Released March 4, 2011
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Moles are very active this year, leading many homeowners to seek unique remedies for the problem according to Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
"Research done at the University of Missouri demonstrates that the new baits and repellants for moles work better than the home remedies some people swear by," said Byers.
Some of the favorite home remedies include using human hair, Juicy Fruit gum, poison peanuts, mothballs, flooding tunnels with a garden hose and water, a hose connected to a cars exhaust and finally, pets (although some dogs and/or cats can be effective).
Repellants
Most products tend to work as a repellant with castor bean oil as the active ingredient. Many have been tested on the Eastern mole and appear effective on that species, which is the most predominant species in Missouri.
These products need to be sprayed (garden hose?end applicator) or granule applied (through a spreader) at regular intervals to maintain a barrier that repels these small mammals to your neighbor.
"The repellant type products are marketed as natural and safe, but information about effectiveness is mixed," said Byers.
Mole-Med (which may have changed its name to Chase due to new ownership) is available in both liquid and granular form. Other repellants include Scoot Mole, Shotgun Mole & Gopher Repellant, Mole Max, Mole?Out, Whole Control and Schultz Garden Safe Mole Repellant.
Effective baits
Two products called "Kaput Mole Control" (Lesco) and "Moletox Baited Gel" (Bonide) are water-based gels containing warfarin (0.025%) as the active ingredient and flavored like their primary food, earthworms.
The latest mole bait registered is "Talpirid" (Bell Laboratories), a bromethalin-based product that actually looks, feels and tastes (so they say) like earthworms. Each worm contains a lethal dose of bromethalin. It is the only mole bait that has submitted efficacy studies to EPA.
MOTOMCO Mole Killer is a bait similar to Talpirid, but in a more affordable package of eight worms.
There are also some poisonous granular baits of a different class including "Moletox II" and "Mole-Nots," both of which are cracked corn baits laced with two percent zinc phosphide.
"One teaspoon of material will treat an active tunnel. While some results indicate excellent control with these products, remember that moles do not prefer grains in their diet," said Byers.
"Mole Patrol Bait" is granular bait that is a ready-to-use and is highly palatable with unique attractants. This product contains chlorophacinone, a historically sound anticoagulant of the rodenticide industry. Some studies indicate 100 percent control of moles.
Trapping is still one of the most efficient means of controlling moles and anyone can be successful by following a few simple steps outlined in MU Extension guide G9440, "Controlling Nuisance Moles," available from local offices or online at http://extension.missouri.edu.
No matter the method, it is important to identify active feeding runways. These are the tunnels that baits and traps need to be placed in according to Byers.
"Controlling and trapping moles requires a little time and patience. Your success with controlling moles is dependent on locating active runways and the proper placement of a trap," said Byers.
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University of Missouri, http://agebb.missouri.edu/news/swnews/queries/showall.idc?story_num=5604
Source: Patrick Byers, (417) 881-8909
Writer: David Burton, 417-881-8909, burtond@missouri.edu
