Pests - Moles
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  (April) We have a terrible problems with moles in our yard, they make their runs every where. I read an article in the newspaper about using castor oil, but it did not tell you how you should apply the oil. Could you please help? 

  Moles are a problem for many gardeners, and it seems the problem is getting worse. I guess on the plus side, you have a nicely aerated garden! Whenever you are dealing with animal problems, a multifaceted approach is best. The castor oil would need to be applied by soaking rags or cotton balls in the oil and putting it down in the runs. Some people plant castor beans around their property, but that isn't too feasible. Traps and poison baits have worked for some, as have the windmills with vibrations--however they aren't the most attractive either. Good luck.

  (August) I've got moles in my yard and fear if I don't rid the yard of them soon, it will be destroyed. I've heard many "wives tales" about how to get rid of them, and have even tried some of them, but to no avail. Do you have a foolproof suggestion? 

  I wish I did, but unfortunately, there is no fool-proof method. Several ideas include knocking down the runs, and then watching to see which runs are reconstructed the next day. These would be considered primary runs, and putting several traps at their juncture can work. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the traps so you don't put any scent on the traps. Poison baits have worked for some. I have had others tell me that putting rags soaked in castor oil in the runs has deterred them as well. Good luck.

  (September) I wondered if you have any information regarding moles. They are all over my yard and I have tried several recommended ways to get rid of them with no results. If you have any information please share it with me. 

  Whenever we deal with pesky animal problems, we suggest using a variety of approaches. There doesn't seem to be one product or method that works effectively for every gardener. With moles, you can try several options. Poison baits or traps work for some people. Make sure if using traps to wear gloves when putting them down, since the oils from your hands can serve as a warning for the moles. Castor oil has been effective for some gardeners. They tell me they pour some on rags and place in the runs, and it has deterred the moles. Others have had luck with the windmill or vibration machines. Try knocking down all of the runs, and then wait and see which ones they immediately build back. These should be their main runs, and you may want to concentrate your efforts there, or at least in the junction of these runs. Trial and error may be your best bet.

  We have a big problem with moles in our garden. My husband has used the poison peanuts and it hasn’t stopped them. What do you think we should do to get rid of them? 

  I wish there was an easy solution to pesky animal problems. Unfortunately, you have to try a variety of approaches. Knock down the runs and see which runs are rebuilt the next day. Often these are the primary runs. Then place two or three traps underground where these runs meet. Wear gloves when placing the traps, since you don’t want your scent on the traps to warn the moles away. Some people try flooding or gassing the rodents out, while others get a good dog or cat. Good luck!

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