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Subject: Re: Castor oil for moles/voles
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@gte.net>
Organization:
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 01 23:47:19
Message-ID: <MOD$010221.28416@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



The question was raised about the toxicity of castor oil
and whether it would be a good idea to use this material
in the garden as a poison for moles/voles.

Castor oil is an extract from the foliage of Ricinus
communis. While the castor bean is righteously toxic,
castor oil is not.

My personal view is that moles are mostly beneficial.
Primarily, they eat grubs and earthworms and only do
accidental damage to the roots of plants. Admittedly,
they can make a mess in the garden as they search out
their prey. If you absolutely insist on being neat and
tidy, I think you'd be better off using traps.

Bill

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