Effective ways to combat annoying moles in your garden: how experienced gardeners solve the problem
A mole is not the most pleasant and welcome guest on a summer cottage.
Its passages and piles of dirt spoil the appearance of the lawn and prevent you from enjoying a well-kept garden.
But how to control the number of these underground inhabitants and prevent the site from becoming desolate? Let's consider the main ways to get rid of mole tunnels.
Why do moles dig holes in the area
Moles lead an underground lifestyle, so they are forced to dig passages and holes in search of food - worms, larvae and plant roots.
The main reasons for the appearance of moles in a garden plot are:
- Favorable conditions: loose, moist soil, abundance of food resources.
- Absence of natural enemies: birds of prey, mustelids.
- Availability of secluded places for making burrows and breeding offspring.
Moles reproduce quickly, so without control over their numbers, a garden plot risks turning into a "mole field".
Methods of combating moles on the site
To get rid of annoying moles, you can use the following methods:
1. Mechanical methods
- Filling holes. Effective only for temporary elimination of moles, as they quickly dig new passages.
- Traps and snares. Allow you to catch moles alive. But this method is quite cruel.
- Ultrasonic devices. They repel moles, but for a lasting effect, several such devices need to be placed around the perimeter of the area.
2. Chemical agents
- Poisoned baits. They act selectively and do not harm other garden inhabitants. They are effective, but toxic.
- Fumigants. A dangerous poisonous gas that must be introduced into burrows. Requires caution when used.
3. Biological methods
- Planting repellent plants. Garlic, onions, nasturtium, calendula repel moles with their smell.
- Using predators. Settling mustelids or snakes that hunt moles. Ecological, but not the most reliable method.
- Use of biopreparations. Substances based on mole digestive enzymes. Destroy its food supply underground.
Thus, the problem of moles on the site can be solved both by radical methods and more humane means. The main thing is a comprehensive approach, a combination of several methods to achieve a lasting effect. Timely measures will help keep the site in order and prevent mass reproduction of pests.
How to Prevent Moles from Appearing on Your Yard
To avoid a new "invasion" of moles, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures:
- Compact and level the soil, eliminate unevenness.
- Remove mulch, rocks and other coverings from the beds.
- Dry off excess moisture.
- Clear the area of roots, stumps and plant debris.
- Plant plants with a branched root system.
- Place ultrasonic repellents around the perimeter.
- When the first mole holes appear, take control measures immediately.
Such preventive measures will help make the area less attractive for moles to inhabit. And regular monitoring of the territory and timely use of control methods will help keep your garden in order.
We previously reported on why you should hang bags of water on trees.
