Mole Diet. What Do Moles Eat? Diet Breakdown Various species of moles can cause damage to yards, gardens, and pastures with their tunneling. Prevention One of the best ways to limit mole activity in yards is to minimize their access to food. As both pests carry infectious diseases and parasites, it is important to wear disposable gloves when handling the dead animals.
Either bury them or place them in plastic bags in the trash. If a live trap is used, remember that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources does not allow relocation of trapped animals to another location due to animal and human disease exposure; therefore, the captured animals will have to be euthanized. A castor oil treatment to the lawn will also repel moles and voles for about two weeks.
If it rains during that time, the product will have to be reapplied. Using a castor oil product is not the most effective way to control moles and voles as it does not have a long residual life in the soil. Do not use if irrigation is frequently run in the area as watering will quickly dilute the castor oil. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named.
All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies.
Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. More Information » Close message window. Original Author s Barbara H. Smith , HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named.
Was this helpful? Yes No. What can we improve? Close comments window. What did you like most? Related Posts. Wherever moles set up shop, food is the primary motivator—because of this, controlling their food sources is one of the most effective ways to control the mole populations. Moles love grubs. When you eliminate the grubs and other insects in your yard, the moles will relocate in search of better food sources. We recommend controlling grub populations by using beneficial nematodes or milky spore to kill grubs.
If you want faster results, use an insecticide instead. Cons: Moles may start to rely on other food sources and insect species instead. In some cases, a mole repellent is an effective solution for an infestation. For example, castor oil will not kill moles, but it will cause digestive upset for the moles that come into contact with it — making your lawn a less appealing place to live. Mix four tablespoons of this mixture in a gallon of water and use it to soak the tunnels and entrances in your yard.
You can also purchase repellants in liquid or granule form and apply them to your yard via a spreader. Be sure to follow all label directions carefully if you choose this option. Moles dislike plants with strong smells, such as daffodils, marigolds, and anything in the allium family. Plant these species around the edges of your garden to form a natural barrier or plant in raised beds to protect root systems.
If you prefer, you can also purchase ready-made mole barriers at your local garden store. This is a time-consuming but effective, long-term solution to keep moles from burrowing their way into your yard. This is good news for you since it means getting rid of them can be as easy as creating an unpleasant environment.
To do this, purchase a sonic spike from your local home and garden store and insert it into the ground in your garden. This spike will use electronic pulses to create irritating sounds that encourage the moles to go elsewhere. Moles feel safest under cover. Because of this, eliminating their shelter is a great way to encourage them to go elsewhere. Keep your grass mowed and your garden beds manicured. Avoid using thick layers of mulch to cover beds and remove all stacks of wood or piles of organic debris.
It would be unusual to find a very young mole out of its underground nest unless the nest has been disturbed. If the mother mole does not reclaim her young within a short period of time, call a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Adult and juvenile moles are good jumpers and climbers and can escape from open containers. Use tight-fitting lids with air holes on transport containers.
Please do not pour gasoline in a tunnel system as a deterrent — this will not work to get rid of moles, and is very risky for you, pets, and the environment, as it easily poisons groundwater for a large area.
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