Problem Pest: Moles

Moles are some of the most destructive pests that we see on a daily basis. Recently, we have received more phone calls than normal regarding mole treatments and what solutions we have for this issue. Below are some common questions and answers about moles. All of this information can be found through Purdue University and has research to back it up.

Mole

If I have moles that means I have grubs!

No. This is simply not the case. Moles primarily eat earth worms. If you do have grubs, they will also eat the grubs. We have been asked to preform grub treatments on lawns to "get rid of the moles." Because this is a huge misconception, we have not and will not ever claim that the grub treatment will get rid of moles. Getting rid of grubs will not get rid of moles. 

Spraying castor oil and soap on my lawn will prevent moles, right?

Again, no. There is nothing on the market that has been scientifically proven to prevent moles. Spraying oils and soaps on your lawn will actually do more damage than good. Articles and DIY blogs instruct to soak the lawn so visible puddles are shown. These pictures show the oily rainbow slick produce by the "treatment." Home remedy solutions to moles and other lawn care nuisances are often more toxic and harmful to the environment than products specifically designed for that use. 

If you want to waste time, money, and hurt the environment then go ahead and spray this oily solution all over your lawn. We do not recommend going this route, no matter what the DIY bloggers say. 

Chewing gum, beans, and bombs! 

Mole Run Damage 

No, no and NO! These remedies simply do not work. Many of the home remedy solutions involve a "Caddyshack" like approach to fix the issue. Almost all of these remedies are more harmful to humans than they are to moles. 

Traps don't work!

You guessed it...no! Traps have been our most reliable form of mole control. With the proper placement and trap, moles stand little chance. The more traps that are properly set, the more likely the moles will be caught and eliminated. Many consumers believe that traps are just like snake oil and do not work. Traps need to be well maintained and placed in areas where moles are active. If nothing is caught, move the trap! 

Our Recommendations...

We recommend and provide 2 treatment options for moles.

1. Mole Bait-The mole bait that we use looks like earth worms. When applied correctly, the moles will eat the bait and be eliminated. 
2. Mole Traps- The mole traps that we use are spring loaded and all underground. We recommend moving the traps ever few days having several traps in the infested area. 

Remember, there is nothing on the market that will ever prevent mole families from moving into your lawn. As research has shown, the most effective and reliable method is trapping.

Always read and follow all labeled instructions when using traps or bait. If you are unsure, call a professional like us. We can provide these treatments and get your on the right track to finding a solution to manage this issue! 

You can read more about moles here! Make sure that you are getting your information from a credible source. Just because you hear multiple say the same thing does not make it right. Do your research like we have. Check multiple sources and see what experts say. There are individuals who spend years doing research on the environment. 

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Emerald Ash Borer Alert!

A few weeks ago I called the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to report more ash trees in Vigo County that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer's. We were told that the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Indiana is so severe that they can no longer manage the database to track it. 

There are 150 million ash trees in Indiana. Without proper identification, care, and maintenance of ash trees, we are facing a very serious problem! 

What is an Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash Borer's are not native to the United States. This invasive species likely came from Asia through shipping containers and survived for about 10 years before being discovered. As the name suggests, this green insect attacks ash trees. It spreads naturally and through human movement of infested firewood. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) creates D shaped holes in the tree. These holes are random throughout the tree and seem to have no uniform placement. 

Emerald Ash Borer

What does it do?

Simply put, the Emerald Ash Borer destroys ash trees. Burrowing under the bark of an ash tree, it creates tunnels that eventually overtake the trees ability to survive. Over time, the canopy of the tree will start to die back. We use the canopy as a gauge to measure how much damage has been done and how likely we will be able to save the tree. All ash trees are at risk at this time. Because the infestation can only be handled by properly treating the EAB, ash trees MUST be treated in order to survive. It is only a matter of time for an uninfected ash tree to be overcome by the EAB. 

How can this problem be fixed?

Unfortunately, the only way known to address this problem is to treat ash trees. If an ash tree is not infected but is being treated, any EAB that tries to make that tree home will be killed. If a tree is already infected, the treatment will work up through the vascular system of the tree and kill the EAB. 

Why does this matter?

If ash trees are not treated, they will die. If an ash tree dies from EAB damage, it will need to be cut down and disposed of properly. The cost of properly removing an ash tree is far greater than treating! Ash trees are important to our environment in Indiana and around the country. We need to do what we can to protect them from this nasty invasive species. 

We can help!

If you have an ash tree or want us to come identify your tree, give us a call! We will come out and inspect your ash trees for free and give you an estimate of what it would cost to treat them to protect from the Emerald Ash Borer. We have seen several neighborhoods in the Wabash Valley that have a very large EAB infestation. The chances are that if your ash tree is not infested now, it will be soon.

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