practice in recent years to reduce the need for any slug control and if essential, to minimise the risks to wildlife. Integrated Pest Management is a principle for farmers and agronomists where pesticides are not used unless all other options have been explored and it is cost-effective to do so.

“The ban means that there will be more emphasis on alternative methods and products. While the need to minimise risks to wildlife is essential, it may mean higher costs of production, and for some very sensitive crops such as oilseed rape, may result in changes in cropping patterns.

“The CLA will be working with farmers and Defra to minimise the impact of the ban on farm businesses.”