By Deborah Morris


Sometimes the beauty of a home is based upon a well-manicured lawn. However, one's neighbors are not the only ones that appreciate its beauty. Their are some pesky varmints that love the richness and nutrients that a lawn offers. They can do more damage than one may think even though they are small. These pesky critters are moles. Homeowners want to learn how to catch a mole and stop it in its tracks for good.

Moles can be very quick when it comes to building tunnels. They can be caught by either trapping it and killing it, or by nicer methods. This is usually done by using traps or certain repellents. One should be on the look out for activity in the early morning hours because they are usually very active at that time.

The first thing that an individual needs to do is look for a tunnel in ones yard or garden. Make sure to step on the tunnel in a couple spots to make sure the soil is level with the ground. The next morning, if the spots are no longer level, that means the tunnel is yet active and the rodent is yet on the loose.

Using the trap method requires that an individual make a mound of dirt and put it right into the center of a hole that has been dug. Sit the trap on top of it. Make sure that the spot chosen is at least 18- 20 inches away from the mound of dirt. The tunnel should be about eight inches below the ground. There may even be a deeper tunnel which can be found by placing a stick in the ground. If there is a collapse in soil, then most likely there is a deeper tunnel.

Setting the trap is simple. Make a mound of dirt that should be located in the center of the hole to set the trap on. The mole will think that it must be a blocked tunnel and start to dig. This sets off the trap. The trap should be set where the pan of the trigger moves against the mound of soil.

Make sure to sprinkle dirt over the trap to cover up any light that might penetrate through it. The mole will instantly know if something is wrong if this happens. Check daily to see if the anything has been captured. If so, get rid of it quickly. Make sure to wear gloves for protection. If need be, call pet control to help with disposal.

A gentler way would be simply to make a repellent to keep moles away. This can be made by mixing one half cup of Castor oil and one half cup of dish washing detergent. Combine this with a gallon of water. Keep it in a spray bottle for easy retrieval.

Spray major tunnels and areas where the pests generally like to hang out. This may be a better solution for those who are concerned about having dangerous chemicals around their children or pets. The whole situation can be frustrating, but the problem can be rectified in a matter of days.




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