Written question WQ84842

Metaldehyde is an active substance which has been included in pesticide products used for the control of slugs for a range of agricultural and horticultural crops and in gardens.

The decision to ban the outdoor use of slug-control products containing metaldehyde was taken in Autumn 2020 and applied across Wales, England and Scotland. This included a phase-out period so that sale was prohibited after March 2021 and all stocks to be used up by the end of this month. From April it will be illegal to use these products outdoors.

The phase-out period is a standard approach when plant protection product authorisation is withdrawn and gives users time to find alternative products, learn how to use them to their best effect and gives sufficient time for the withdrawn products to be disposed of through the distribution chain and for stocks to be used up on farms and by amateur gardeners.

Pesticide products containing ferric phosphate can be used as an alternative to metaldehyde and are authorised for the control of slugs on a range of crops and in all situations, including farms, gardens and allotments. The risk of slug damage can also be limited by applying Integrated Pest Management measures including careful choice of plant varieties, control of weeds and organic matter and the timing of irrigation and harvest.