Snails and slugs are becoming key and recurrent pests in field crops. From 2021 to 2024 the entomology program at the UK- Research and Education Center at Princeton tested baits and developed an IPM protocol to test this bait working collaboratively with farmers. These studies produced valuable data on the efficacy of baits. In 2024 early planted soybeans in many counties of Western KY and central KY had outbreaks of mollusks. In February 2024 and May 2024 I wrote the potential two of outbreaks in 2024 working with the KY Soybeans Growers. A farmer communicated to me that if this product if product is not used loses per acre can up to 90 dollars but if the product is used at a cost of $15 to $20/A the yields produced by the utilization of this product paid the investment.

Currently, with data provided by county extension agents of 5 counties at least 25,000 acres receive this product. This was an investment of $500,000 ($20/A X 25000 acres) however, farmers saved $1’750, 000 ($70 X 25000 Acres), This is without including the profits for the income provided by the yields. However, these data nee to be updated, but compare to 2017 when there was another outbreak the implementation of this product went from 10,000 to 25,000 Acres and increment of 250%.