Moles No More?

I have often mentioned my problems with moles and deer, and I have discovered that I'm not alone! Unfortunately, I didn't have any offers to trap the moles and send them to a mole ranch. Often I feel the gophers of "Caddyshack" are partying and cavorting underneath my lawn. One reason we have moles, of course, is that they have such a good food source from all the earthworms. I have researched the Internet, I have read articles, and I have received e-mail. Some people have simply resigned themselves to the problem, but I will continue to try to find solutions--without using poisons and sprays.

Here is one solution that was proposed by an estension agent to a reader in Texas. Insert one end of a garden hose into the tailpipe of the car/truck; insert the other end into the mole run; turn on the engine and let it run for about thirty minutes. This method will gas them. It is a humane way to get rid of them according to a vet she consulted.

Some say that a castor oil spray will chase away the moles. There are commercial sprays available, but with an acre or more involved cost is a factor. Following is a recipe for a homemade mix. Mix 1 T castor oil and 2 T liquid dishwashing soap in a blender until it is the consistency of shaving cream. Add 6 T water and blend again. Using 2 T of this mix with 2 gallons of water, sprinkle the mole-infested areas after a rain to make sure it soaks into the ground. I will need to make several batches of this stuff, but I do plan to try it!