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One of the most common questions that I receive in the Extension Office is "How do I get rid of moles in my turf and flowers gardens?" It is a universal question that homeowners face each year. The mole is a burrowing mammal, not a rodent. They are well adapted for a life of digging. Webbed toes support strong claws and their palms turn outward. The paddle-like forelimbs move laterally, enabling moles to "swim" through the soil.
A fully grown mole is 4 to 6 ½ inches long and weigh 3 to 5 ounces. Moles have a voracious appetite and can eat 70-100 percent of their weight daily. They feed while burrowing just below the surface of the ground where their preferred foods, including insect grubs, adult insects, and earthworms are abundant. This habit of feeding just below the surface, leaves the very common symptom of raised ridges in the lawn or flower beds.
Moles live alone, but burrow systems of several moles may connect. Burrowing occurs year-round, peaking during warm wet months. When making feeding tunnels near surface, moles may burrow up to one foot per minute. Moles tend to burrow along structures , fence lines and walkways. Therefore, one animal can be responsible for considerable damage.
What can be done to control their damage? Many people believe that if they get rid of the insects such as white grubs they will control the mole. Grubs, however, make up only a portion of a mole's diet. If all the earthworms, grubs, and other soil-borne animals in a lawn are eliminated by repeated insecticide applications, moles may be forced to seek other areas. Before moving on, however, moles may increase foraging and burrowing activity for several weeks. Poison baits are also not effective as moles normally will not consume poisoned grains.
Trapping is probably the most effective and practical means for controlling problem moles. Success is highest in spring and fall, especially after rains. Popular types of mole traps include the harpoon , scissor-jaw and choker loop. Mole traps produce quick kills and with reasonable caution, are safe for the user, pets, and wildlife.
These traps are usually set in surface burrows. Burrows that are in disrepair or meander around the soil surface most likely are used infrequently and should not be used to set traps. To find frequently used burrows, look for fresh signs and a burrow that runs in a straight line, connects two mounds, or follows concrete sidewalks or other structures. If in doubt, flatten a small section with your foot and check it after an hour or two to see if it has been pushed back up. Follow the directions on how to set up the trap in the surface burrow.
A new product is also on the market called "Talprid". It is a gummy worm that is applied into the working surface burrow. Early indications are that it is very effective in killing moles. It is or will be available at most plant nurseries and farm stores in the near future. Although it is a general use pesticide, caution should be emphasized in using this product. It is a poisonous pesticide that looks like a gummy worm. Precautions need to be made when around children and pets that they are not exposed to this pesticide.
Another new product just coming on the market is a jell called "Kaput". It is a jell that is squeezed into the active surface burrows. Not much is know at the current time regarding its effectiveness.
Finally, there is castor oil and castor oil products such as Mole-Med or MoleChase that have shown favorable results in repelling the eastern mole. It does not kill the mole but the moles are repelled by it. To be effective the castor oil product must be thoroughly watered into the lawn. For best results, spray the entire area that is to be protected. Moles will burrow under a perimeter treatment. Applications need to be reapplied after significant rainfall or irrigation as the repellent can be leached out of the systems.
There are also a variety of home remedies that have been tried over the years. They include pinwheels, windmills, broken glass, castor beans, used cat litter, kerosene, flooding cement and even chewing gum. Unfortunately, no shortcut solutions exist and most home remedies fail. Several electronic devices have been marketed, but none has proven effective.
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