Mole Traps: Can You Use Them?

Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that can face a gardening enthusiast.

It is not from lack of information. Plenty of information is available. University research and white papers, government brochures, and plenty of expert opinions.

It is not from a lack of products either. At any time there are 10 or more different varieties of mole trap on sale, plus various poisons and repellants.

The experts, university professors and even the government, when they express an opinion, even come close to a concensus. Mole traps are probably the most effective method of mole control, if set correctly, checked on a regular basis etc.

Most reports however take a very simplistic view:-

A single plot of land

• No regard to whether neighbouring plots are residential, farmland or wooded.
• No recommendations on how to co-ordinate efforts with neighbours.
• If one neighbour has a huge infestation of moles, but refuses to take action, can they be force to do so? If you used fumigation in such a case, could they hold you liable for killing their moles?

Rules apply to specific locality

There are states in the US where the use of mole traps are restricted. There are areas of Canada where both the Eastern Mole and the Townsend mole are a protected species. The bordering states in the US have no restrictions, yet species conservation is meant to be a global concern.

Lethal methods of mole control can only be used in Germany where the moles are a confirmed hazard. The use of traps in many US States currently falls under hunting regulations which can require a license, and specific measures to be taken. This is often not enforced.

To research solutions to your mole problem, don't just grab the first offer with a guaranteed solution. Factor in the time administering the solution will consume on a daily basis, heed local legislation, and be aware of environmental issues.

Andy Beard is researching mole control to combat the moles in his garden. More information can be found at Getting Rid of Ground Moles

In The News:

---

Sign up for landscaping, garden classes now
Mirror, MI - Jan 4, 2009
Michael Saint, a certified master gardener and owner of Good Earth landscape Institute, will show you how to turn a neglected entrance, courtyard or side ...

Green stuff
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 15 hours ago
Aerin Moore discusses "How to Create a Beautiful Garden: Landscaping Techniques." 1 pm Tues. Public Safety Bldg., Alex Clark Room, 880 Tennent Ave., Pinole. ...

Gardening angel spruces up shop
Contra Costa Times, CA - Jan 6, 2009
That could have happened here, but thanks to a gardening angel, it didn't. Mitchell wrote to Kevin Davis of CLS Landscape Management Inc. in Chino and told ...

In the Garden: Resolutions for a gardening year
Peninsula Gateway, WA - 5 hours ago
30 for a seminar at the Tacoma Home and Garden Show (www.otshows.com/THS), “Edible landscaping with veggies and herbs.� In garden design, I see more yards ...

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
Everything from design, home improvement, décor, home entertainment, landscaping, gardening, and much, much more will be on display at this event. ...
Seeds: Budding gardeners can take home a seedling Sacramento Bee
all 2 news articles

Last opportunity to join Master Gardener class
Blanco County News,  USA - 12 hours ago
Some of the volunteer projects have included: the support of the Bindseil Park, landscaping at Gem of the Hills, speaker at the Lavender festival with ...

Gardening Calendar, updated Jan 7
TCPalm, FL - 9 hours ago
"Florida Native Landscaping": University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center; 2199 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce; 4-7 pm, ...

January education opportunities
Examiner.com - 13 hours ago
Daugherty designed many garden and landscapes around the city of Atlanta. The exhibition runs through March 28 th . For full information check: ...

Ice on the shrubs is no reason to put off early spring cleaning
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - 17 hours ago
It's cold out there, so I have gathered up my past issues of some gardening books, and some of my older landscape books, and a sketch book. ...

California Farm Bureau
Ag sectors smart from housing slowdown
California Farm Bureau, CA - Jan 6, 2009
Cash-strapped homeowners facing foreclosure don't spend money on gardening materials. The abrupt halt to building and development leaves landscape ...

landscaping gardening - Google News

22 Fun Things To Do With Your Dozen Rose Gift

Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your favorite room. Roses are about romance and enjoying the moment they are given and received. I've discovered... Read More

Grow Organic Vegetables

There are more reasons than ever why anybody with access to a few square feet of the outdoors should grow their own organic vegetables.You may be shocked... Read More

Fleur De Lotus: Purity in a Sullied World

Rising from a muddy pond, a lotus flower blossoms. Such epitome of purity in a turbid environment has sparked off much inspiration in ancient oriental literature and... Read More

How To Build A Waterfall

The number one, most asked question that I receive about water features is "How do I build a waterfall?"The first advice I give is to visit natural... Read More

Daphnes for Scent and Colour

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of plants knows that daphnes have wonderfully fragrant flowers. And because some of them - usually the most scented - flower... Read More

A Guide for Servicing Your Chainsaw

Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep. Taking the time to service your chainsaw will help ensure that your equipment will not let you... Read More

Tips for Choosing a Chiminea for Your Backyard or Patio

Imagine that you want to stay warm in your backyard on a cool, starry night. One of the ways you can do so is to invest in... Read More

The Benefits of Using Landscape Software

If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it can be or if you own a landscaping service, you may want to consider investing in landscape... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 5) Plant Growth

PLANT GROWTH & PHYSIOLOGY. (Part 5)There are three classes of plants. Each of these classes metabolize in a different way. The first class are succulent plants called... Read More

Plan for Winter Plantings

Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter when our gardens are in full bloom and the vegetables are ripening on the vine! But we... Read More

Winter Gardening

As the end of summer approaches, unfortunately far too quickly, all is not lost for gardening with some great ideas on bringing a piece of your garden... Read More

Release Some Tension...Spend Some Time In Your Garden

Gardening can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies that you can engage in. Picture a beautiful spring day, the sweet smell of grass in... Read More

Gardening in Containers

Every Garden can benefit from the addition of container gardens. They add interst and variety, plus are easily moved around. If you live in an apartment or... Read More

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.While there are... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Spring Flower Garden

Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors and cultivars. Timing, bulb size, and most importantly, bulb health are equally significant factors in designing your... Read More

Trust Your Plants - They Know How To Grow!

I've done a lot of container gardening over the years, and one thing is a given for potted plants: it's a life of constant change. Moving around... Read More

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are some important tasks that you really must undertake to ensure that your garden continues to maintain that... Read More

How to Grow Cucumbers

The versatile cucumber (cucumis sativus) is tasty pickled, in a salad, as a salad, in a sandwich, or just eaten raw. How to grow cucumbers depends largely... Read More

The String Algae Blues

Now that Spring is upon us and things are coming back to life in your pond with the warmer weather, many of us are battling with string... Read More

Tillandsia Airplants - Dont Plant These Plants!

Watch out, it's a tillandsia! Have no fear, I said "Tillandsia," not Tarantula. Although several species of this plant genus have taken on the appearance of the... Read More

The Indoor Garden: Plants that Clean the Air

There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden ? significant among them is the need to clean the toxins from our homes and offices. As a... Read More

Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning

One winter evening I was working on the computer when the power went out. The freezing rain that had been forecast must have been the culprit. It... Read More

The Ultimate Magic Garden

Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the future. For me, the ultimate Magic Garden would be planted using the Feng Shui bagua as a... Read More

Growing Orchids as House Plants

One of the long standing myths that I still hear is that orchid house plants are difficult and finicky to grow. Well, plain and simple, the answer... Read More

The Difference Between Large and Small Ponds

If you think that a large pond is simply a small pond that "grew up", you're in for some pond maintenance problems. Let's start off my defining... Read More

Ecological Landscape Design and Organic Lawn Care

There is a growing recognition, that the expanding suburban landscape is having a negative environmental impact. Suburban development often includes vast energy dependant monocultures (perfect, grass lawns).... Read More