RADIO TRANSCRIPT

Date:  March 3, 2021
Agent:  Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, Horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.

It seems as though almost every lawn in Burke County is having mole problems.  My phone has been busy with inquiries about how to deal with this pest.  Let’s take a look at moles and their eating habits to see if we can solve this problem.  First of all, moles are meat eaters-that is they eat grubs, worms, and other insects.  They don’t eat roots and plants.  So, poison peanuts and other similar remedies don’t work on moles and furthermore, they aren’t legal in North Carolina.  There is, however, a new product called poison earthworms that has been given mixed reviews as to its effectiveness. Getting rid of grubs might help the situation but unless you have a lot of grubs in the lawn, it isn’t going to make much difference.  There are plenty of other insects to eat.

Moles feed at all times of the year and when we have warm temperatures they are even more active as they hunt for food.  The most successful way to get rid of the mole problem is with an old-fashioned mole trap.  If the directions that come with the trap are followed, you’ll catch moles and eventually get rid of them.  As you catch moles, continue to set the trap, moving it around every few days.  The alternative is a couple of outside cats or a schnauzer.  Take your pick but the trap is cheaper.

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.  If you would like more information about this program, you can call us at 764-9480.