The slug solution

Published on 23/03/2026

Words: Arxada

Axcela, developed by Arxada stands out from the rest.

It is manufactured via a unique wet-extrusion and gelatinised process in a dedicated, state-of-the-art plant in Switzerland.

Axcela combines the advantages of a specific mode of action with meta metaldehyde as the active ingredient, combined with the latest formulation and production techniques - resulting in a pellet with the highest qualities, optimising slug and snail control under a wide range of growing conditions.

The process by which the Axcela pellet is produced means it is uniform in shape and size, has a strong integrity for spreading, delivering enhanced ballistic capabilities retaining its characteristics into the field.

The active ingredient is evenly distributed through the entirety of the pellet, meaning the active is present for the duration that the pellets are present in field.

Aiding longevity, the gelatinisation process carried out during manufacturing enables the pallet to absorb water rapidly and increases palatability for slugs leading to improved control.

The Axcela formulation also results in extended persistence on the paddock and therefore, can broaden the application windows if not consumed by slugs during less favourable conditions.

Reducing the risk of slug damage is not as simple as just applying a slug bait. Getting the best out of Axcela starts with knowing what your slug pressure is.

Slugs feed at night under cool conditions, living out the warmer days in cracks in the ground or under foliage, dead plant matter or animal excrement.

They like moist conditions and thrive after rain or dew, laying eggs and eating young crop foliage.

Direct drilling techniques increases the risk of slug damage, as they can live and travel along the drill rows created by the machinery.

Full cultivation methods, where a fine and even seed bed is prepared, does not eliminate the total risk of slugs as they are able to venture in from the surrounding uncultivated areas. But what it does do, is bring slugs and their eggs to the surface where they are naturally dehydrated and subsequently die.

Monitoring slug pressure post drilling is as simple as laying out old seed bags planks of wood overnight and checking them in the morning for the presence of slugs underneath, as this creates a favourable habitat for them to harbour.

Once a population is determined, to get the best out of Axcela, apply during mild, damp weather when slugs are the most active, when they are seeking food and likely to encounter a bait.

Ensuring your equipment is calibrated for optimum performance, Axcela is applied at 5-7kg per hectare depending on slug pressure.

Follow up applications may be required in the event of a wet season, or when slug pressure is particularly high.

For optimal results, 60 baiting points per square metre is where the most success for control will be seen. This is achieved with 7kg per hectare of Axcela.

Some additional benefits to using Axcela for controlling slug populations is that it has no negative effect on beneficial organisms, including earthworms and bees.

Axcela is also a vivid blue colour, meaning it is easily detected in the field so you can monitor its ongoing activity and longevity.

For more information about Axcela, visit the Arxada website https://arxada.co.nz/specialty/axcela or contact one of the Arxada territory managers throughout New Zealand.

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The slug solution