Threat of Snail and Slug Damage to Gardens Begins Before Visible Signs Appear. Meta-Based Slug and Snail Baits Combine Efficacy, Specificity, Ease of Application and Formulation Options.

ALLENDALE, N.J. -- This spring, as freshly planted hostas, ornamental kale, winter pansies and primrose start to grow, home gardeners should apply a slug and snail bait formulated with the active ingredient Meta(R) before the first signs of pest damage. Both novice and expert home gardeners make the same mistake each spring by waiting until they find their gardens ravaged by pests before applying slug and snail bait. Instead, applying a Meta-based molluscicide at the start of spring greatly increases the chances of enjoying slug and snail-free gardening throughout the season.

Meta employs a unique, specific mode of action in which a mollusk's mucus-producing cells are irreversibly destroyed. Unlike other pesticides, slugs and snails that ingest Meta cannot recover, even in wet conditions. The result is immediate, precise plant protection.

"While Meta-based products are highly efficient, they are also very easy to apply," said Mike Darcy, noted garden authority and host of gardening and radio programs in the Pacific Northwest. "Because Meta products are available in both pellet and liquid form, they are suitable for any garden. The pellets can be simply applied by following the directions on the label. Liquid pastes can be just as easily applied as a less apparent alternative." Darcy also reminds home gardeners that applying bait properly is critical. For instance, while pellets should be dispersed around snails' and slugs' favorite plants, an application should also be applied to areas where the pests hide during the day. Therefore, stacks of firewood, mulch piles, pots, and ivy or high grass should be baited. Also, make sure that bait does not pile or mound together. Snails and slugs can only ingest so much, so too much bait isn't going to produce better results.

Snails and slugs thrive in moist conditions, which means an application prior, during, or immediately after a rainfall is best. If it's not going to rain, the area should be watered before the application is made. Snails and slugs come out for their feedings when night falls, so the bait should be applied right before dusk, if possible. Also, because slugs and snails are hermaphroditic, each one is capable of laying over 500 eggs during their lifetime.

Meta is developed to specifically combat slugs and snails, and does not appear to affect beneficial organisms such as bees, earthworms and carabid beetles. Meta-based pellets biologically decompose into carbon dioxide and water in the soil. A newer formulation has been developed employing a bittering agent, reducing the possibility of ingestion of pellets by curious pets. Also, proper storage by pet owners will further ensure that pets will not be able to access the molluscicide.

Snail and slug baits that contain Meta as an active ingredient include Corry's Deadline, which can be found at home improvement, and home and garden centers.

Lonza is a life sciences driven company, headquartered in Switzerland, which generated sales of CHF 2.18 billion in 2004. It operates 18 production and R&D facilities in eight countries and employs 5670 people worldwide. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermediates and active ingredients as well as biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. In addition, Lonza also offers organic intermediates for a wide range of applications and provides antimicrobial and associated products as well as polymer intermediates and compounds. For more information please visit the company's websites at www.lonza.com or www.themolluscicide.com.