Iron Phosphate
Quick Facts
- Type
- Mineral
- Source
- Naturally occurring mineral compound (iron + phosphate); occurs in soil
- OMRI Listed
- Yes ✓
- Bee Safe
- Yes
- Pet Safe
- Yes
- Residual
- Pellets remain effective for 2-4 weeks; withstand light rain
- Best For
- Slug and snail control around vegetables, strawberries, hostas, and any garden bed.
What Is Iron Phosphate?
Slugs and snails consume iron phosphate pellets and stop feeding immediately. The iron disrupts calcium metabolism in the gut, causing cell destruction in the digestive system. Death occurs within 3-6 days. Uneaten pellets break down into iron and phosphate — soil nutrients.
Source: Naturally occurring mineral compound (iron + phosphate); occurs in soil
What Pests Does Iron Phosphate Kill?
Iron Phosphate is effective against the following pests:
How to Apply Iron Phosphate
Best for: Slug and snail control around vegetables, strawberries, hostas, and any garden bed.
Avoid for: No significant limitations — one of the safest organic pesticides available.
Residual activity: Pellets remain effective for 2-4 weeks; withstand light rain
Safety Profile
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bee Safety | 🟢 Safe for bees |
| Pet Safety | 🟢 Safe for pets |
| Overall Rating | Safe — Safe for kids, pets, and bees when used as directed |
Why Isn't Iron Phosphate Working?
If Iron Phosphate isn't delivering results, check these common failure modes:
Not enough bait stations — scatter evenly, not in piles
Heavy rain dissolves pellets before consumption
Competing food sources — clear decaying vegetation near bait
Confused with metaldehyde — metaldehyde is toxic to pets; iron phosphate is NOT
Best Iron Phosphate Products
Sluggo
PelletsThe original iron phosphate bait — OMRI-listed
Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait
PelletsBudget-friendly iron phosphate option
Sluggo Plus
PelletsIron phosphate + spinosad for earwigs, cutworms, and slugs