Moles - Control Options
Urban legends abound as how to best control moles. Remedies range from absurd (chewing gum) to the dangerous (explosives), but the truth is this: there is no silver bullet for mole control. It is possible to successfully eradicate moles from your garden and lawn but it takes patience. You need to get involved in the process and you might even have to try a variety of mole control methods before finding the right weapon to best control lawn moles.
Traps
For the more adventurous and engaged mole avenger, trapping is one of the most reliable ways to control moles in your garden and lawn.
Traps are effective because a mole's natural instinct is to open obstructed passageways. Similar to a mini-guillotine, the mole moves through the tunnel, pushes upward on the trap and trips it. It's not pretty when you actually catch a mole, but you can take comfort in the fact that the mole is definitely dead.
If trapping isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. Victor® offers alternative products to control moles in your lawn, including a wide range of effective mole poisons and repellents.
The key to successfully catching moles is to make sure the traps are placed in active tunnels or mounds. To locate an active tunnel, flatten the tunnels by walking on them and then wait a day. If the tunnel rises up, it's active. This is where the trap should be placed.
Controlling moles with Victor® mole traps can be done at any time of year but generally is most effective during the spring and fall. For best results, use at least three to five traps per acre. It is important to check each trap once or twice every day. When used correctly, a trap can quickly produce a catch.
Poisons
To help with mole eradication, poison mole baits are an effective way to protect your lawn. Victor® Poison Moleworms and Victor® Mole and Gopher Poison Peanuts are both uniquely formulated to be appetizing to moles. When eaten, the poison works quickly to kill the mole without the use of a trap.
Selecting the proper area to place poison mole baits is key to successfully getting rid of moles. Begin by locating active tunnels. Make one-inch holes in the roof of a tunnel and mark the openings with a stake or flag. Revisit the holes after 24-48 hours. Tunnels that have been repaired are an indicator of mole activity. After identifying an active tunnel, brush away soil to expose the tunnel opening. Then place the bait inside the tunnel and re-cover the hole with dirt, and hope the mole takes the bait. (Pun intended.)
A word of caution: poison baits should not be used around pets. Pet owners should proceed with a different mole control method such as trapping or repelling.
Repellents
Repelling moles is safe and easy with Victor® line of sonic, granular and spray repellents.
Nothing sends moles hurrying away faster than the penetrating sonic pulses emitted from Victor® Sonic Spikes. When placed in the ground and activated, sonic pulses penetrate the soil, emitting a sound which is maddening to moles who have a very acute sense of hearing. This method of mole control encourages pesky moles to leave the property and discourages return visits.
Unwanted moles can be quickly and easily repelled with Victor® Dual Action Mole & Gopher Granular Repellent and Victor® Repellent Yard Spray. Both repellents repel unwanted pests by taste and scent. They are safe to use on lawns and gardens as well as around children and pets.
