Metaldehyde slug pellets banned in the UK

8th April 2022

Following the announcement of a metaldehyde slug pellet ban back in 2020, the change has finally come into force. It is now illegal to sell, supply, store or use metaldehyde products.

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide, meaning it is used to eradicate slugs and snails, usually from gardens and farmland. The substance can however also cause harm to birds and mammals through direct ingestion or consumption of contaminated molluscs.

Although slugs don’t form a large part of a hedgehog’s natural diet, the effects of this product have long been a concern. We therefore welcome this change and continue to encourage organic gardening.

Check out our top tips for organic slug control.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society have produced the below poster to raise awareness of this law change. It also advises what you can do if you have some metaldehyde or see it being sold.