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Slug killers can be essential for controlling infestations that would otherwise wreak havoc on gardens. While these mollusks can actually help break down dead garden debris to deliver nitrogen to the soil, an unchecked population can quickly destroy flower bulbs, eat seedlings, and chew through leaves.
To help you find ways to get rid of slugs in your garden, we researched a range of popular slug deterrent products and reached out to an expert for advice. We then chose the Monterey Sluggo Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer as the best product for garden slug control, given its lasting results and large coverage area. However, the rest of the pest control products that made our list may be better for certain circumstances. Read on to see what we like and don’t like about each option before choosing one of the best slug killers for your yard or garden.
- BEST OVERALL: Monterey Sluggo Wildlife and Pet-Friendly Slug Killer
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Natria Ready-To-Use Snail & Slug Killer Bait
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Safer Brand Slug & Snail Killer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PELLET: Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIQUID: Monterey All-Natural RTU Snail and Slug Spray
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Bonide Captain Jack’s Bug & Slug Killer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FAST-ACTING: Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer
↓ Jump to Review
Before You Buy Slug Killer
Slugs and snails can damage flowers, vegetables, and other garden plants, so it’s important to kill slugs when they appear instead of waiting until you’re faced with a full-blown slug infestation. Methods of control include slug bait, natural pest-control sprays, slug and snail traps, and organic snail killers.
All of the products on our list use ingredients that are safe around wildlife and pets, but some slug and snail killers can pose a significant risk to kids, pets, birds, and nearby wildlife. To get rid of slugs and snails without putting your family at risk, avoid products that use sulfur or metaldehyde as their active ingredient.
Additionally, it’s essential to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions to ensure any slug baits and snail control products you use are applied correctly and will not cause unintentional issues like mold growth or soil damage.
Slug Killers Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Form | Active Ingredient | Coverage |
| Monterey Sluggo Wildlife and Pet-Friendly Slug Killer | Pellets | Iron phosphate | Up to 2,000 square feet per pound |
| Natria Ready-To-Use Snail & Slug Killer Bait | Pellets | Iron phosphate | Up to 2,000 square feet per pound |
| Safer Brand Slug & Snail Killer | Pellets | Sodium ferric EDTA | Up to 1,700 square feet per pound |
| Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait | Pellets | Iron phosphate | Up to 2,000 square feet per pound |
| Monterey All-Natural RTU Snail and Slug Spray | Liquid | Rosemary oil, clove oil, and cottonseed oil | Not listed |
| Bonide Captain Jack’s Bug & Slug Killer | Pellets | Iron phosphate and spinosad | Up to 2,000 square feet per pound |
| Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer | Pellets | Sodium ferric EDTA | Up to 5,000 square feet per pound |
Our Top Picks
We selected the products below based on ease of use, efficacy of active ingredients, and how much area each bottle can cover. Whether you need organic slug pellets to sprinkle on your lawn or natural pest control that’s safe for your garden, one of these slug killers is sure to fit the bill.
Best Overall
Monterey Sluggo Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer
What We Like
- Safe around kids and pets after initial application
- OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute)-listed for safe use in organic gardens
- Remains effective after rain
- Comes in multiple sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Pellets are attractive to pets and other animals
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Iron phosphate
- Coverage: Up to 2,000 square feet
The Monterey Sluggo natural slug repellent and killer relies on iron phosphate as its natural ingredient, making it not only effective but also a good choice for use around people and pets. Iron phosphate is an environmentally friendly ingredient that can destroy the digestive system of slugs, killing the pests within a week. Yet, it has no adverse health effects for people, pets, and wildlife (aside from slight to moderate eye or skin irritation from direct exposure).
Since this Monterey natural slug deterrent and killer is resistant to rain, you can apply the granules to your yard without worrying they’ll dissolve or wash away. Sluggo is also good for controlling garden slugs since its OMRI-approved for safe organic use. We also appreciate that it’s available in a range of sizes between 1 pound and 40 pounds and that it provides up to 2,000 square feet of coverage when applied at a rate of ½ pound per 1,000 square feet. However, like most of the organic snail killer options on our list, you may see better results using a full pound per 1,000 square feet.
Get the Monterey Sluggo slug killer (various sizes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Target, or Monterey Lawn & Garden.
Runner Up
Natria Ready-To-Use Snail & Slug Killer Bait
What We Like
- Safe to use up to date of harvest
- Keeps working for up to 2 weeks
- Easy-to-use twist-cap spout
- OMRI-listed for organic use
What We Don’t Like
- Especially bad infestations may require more than 1 treatment
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Iron phosphate
- Coverage: Up to 2,000 square feet
As important as getting rid of slugs in the garden or grass may be, most users still don’t want to harm people, pets, or wildlife. This slug and snail killer from Natria uses iron phosphate-based pellets to attract and eliminate slugs and snails without posing a risk to beloved family members or wildlife species who happen to be paying you a visit.
A 1.5-pound package of this ready-to-use bait can treat up to 3,000 square feet, and it’s easy to apply by sprinkling straight from the package using the twist-cap spout. This formula is rain resistant and keeps working for up to 2 weeks to provide long-lasting protection.
Get the Natria slug killer at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Ace Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Safer Brand Slug & Snail Killer
What We Like
- Works on multiple slug species
- Treats slugs in lawns and on over 40 other plants
- Safe around pets and wildlife
- Effective in all weather
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller coverage area than other options
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Sodium ferric EDTA
- Coverage: Up to 1,700 square feet per pound
As much as we like using iron phosphate to kill slugs and snails, products based on this active ingredient can take up to a week to start showing results. When controlling slugs in gardens is more urgent than that, sodium ferric EDTA may be a better choice. Safer Brand’s slug and snail killer starts working on these pets in as little as a few days yet is still safe for use around kids, pets, and other wildlife.
A 2-pound package of this slug killer treats up to 3,400 square feet when its pellets are spread at a rate of 1 pound per 1,700 square feet. It’s best to avoid creating piles as you go since concentrated application of its wheat-derived base can attract pets and other animals who might mistake it for food. So long as it’s properly dispersed, it’s safe to use around a variety of vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, lettuce, carrots, broccoli, corn, blueberries, raspberries, peas, and peppers.
Get the Safer Brand slug killer on Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Safer Brand.
Best Pellet
Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait
What We Like
- Listed for organic use by the OMRI
- Only takes about 3 to 6 days to work
- Works for up to 2 weeks
- Contains additives that attract snails and slugs
What We Don’t Like
- Manufacturer recommends avoiding application if rain is expected
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Iron phosphate
- Coverage: Up to 2,000 square feet
This package of bait contains 2 pounds of slug pellets, which is enough slug killer for lawns and gardens up to 4,000 square feet. As with other granular, iron phosphate-based slug baits, it’s important to avoid creating piles that may attract pets and other nearby animals. It also works best when the ground is moist but not soaking wet, and Garden Safe recommends waiting if rain is predicted in the next 24 hours.
The pellets in this product need about 3 to 6 days to take effect, but after application, each treatment will last up to 2 weeks. As an OMRI-listed product, it can be applied around fruits and vegetables without harmful effects. The active ingredient, iron phosphate, doesn’t cause lasting harm to humans or pets, but it should be kept out of reach because it can still result in nausea if eaten or mild to moderate eye irritation if it gets in the eyes.
Get the Garden Safe slug killer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Liquid
Monterey All-Natural RTU Snail and Slug Spray
What We Like
- Easy to apply liquid formula
- Natural formula uses essential oils and cottonseed oil
- Works for up to 2 weeks
- Safe on fruits, vegetables, citrus plants, and ornamentals
What We Don’t Like
- May not be suitable for large areas
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Active ingredient: Rosemary oil, clove oil, and cottonseed oil
- Coverage: Not listed
Pellet-style slug and snail baits are popular for their longevity, but since they often have a wheat-derived base, they may inadvertently attract birds, squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, and other animals. Monterey’s liquid slug treatment eliminates this issue with a simple formula that doesn’t use a wheat-based medium. The ready-to-apply product comes in a spray bottle and works via all-natural active ingredients like rosemary oil, clove oil, and cottonseed oil.
Since it’s designed for spot coverage, this won’t be the best pick if you need to treat a large area. Still, those wondering how to kill slugs in the safest way possible won’t likely mind that it’s suitable for direct application only. Safe for use around kids and pets, simply spray it on and let it get to work. If necessary, you can apply another round in 2 weeks.
Get the Monterey All-Natural slug killer at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Monterey Lawn & Garden.
Best Heavy-Duty
Bonide Captain Jack's Bug and Slug Killer Bait
What We Like
- Easy-to-pour lid
- Effective against multiple pest types
- Safe around people and pets
- Each application lasts up to 4 weeks
What We Don’t Like
- Spinosad may cause skin irritation
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Iron phosphate and spinosad
- Coverage: Up to 2,000 square feet
The Bonide Captain Jack’s Bug and Slug Killer Bait comes in a 1.5-pound bottle that treats up to 3,000 square feet, depending on how densely or sparsely the granules are spread. Since piles of pellets tend to attract the attention of pets and other animals, Bonide recommends you spread this product thinly over the target area.
We really appreciate how simple the easy-pour lid makes it to apply this slug bait to lawns and gardens. We also like its unique formula, which combines iron phosphate and spinosad (an insecticide made from soil bacteria) to kill slugs and other bugs. Each application works for up to for 4 weeks, which is longer than any other product on our list. It’s also relatively safe for homes with kids and pets, though spinosad is known to cause skin irritation and redness, so it’s best to keep the pellets stored safely out of reach.
Get the Bonide slug killer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Bonide.
Best Fast-Acting
Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer
What We Like
- Large maximum coverage area
- Takes just 3 to 6 days to work
- Remains effective after rain
- Safe for people and pets immediately after application
What We Don’t Like
- May lead to mold growth if over applied
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Active ingredient: Sodium ferric EDTA
- Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet per pound
This fast-acting treatment uses sodium ferric EDTA as an active ingredient, which is more effective against both slugs and snails than iron phosphate yet still safe around kids and pets. It also has an incredibly large maximum coverage area of up to 5,000 square feet per pound and comes in several sizes to suit both small and large spaces.
To use Corry’s, simply apply it once every 2 weeks, watching slug numbers dwindle as they consume the pellets. Sodium ferric EDTA typically kills slugs in just 3 to 6 days, and this formula is resistant to heavy rain as well as safe in vegetable gardens and around fruit trees. As with most slug killers, just be careful not to overapply, as too much product can damage soil and encourage mold growth.
Get the Corry’s slug killer (various sizes) at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Or, DIY Your Own Slug Killer
Those looking for a DIY solution for a pest-free home may want to try making their own slug killer, trap, or repellent. A simple beer trap can help eliminate small slug populations—just fill a plastic cup halfway with beer, bury it so the top half remains exposed, and let the slugs climb in and drown.
Coffee grounds are another option for those dealing with a slug-related pest problem in the garden, which slugs naturally avoid due to their sensitivity to caffeine. For added protection, you can create a copper tape barrier around your garden to deter slugs by shocking them lightly if they attempt to cross.
If you’ve reached the point where you’re considering calling a pest control company but want to give a DIY treatment one more shot, consider making a slug killer that also acts as a repellent. Mix about 10 to 20 drops of pine oil, cedarwood oil, or hyssop oil with about 2 cups of water. Alone, the solution acts as a repellent, but if you mix in a few drops of soap and a sprinkle of salt, it will kill slugs on contact.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Slug Killers
Unfortunately, slugs are a relatively common garden problem that can be frustrating to fix. Getting to work on the issue before it becomes an infestation is essential, so we researched dozens of sought-after slug-control products to find a selection we recommend. In addition to considering form (pellets vs. liquids) and coverage area, the products’ active ingredients were a primary factor.
Our final list of recommended products prioritizes pellet-style slug killers for their effectiveness and ease of use. All options use either powerful iron phosphate, sodium ferric EDTA, spinosad, or essential oils to get rid of these common garden pests. While many other effective options on the market use other effective ingredients, we didn’t include them since we wanted formulas that are safe to use outside homes with children and pets.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Slug Killer
Slug killers are used to control slug infestations in yards and gardens, allowing you to make your home critter free so you can enjoy the flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve worked so hard to grow. When choosing the best slug killer, consider factors like coverage, form, ingredients, and additional features, as detailed below.
Coverage
The coverage of a slug killer refers to the area it treats. Outside this area, slugs may still be drawn to the bait, but it’s less likely to be effective. Coverage varies by product, ranging from direct-application-only to up to 5,000 feet, so it’s important to read the product information and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use.
Keep in mind that the coverage estimates are also based on how much product you apply, with most slug killers recommending between ½ and 1 pound of product per 1,000 feet. Application rate is essential to product performance, as too little will likely mean less-significant results, while too much can damage the soil and lead to mold growth.
Form
Slug killers usually come in one of two forms: pellet (or granular) or liquid.
- Pellet slug killers, sometimes called granular, are the most common form of slug killer. They are easy to distribute evenly and may work for up to 4 weeks without needing to be reapplied. Many are resistant to rain and safe to use around kids, pets, and wildlife, but if they aren’t properly dispersed, they may attract unwanted attention from these same groups.
- Liquid slug killers may come in either concentrated or ready-to-use form. While they’re excellent in terms of spot treatment, they are more vulnerable to being washed away than pellets and harder to apply to large areas.
Active Ingredients
Slug killers are designed with several potential active ingredients, each intended to kill these invading pests. However, certain ingredients, like metaldehyde and sulfur, can be harmful to small children and pets, so we didn’t include any of these potent products in our recommendations. Most of the picks on our list use sodium ferric EDTA and iron phosphate to rid properties of slugs and snails.
- Sodium ferric EDTA destroys hemocyanin, a copper compound in slugs’ blood that helps carry oxygen. This active ingredient generally takes 3 to 6 days to kill an affected slug, but it’s relatively safe for children and pets because vertebrates use hemoglobin for this function, not hemocyanin.
- Iron phosphate damages the digestive tissue of a slug’s stomach and causes it to stop eating altogether. This type of slug killer may take up to 1 week to work, but iron phosphate has no adverse human health effects beyond slight to moderate eye irritation resulting from direct contact. Iron phosphate is also safe around pets and other wildlife.
Longevity
The longevity of a slug killer refers to how long it remains effective at luring and killing slugs. After this period, the product may still have some potency, but its effectiveness will be significantly reduced. Typically, slug killers last between 2 and 4 weeks, though this depends on the specific product.
Check the product information and the manufacturer’s directions to determine the slug killer’s longevity, but also keep in mind that weather conditions can be an influencing factor. Pellets are resistant to rain and running water, but freezing temperatures can reduce their effectiveness. Liquid slug killers aren’t affected by freezing temperature changes, but heavy rain can wash them away.
Safety
Any time you’re treating a pest problem, safety should be a primary concern, especially if you have kids or pets. Children and pets may find, handle, and eat slug pellets in gardens and yards, which is why the granular products we recommend use non-toxic active ingredients like sodium ferric EDTA and iron phosphate. While liquid slug killers don’t typically carry the same risk since they seep into the ground relatively quickly, pets may still inject them if they lick or eat the soil.
If you have kids or pets and are considering products we don’t mention in this guide, we recommend you stay away from metaldehyde and sulfur products since they can be harmful— and even fatal—in large enough quantities.
FAQs
Read on to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about slug killers and how to use them to keep pests out of your yard and garden.
Any pest-killing product should be kept away from kids and pets. Even if the active ingredient won’t cause significant harm, those that contain toxin ingredients can be fatal to small beings in large enough amounts.
Metaldehyde slug killers are the most dangerous type. Although sodium ferric EDTA and iron phosphate slug killers shouldn’t be ingested or handled, it’s less likely they will cause lasting harm.
Applying slug and snail killer to the garden is an effective way to get rid of slugs. And it’s a quick process that isn’t difficult for DIYers to handle on their own. Follow these simple steps to treat your garden.
1. Before doing anything else, read the instructions on the product packaging to ensure you follow all safety requirements.
2. Water the garden beforehand, especially if it hasn’t rained for a few days and the ground is very dry.
3. Sprinkle an even layer of pellets around the perimeter of the garden. If you are using a liquid slug killer, create a barrier using the spray trigger. Remember to sprinkle or spray as close to the ground as possible to avoid getting the slug killer on the leaves of the plants.
4. After surrounding your garden with granules or spray, apply additional bait to particularly moist areas where water tends to pool.
5. Leave the garden for 24 hours, then remove all visible snails, as they can continue to lay eggs even when they are paralyzed by the slug killer.
6. Repeat these steps as necessary according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You only need to put down slug pellets when you have an active slug problem. During an infestation, apply pellets every 2 to 4 weeks as directed on the product’s packaging.
It depends on the type of slug pellets and how much the rat consumes. If they chow down on enough metaldehyde slug killer, then they will eventually die, but it won’t happen quickly since this pest killer isn’t designed for mammals. Sodium ferric EDTA and iron-phosphate products are even less effective against rats, so if you have a real rat problem, invest in rat traps or rat poisons.
To better understand why slugs may be interested in your yard, we reached out to Brad Guerrera, the owner of Texas-based Expert Pest Control. According to Brad, “Slugs are drawn to moisture, shade, and organic matter. Overwatered gardens, thick mulch, compost piles, and dense ground cover create the perfect environment for them to hide during the day and feed at night.”
In addition to using the natural products in our list of recommendations and the DIY methods we mentioned above, you may want to add plants that repel bugs to your yard or garden. Brad also mentioned using seaweed as mulch, noting that “Slugs hate the texture and salt content of dried seaweed.”
Brad Guerrera, owner of Expert Pest Control in Texas, told us that breaking slugs’ life cycle and getting rid of their hiding spots are essential aspects of stopping an infestation. He said that since slugs lay eggs in damp soil and garden debris, “Regular yard cleanup is essential. Remove excess mulch, pull weeds, and keep your garden beds well-aerated to make them less hospitable to slugs.”
