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	Moles

Moles
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

The moist, warm soils of May are home for hundreds of beneficial fauna, such as earth worms and humus producing insects. However while making lawns and garden lush these beneficial animals are the prime food for the fossorial (soil dwelling) mole. Moles are small (4-8 inches long) mammals with stout bodies. They have very well developed forelimbs for "swimming" thru the soil.
The mole has no visible ears or eyes, and is covered with fine grayish-brown velvet fur. It is insectivorous and mainly eats live insects and worms. Very seldom do moles eat vegetation, therefore poison baits afford little or no control.
These animals remain below ground, burrowing both deep and just below the surface, leaving sod raised. Lawns become uneven and feel spongy underfoot. Small mounds with no open holes may be present.
Moles are most active in spring and fall, usually burrowing at dusk and near dawn. In the spring, most of their movement is for mating rather than feeding. They prefer soft soil that has some moisture, so often move into irrigated lawns from drier surrounding areas.
There are many "mole control remedies" on the market. Trapping is the most practical means of mole elimination for the homeowner. Commercially available harpoon or choker traps work well. These traps must be placed over active run and left for several days.
In addition to traps, there is a restricted use chemical (must be applied by a certified applicator) which, when used properly, is effective. Heavy doses of lawn insecticides (to kill food sources) have limited results, especially in the spring. Their risks outweigh the benefits.
Michigan State University investigated the use of castor oil as a mole repellent. These tests showed good repellency for 30 to 60 days. Preliminary studies in Nebraska are promising, but much more data is needed. There are commercial products containing castor oil on the market or you can make itself.
If you wish to try this method, however, here is a recipe for repellent concentrate:
6 ounces castor oil (100% unrefined)
2 tablespoons dishwasher liquid soap
1 gallon water
This concentrate is further diluted 1 oz. per gallon of water and applied to approximately 300 square foot of turf or garden.