Subject: Re: Moles in Yard
From: Michael Growcott <michael@growcott.demon.co.uk>
Organization:
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 98 13:35:27
Message-ID: <MOD$980823.24946@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$980821.10982@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



In article <MOD$980822.19916@rec.gardens.ecosystems>, Anne Kilmer
writes
>
>theshadowdancer@webtv.net wrote:
>>
>> I need some advice on how to stop moles from burrowing in my yard.
>> please send me email. thanks
>
>
This is much too good a subject to restrict to email. First question.
Are American moles the same as UK moles, little black animals with
enormous spade-like forefeet? In the UK they feed on worms and insects
in the soil, making runs just below the surface with molehills every few
yards to dispose of the spoil.

As to getting rid of them, there are hundreds of theories and not a few
comic articles on the subject. Some of my favourites are standing empty
beer bottles in the run. The theory is that the wind blowing across the
top of the bottle creates vibrations which will disturb the mole. A
similar idea is sticking children's windmills in the runs. You can get
battery powered noise emitters which are said to be effective. But I
think my favourite is burying one of those Christmas or birthday cards
that play a tune in the run, thereby killing two birds with one stone!!

Living in town I do not have any problem with moles but I can understand
why some gardeners end up tearing their hair out...

Michael
--
Michael Growcott