Handling moles in the yard...

I'm starting to have trouble with moles in the yard. And I spent a lot of time searching the Web for information about getting rid of them. The consensus is that nothing works well, but traps are better than poisons or smoke bombs. However, I also learned that Glenn R. Dudderar, Extension Wildlife Specialist at Michigan State University found that applying a diluted solution of castor oil "effectively eliminated the visible surface tunneling of eastern moles" at 26 of 27 test sites. I've tried it and it seemed to work well for me.

While there are directions on the packages of 'Scoot Mole' and 'Mole Med' to follow, I also found a recipe in a newspaper. This formula uses substantially less castor oil than called for on the package, but as I said, it seemed to work for me. I'm going to do it again this spring.

The formula and instructions are - [quote]

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. of castor oil
• 3 oz of Ivory dish soap
• 7 oz of water

From this concentrated solution, add water at a ratio of two ounces of concentrate to one gallon of water. This means that your 18 ounces of concentrate will make nine gallons of mole deterrent, which will cover 5,000 square feet.

Instructions:

You are urged to spray the perimeter of your property rather than the whole yard. A 4 to 6 foot band around your lawn will keep new families of moles away for six years. [note: I think this was supposed to say six MONTHS.]

You must "water in" the castor oil to get it into the soil. Don't apply this solution when there is a threat of heavy rains, as the oil may wash away with the excess water runoff. Don't be alarmed if the moles cross the barrier after you apply the solution. It takes time and water to get the oil to penetrate the soil to a depth where the moles tunnel.

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