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Subject: Re: Castor oil for moles/voles
From: "Penny Morgan" <PMORGAN2@nc.rr.com>
Organization: Road Runner - NC
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 01 09:51:33
Message-ID: <MOD$010222.7256@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$010221.28416@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Thanks so much for the response. I've been researching traps and sprays to
deter the pests. The traps are not that efficient in setting up when you
have about 50 tunnels throughout your lawn. I definitely agree that they
are an excellent aerator for my gardens, but they are ripping up my back
yard that I've had to work hard to keep alive for the past 5 years. The
heat and humidity in this area is not fun. I am a frugal waterer, using
soaker hoses under newspaper and mulch in my gardens and only early in the
morning. We are on a restricted watering schedule in our town and can be
fined if caught watering at wrong times. Anyway, I do appreciate your input
about the castor oil toxicity. I had to laugh when I read that you should
set up a compost area to attract moles to, and thus away from your gardens.
I am an organic gardener and an avid composter (have 3 bins going now).
After I spread the compost in my gardens, I have lots of worms and grubs
which attracts the moles to dine in. I would love it if they stayed in my
gardens, but their on my turf now (no pun intended).
Thanks again for your help! Hope your weather is good - sleet, snow and
rain here today with frigid temps.

Penny
Bill Robinson wrote in message
news: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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