6 effective ways to deal with moles

Those who have a summer cottage are familiar with the problem of the presence of moles. Often, to the uninitiated, moles seem to be a mythical and stereotypical problem. But when summer residents begin their activities on the site, it soon becomes clear that the moles do not live somewhere far away - in the field, in the forest, but specifically next to us.

If there are moles in a certain area, then these are not two or three animals, but a whole community that is able to dig the entire area up and down, spoil the appearance of a neat lawn, and destroy a significant part of the long-awaited crop.

Therefore, summer residents who are familiar with the problem of the invasion of moles seek to get rid of them by all means. Having decided to deal with moles, it is necessary to choose the most convenient, affordable and humane method.

Mole repellent

There are several methods humane struggle with moles:

• ultrasonic repellers;
• sound devices (bottle turntables, rattles, firecrackers);
• aromatic repellents;
• standard barrier in the form of an underground fence.

sound method not always effective, since a fairly strong wind is required for the operation of the turntables. The ultrasound method is highly effective, but it should be noted that ultrasound can act as an irritant on people.

Build an underground barrier is a radical solution to the problem. The only drawback of this method is the complexity, since along the perimeter of the entire site it will be necessary to install a barrier a meter or more deep.

Crushed garlic, hemp, herring heads, and even tow moistened with tar or kerosene are placed in holes. All this will scare away the moles, but they will return as soon as the smell dissipates.

Due to the insufficient effectiveness of deterrent methods, summer residents have to use more stringent measures in the fight against moles.

The use of poison

Poison can be used when small children do not play in the summer cottage, pets (dogs, cats, chickens, etc.) do not live, and there is no potential threat to poison someone other than moles.

The mole is a predatory animal, so it may not pay attention to poisoned grains, granules, pieces of poison. For such cases, special poisons with a high degree of attractiveness have been developed. They contain special enzymes that mimic the smell of meat. For example, Mole Breaker, Mole Thrower, Ratox.

The use of poison is a time-saving and economical way, placing the poison in the garden takes only a few minutes, and the cost of the poison usually does not exceed 100-200 rubles. For many summer residents, this method is unacceptable for ethical reasons.

Trap or trap

The main difference between traps and traps is that in some cases the moles die, while in others they remain alive. The choice of trap is left to the personal preference of the summer resident.

The most common traps is a spring crossbow and an ordinary mousetrap. Their design is simple and easy to use. The trap is set in holes in excavated places where moles move, preferably in two directions, since the mole can come from any direction.

Usually, the mole touches a special lever with its body, the trigger mechanism is triggered, and if it is a mousetrap, then the mole is pressed with an elastic wire, and in the case of a crossbow, the sharp part of the trap hits it through and through.

Traps more difficult to use. The purpose of the trap is to catch the animal without harming it. Then it can be released into the wild. The trap is a container where the trapped mole will be located, and a release valve that will close the container when the mole is directly in the trap.

Mole-baiting by dogs

Dog baiting is a biological method of dealing with moles.

For efficiency, it is desirable that the dog be a hunting dog. A few small dogs will help to deal with moles for good. Moles are very afraid of dogs and will immediately leave the site as soon as they feel that they are being hunted. The only problem may be the carelessness of the dog itself, during the hunt it can do more harm than the mole itself.

Some farms use cats that scare away and catch the pest.

It is worth remembering that moles can be potential carriers of certain diseases. This must be taken into account before releasing dogs for baiting, and cats for hunting. Pets are encouraged to have the appropriate vaccinations.

Planting plants that the mole does not like

There are a number of plants, the presence of which the mole does not tolerate on the site and goes to other places:

• marigold. They have a pungent odor. They repel not only moles, but also other pests. Euphorbia and castor oil have a similar effect. But you should be careful in using these plants, as they are poisonous and can harm children.
• landing Siberian(a variety of tulips), imperial hazel grouse, decorative flowering onions - a safer method, but the effectiveness of these plants is much lower. These plants can be used on the site if there are small children.
• if you want to approach the matter radically, then along the perimeter of the entire summer cottage you can land legumes. They will be a natural barrier to moles on your property.

Flood

Since the mole is a burrowing animal, its dwelling under natural conditions is subject to flooding, during which they have to get to the surface and go to drier places. Therefore, summer residents imitate flooding by pouring water from a hose into molehills.

This method is effective if you need to lure out a small number of moles.

The existing molehills are filled with water as much as possible, the water destroys the mole's passages and he has to leave. In the case when there are a lot of molehills and underground passages, using this method, you can flood the entire garden, spoil some plants, soak and compact the soil. It should also be noted that the mole is very likely to return. And to maintain a state of flooding in the garden is unnatural.

Given the huge number of mole control methods, they can be combined several for greater effectiveness. For example, plant appropriate plants, install several turntables, periodically place aromatic repellers in holes, and get a cat. This will help to cope with the invasion of moles.

The presence of any pests in the garden is always unpleasant for summer residents, especially when, at first glance, such large and dangerous animals as moles start up. But you should not strive to quickly get rid of moles, especially if their numbers are small.

Remember that the mole is of direct benefit to the garden. It exterminates wireworms, which do not just eat potatoes, but spoil them, making thin through passages in them. They do an excellent job with May beetles and bears, such pests can cause much more harm than a mole.

If there are too many moles, then you should not start using radical methods - traps and poison. You should first try to scare them away, lure them out, catch them and put up a barrier around the perimeter of the garden.