Molluscicide

A number of chemicals can be employed as a molluscicide:

• Metal salts such as iron(III) phosphate, aluminium sulfate, and ferric sodium EDTA, relatively non-toxic, most are approved for use in organic gardening
• Metaldehyde
• Niclosamide
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. methiocarb), highly toxic to other animals and humans with a quick onset of toxic symptoms.

Accidental poisonings

Metal salt-based molluscicides are not that toxic to higher animals. However, metaldehyde-based and especially acetylcholinesterase inhibitor-based products are and have resulted in many deaths of pets and humans. Some products contain a bittering agent that reduces but does not eliminate the risk of accidental poisoning. Anticholinergic drugs such as atropine can be used as an antidote for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor poisoning. There is no antidote for metaldehyde; the treatment is symptomatic.

Slug pellets contain a carbohydrate source (e.g. durum flour) as a bulking agent.