Moles are nature's way of controlling insects such as Japanese beetles and grubs, loosening and aerating soil and mixing deeper soils with surface material to greatly improve soil quality. Contrary to popular belief, moles do not eat plant roots. Moles are not susceptible to rabies and present no real health threat to humans. The havoc and financial damage they cause is their downfall; thus we are always looking for better home solutions for killing moles.
To Kill or Not to Kill
We take pride in our lawns and gardens. In some cases, having a well manicured surface is a matter of finances, such as golf courses, where the surface has to have a specific texture or "lay." Having an intricate mole highway system crossing our lawn, garden or golf courses just isn't something we're willing to accept. The question is what is the most effective way to eliminate the problem, extermination or repellents? Both have their advocates.
Killing Moles
For as long as moles have caused problems, we have been devising ways to kill them. Everything from spear type traps, poisons, smoke bombs and chewing gum have been tried. To date, information distributed by Purdue University's Pest Control Operations and authored by Robert Corrigan Ph.D. states "Trapping is the MOST reliable method of mole control."
Poisons are effective, but have the obvious dangers to other animals and humans. Thus methods that have limited reach are worth considering (i.e., do not spread easily via wind or water by leaching into the soil and so forth). Some reports claim sweet bubble-gum rolled into earthworm shapes will kill moles. Just dig a little opening in a mound and put the gum in. The moles will eat it, but cannot digest the gum. You can make a homemade solution to kill moles by mixing 1 cup of Murphy's Oil Soap, 1 oz. of castor oil and 1/4 cup cayenne pepper with water and spray the area where the mole travels. You can also pour this mixture into the mole's tunnel. The newest bait developed for mole elimination is Talpirid Mole bait, which is the size of and feels like a worm, which is a favorite mole food.
Repellents
Repellents can be successful. One such concoction is a mixture of castor oil and liquid dish soap. Whip 2 oz. of castor oil, 6 tbsp. of water with 1 oz. of liquid dish detergent in a blender. Fill a sprinkling can with water, add 2 tbsp. of the mixture and sprinkle on the areas used most by the mole. Muriatic acid can be used also; just pour a cupful into a tunnel opening and close the opening, the fumes will sometimes do the trick. Another effective deterrent is to eliminate their food source. Last, ultrasonic devices, which emit high pitched sound that mimic another mole, seem to hold some promise. Moles are territorial. If another mole is in the area, moles will leave.
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