GB2354947A - Slug and snail deterrent comprising sodium chloride and a high melting point grease - Google Patents

Abstract

A slug and snail deterrent comprises a mixture of sodium chloride and a high melting-point grease. The deterrent's adhesive quality enables it to be applied to a horizontal under-surface where,protected from rain,it will remain for many months.Once in place it will prevent the passage of slugs and snails without the need for regular replenishment so that the crops can be left unattended in safety whilst away on vacation or work.

Description

2354947 SLUG AND SNAIL DETERRENT THIS INVENTION RELATES TO A SLUG AND

SNAIL DETERRENT.

Slug and snail deterrents have been known and available for many years and include toxic pellets,the use of sharp material around crops and the placing of water,common salt or alcoholic beverages around or in the vicinity of crops.

All of these methods are to some extent effective but require frequent replenishment and maintainance in order to be reasonably efficient.

Of the affore-mentioned methods,toxic pellets are probably the most effective but unfortunately render the slugs and snails poisionous to other wildlife that eats them after the slugs and snails have ingested pellets.Salt and alcoholic beverages are soon diluted or even washed away completely by rain and a trough of water errected around a crop will evaporate in dry weather if unattended for a few days.Salt is an excellent choice of material if used correctly as slugs and snails will neither ingest it nor attempt passage in contact with it as it causes rapid dehydration and death.

According to the present invention there is provided a substance comprising sodium chloride and grease which may be applied to the surface of any material and which will act as a deterrent, preventing the passage of slugs and snails and will not require replenishment for several weeks at a time.

A specific description of the substance will now be given:-

The substance is a compound comprising the following:1 a high melt-point grease that will not liquify and run in the highest temperature likely to be experienced in a garden or hot-house.

2 sodium chloride.

The grease and sodium chloride are mixed together to form a compound which has an adhesive quality. The compound is applied to a surface that is protected from rain,of a structure surrounding a crop. Application to the underside of a horazontal surface minimizes loss of the salt as it will,in damp or wet weather,hydrate and hang as droplets of salt solution rather than run(which would occur on a vertical surface or slope)and then dehydrate to re-crystallize in dry weather.

2-

Claims (2)

1 A slug and snail deterrent comprising a mixture of high melt-point grease and sodium chloride.

2 A slug and snail deterrent as in claim 1 in which the mixture will adhere to any surface at any angle.