HOLY MOLE-Y

Moles can really do a number on your lawn and flower and
vegetable gardens. They  burrow in your landscape looking for
their grub; mainly insect grubs, earthworms, centipedes, seed
pods, spiders and many other things. They often leave volcano
shaped hills in home lawns.

According to Ohio State University Extension, a 5-ounce mole will
consume 45-50 lbs. of worms and insects each year. Moles can dig
surface tunnels at approximately 18 feet per hour!  A couple of
moles are all it takes to wreak havoc on an average lawn or
garden.

OSU says that trapping is the most effective and practical method
of mole control. Trapping success is greatest in the spring and
fall, especially after rain. In the summer and winter, moles are
active in deep soil and more difficult to locate. Three types of
mole traps are especially effective: harpoon, scissor-jaw, and
choker loop. To ensure safe and humane deployment, be sure to
follow printed instructions.

Note: The instructions included with harpoon style traps will not
provide for consiste nt results!  The run must be collapsed and
the trigger pan securely pressed into the run creating a blockage
allowing the mole to trigger the trap when attempting to reopen
the tunnel. Traps should be set in active surface burrows.

If all else fails, look in the yellow pages for a professional
trapper.

Thanks to OSU and their fact sheet W-11-2002 for information on
those pesky moles!

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Cheryl is a Master Gardener who volunteers with the Lake County
(Ohio) Extension office of Ohio State University. She won a
Cleveland Press Club award last year for her feature and column
writing.