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nowthenourkid
Posts: 9
After many years of trying different solutions, including putting a hose from my car exhaust into the mole tunnel. Then a clever neighbour pointed out that my car is diesel and doesn't emit carbon monoxide. I was ready to give up and roll over. I had also tried firework looking things that you light and put down the tunnel plus metal traps all without any success. I put in a search for poison and an ad on ebay came up. I was a little apprehensive as it was from the Ukraine, thoughts of Chernobyl came to mind. It's done the trick, I can now mow the lawn without the mower stalling. I haven't checked the garden with a gyber counter just yet though.
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I think poisoning moles is an offence...
This may be of interest https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/08/mole-catchers-britain
Keep reading as far as it will scroll down ...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Fascinating stuff. We don't like killing them but they can become a complete menace if they tunnel in the wrong places - injuries to man and beast - so we do have a system that explodes them instantly if they make the contact. No poison, no drowning, no slow crushing. It's legal to use the device in France and Belgium but not the UK for some reason.
Thank you for your replies, I have a clear conscience and am really relieved at getting rid of them. I have been told to keep an eye on new hills appearing in the spring as newcomers can come into the garden. If this happens they will get the same treatment. Moles feed on earthworms who do an important job in the garden.
Now that you've got rid of them you could try planting sork bulbs around the perimeter of your garden. I had some success when we had a similar problem although their effectiveness is still up for debate. Moles are territorial so if you have 'removed' yours then there is a good chance more will come in to take up the area.
I live in France and use the equipment Obelixx mentioned. It works, but they always come back eventually. They've killed so many of my plants by tunnelling under them.
This other gadget sounds interesting. Next time I am over in France I will call to a quincaillerie and inquire.
Been on these boards for years and years and yet to find anyone who can say what moles contribute to garden ecology so have no qualms about getting rid. Tried human traps but the perishers just fling them out of their runs. Have freed ones caught live across streams in woodland and they complain all the way.
The contraption I use is called a Détaupeur. You can google for info but you can't legally use one in the UK or buy the replacement charges. I found mine in a Belgian garden and pets store, not a hardware shop and have seen them in French garden centres.
Even slugs and snails break down material and make it available for micro-organisms but moles just make nasty holes and tunnels that kill plants and can break unsuspecting ankles for humans and farm animals.
Beautiful soil; yes. Full of weed seeds; yes!