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Controlling Ground Moles
One of the more damaging lawn pests is the
mole, an underground animal that covers the
lawn with unsightly tunnels and mounds of
dirt. While tunneling under the lawn looking
for food, it can also damage the roots of
plants. There are several options for getting
rid of moles and protecting the lawn:
- Barriers: If the area you want to protect
against moles is small, such as a garden
or flowerbed, putting a barrier (usually
metal) in the ground that extends below the
tunneling depth offers long-term protection
to plants by preventing moles from going
into the area. Because it is expensive for
large areas and doesn’t eliminate the moles
from other areas, other options might be
better.
- Poison: Choices of poisoning include treating
the lawn with a pesticide to get rid of the
grubs and other insects moles like to eat
or using a product that actually kills the
moles. Care must be used with these to avoid
risks to children, pets, and wildlife.
- Ultrasound devices: Using high-pitched noise,
these devices drive the moles away. Look
for ones that install below the grass level
so that you don’t accidentally damage one
or your mower while cutting the lawn.
- Fumigation: These are gases/fumes that fill
the tunnels and either drive the moles away
or kill them. A licensed pest control company
must apply some of these products.
- Traps: There are a variety of traps that
are placed in an active mole tunnel that
will capture or kill a mole. More than one
trap may be needed since mole tunnels are
extensive. If a trap captures the mole, the
mole must be released far away so it doesn’t
return to the area.
To completely eliminate moles from your lawn,
you may have to use a combination of methods
and repeated applications. |
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