Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/8/2004

Question
The past few months of this spring, I have been using Schulz pet safe slug bait pellets because I have 3 cats. Just about a week ago, I planted a large amount of marigold varieties. Last night I noticed tiny baby slugs are all over them. I wonder if they are too small to pass over the pellets. I used up the whole bag, and its expensive! My flower beds are coated with pellets. They are eating my marygolds faster than I can kill them. It seems as if I am just feeding the slugs. So I had it! Last night I went to Home Depot and got some different slug bait powder and spray to squirt my plants that did not say pet safe. I sprayed my plants and put the powder around the plants. I have not let my cats outside because of this. How long should I keep my pets in the house? I am very frustrated because my cats love going outside.

Answer
Adria,
Since I don't know what type of slug killer you got, and I don't know the habits of your cats, it's impossible for me to know how to advise you.  So I would suggest the following:
Most products have an 800 number on the box or bottle that consumers can call for information.  If the slug killer you bought has such a number, I'd call and ask their representatives that question.  Also, your vet is the person to call for questions about the cats and their safety, so I'd try him/her as well.

Marigolds, unfortunately, are a FAVORITE of slugs.  Here are a couple of other "cat friendly" alternatives:
Go out in the evening with a salt shaker and sprinkle a shake of salt on every slug you see.  
Put saucers of beer sunk at ground-level near the palnts...slugs are attracted to the beer and drown in it.  
I don't know what kind of pet-safe bait you bought, but if it wasn't one with iron phosphate as the active ingredient (Common brands are Sluggo and Escar-go) you could try one of those.

I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari