Dear Seasoned Spade,
I’ve got a mole and vole invasion in my garden. They’re digging up everything, and I can’t seem to catch them in the act! I’ve tried all the typical tricks—casting suspicious looks at my dog and praying for a miracle, but nothing’s worked. What do I do?
Signed,
Desperate Digger in Duluth
The Problem: Under the Garden, Literally
Ah, the classic tale of moles and voles—the garden’s version of a secret underground club that no one invited you to, but they’re setting up shop anyway. You’ve probably noticed the telltale signs: molehills looking like tiny mountain ranges in your backyard and tunnels crisscrossing under your precious petunias like some tiny, furry freeway system. And don’t get me started on voles—those little rodents that think your garden is their personal buffet. Between the two of them, it feels like a constant battle for supremacy. But fear not, fellow gardener—you’re not alone in this! Moles and voles have been making mischief in gardens for centuries. They’re persistent, sure, but with a little strategy, we can send them packing.
The Solution: How to Evict Your Unwanted Tenants
Now, if you’re hoping for a magic bullet to eradicate these little land miners, I hate to disappoint you. While a “miracle cure” doesn’t exist (unless you can talk to them in mole-ese and convince them to pack it up), there are some tried-and-true tactics to make your garden less inviting.
1. Get the Right Tools First off, let’s talk traps. Yes, you can try to trap them in a tiny, rodent-sized jail, but you have to do it right. Don’t just place a trap willy-nilly. Moles, for example, are perfectionists when it comes to their tunnels, so you need to place your trap where the action’s happening—right in the middle of a fresh tunnel. But don’t be too hopeful that you’ll catch them in the act; they’re quick and sneaky, just like your kids when they’re about to swipe the last cookie.
2. Use Natural Repellents (No, Not Your Angry Face) You could try store-bought repellents, but let’s face it—they’re expensive and, frankly, just as effective as using glitter to distract a toddler. Instead, go with natural remedies. Castor oil is one of the best-kept secrets in mole control—it doesn’t smell great, but neither does a mole! Pour it in the tunnels, and it’ll make them uncomfortable, forcing them to look for new digs. Alternatively, you could plant garlic or daffodils, both of which are said to make your garden smell like a nightmare to moles and voles. Bonus points if you convince your neighbors to do the same!
3. Build a Fortress If all else fails, it’s time to play defense. Installing physical barriers, like mesh or hardware cloth, around your garden beds can help keep them out. Bury the material a good 12 inches into the ground so those determined moles can’t tunnel underneath. Think of it like a moat around your castle—just make sure the moat doesn’t flood.
4. Myth Busting—Don’t Fall for the Bait Here’s a fun fact: don’t waste your time with the “sonic” repellers or those things that supposedly vibrate and scare the moles away. Moles are just too cool for that. They’re busy tunnel engineers and won’t be bothered by a little noise or a buzzing, flashing light. They have more important things to do, like taking naps and plotting their next snack. So, save your money on those gadgets and stick to the real solutions.
Encouragement for the Long Haul
You’re not going to solve the mole and vole problem overnight—gardening, after all, is a marathon, not a sprint. But by keeping your garden a little less appealing to these subterranean invaders, you’ll eventually win the battle. Keep trying, keep laughing, and remember: the moles may dig, but you’ll always dig deeper!
Seasonedly yours,
The Seasoned Spade
