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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Ways Of Getting Rid Of Moles

By Kathryn Neal


Moles are associated with lots of destruction. These mammals cause big losses to farmers by digging up channels in the farm and heaping mounds of soil on growing crops. The soil may also interfere with proper functioning of farm machinery. Many times, they contaminate silage and render it unsuitable for consumption by livestock. If you are still struggling in getting rid of moles you need to know a number of things about them first and expose their weaknesses.

These mammals measure about 8 in length. They have large, clawed front feet which are used for burrowing. They keep to themselves most of the time except during the mating season. They make feeding channels that are not reused after they leave them. Each tunnel typically has an entry and an exit mound and these are connected by runways that are about 12 inches below the ground. Their main source of food is earthworms.

Continued burrowing by these mammals results in numerous hills scattered all over a garden or a lawn. This causes the affected areas to be disfigured. Burrows that are hidden may in some cases be a hazard to persons that visit these areas. Since they love grass, it is possible to get rid of them by reducing the area of land covered with grass. This can be achieved by creating paths and hedges. They will be forced to migrate to other areas.

The tunnels created by these mammals are frequently confused with tunnels created by pocket gophers. The latter are small underground rodents that feed on roots of crops by pulling them into their burrows. Gophers do not usually make ridges on lawns. Their tunnels are somewhat flattened and have semi-circular mounds at the ends.

The use of traps is perhaps the most commonly used methods of controlling moles. There are many different types of traps each with its advantages and disadvantages. Examples include the harpoon, the scissor jaw and the choker loop types. Each trap comes with instructions on how to use it and it is important that the user in conversant with these instructions. The trap should be correctly positioned in a working burrow. A deeper tunnel would be most ideal.

In as much as use of home remedies is a quick and cheap method of eliminating these destructive mammals, the solution is only short term. In the long run, home remedies prove to be an expensive venture. Another popularly used alternative is getting rid of insects and grubs. This has proved to be a futile attempt since moles have many other types of food.

Barrier methods are also popular. These are most effective in small enclosed areas. A typical barrier is made of either hard cloth or metal and measures 20 by 24 inches. The barrier is positioned at either opening of the tunnel and is tilted to make an angle of 90 degrees.

Poisons may be used as well. Their effectiveness in getting rid of moles is, however, far less when compared to that of traps. Poisons are disguised as gummy worms so that they can be eaten. It is quite difficult to know whether they have worked or not. The other disadvantage is that dead moles may be trapped in the tunnel and rot to release an offensive smell.




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