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Moles (Was 'Introduction')

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

Brian &  Lisa:

Moles!  I had the same concerns about moles last yea, especially after the
previous renter of this house had told me that moles had ruined his veggie
garden attempts.  I posted similar questions on the original SFG list and
received a good bit of advice;  everything ranging from castor oil to
dynamite was suggested.  I learned that grubs are a mole favorite and that
if you control them you've taken away half of their reason to be there.
Don't know how true that is, but it makes some sense.

I went to the library and checked out a book on IPM (integrated pest
management).  Good section on moles and voles.  I seem to remember the book
saying that moles pretty much burrow from right below the surface to about
18" down.  Based on that, I came up with the idea you're 'mole catcher'
suggested - a barrier made of mesh.  After pricing standard 1/2" mesh at my
local home improvement haunts, I decided it was kinda cost prohibitive for 6
ea 4'x4' and 1 ea 4'x12' beds.  What I ended up using was a metal material
called "stucco mesh" (I think).  Its pliable and has openings about 1/4' in
size.

When I built my beds I actually stapled a 2.5' "skirt" along the bottom of
the frames.  We had a very productive garden with no losses attributable to
burrowers.  Don't know if it was luck or if the skirts actually kept the
moles out.  I do know I had moles tunnels in the paths between the beds, but
it was like they were trying to find an entry point.  So, I'm assuming it
did work.

The toughest part of 'skirting' beds or putting up these barriers is
obviously the extra digging you have to do to get them in.  Being a new
garden last year, I had quite a bit of digging to do anyway.  The neighbors
watched curiously and snickered, I'm sure, as I carted the skirted beds to
the garden - but we did enjoy and share tons of veggies!

Now I have to address the mole problem in the lawn - probably castor oil or
dynamite would be easier than encasing the entire yard in a mesh skirt!

Harry
Pasadena, MD
Zone 7 (taking a 'mental health day' so I can take advantage of the
beautiful Spring weather)



>Lisa,
>
>I too am plagued with moles about this time of year.  The devestation
>these animals cause is unbelievable.
>
>My mole catcher said if you want to keep them out, dig a ditch at least
>three feet deep and put wire mesh, solid wall, or some such in place as
>a barrier.
>
>By the way the mesh has to be half inch or smaller, otherwise they go
>straight through.
>
>Mole catcher is licenced to use strictnine.  Works well.
>
>
>
>regards
>
>
>Brian
>


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