Composition and method for killing snails and slugs

#This invention relates to toxic, pesticidal compositions for killing slugs and snails, containing as the active ingredient metaldehyde and as organoleptic denaturant benzyldiethyl-(2,6-xylycarbamoylmethyl)-ammonium benzoate. This invention is also concerned with a method for protecting growing plants against attack by slugs and snails by means of said compositions.

#The usual compositions used to kill slugs and snails are sufficient toxicity to be dangerous to humans. For example, children, out of curiosity, and adults, because of an error, may eat such compositions and may thereby suffer damage to health and perhaps death. In order to avoid this possibility, an organoleptic denaturant is incorporated in the compositions provided by this invention.

#The compositions provided by this invention can contain other additives and/or carriers, the nature thereof depending on the precise nature of the specific composition, the site of its use and the method of application. Additives having a certain degree of toxicity, phytotoxicity, odor or staining, or coloring can be tolerated. Accordingly, there can be used toxic, phytotoxic, odor-imparting, stain-forming, coloring carriers and/or diluents. Generally, however, it is preferred that the additives and/or diluents be non-toxic, non-phytotoxic, odorless, non-staining and non-coloring so that the compositions containing them have as wide an application as possible.

#The following Examples illustrate the invention.

#The ingredients listed hereinafter are mixed with one another in the ground form, or are ground with one another, in the amounts indicated (parts by weight).

#______________________________________ Metaldehyde 4,000 Benzyldiethyl-(2,6-xylylcarbamoylmethyl)- ammonium benzoate 25 2,2-Dihydroxy-5,5'-dichlorodiphenylmethane 400 Feed-meal 32,700 Bran 25,000 Chalk 30,325 Berlin Blue 500 Casein 4,000 ______________________________________