FRIEND OR FOE?: Garden moles might look cute but they can make a mess of the garden (Image: pavlinec/Getty)
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Moles can be a real nuisance in the garden, excavating a network of tunnels and leaving behind the tell-tale mounds of soil. Molehills can ruin the look of a well-tended lawn and interfere with mowing.
Their burrowing can also disturb the roots of seedlings and other small plants in flowerbeds and vegetable plots. However, the pesky creatures are not all bad, according to one gardening expert, as their nocturnal activities have a number of benefits.
While moles are considered pests by some gardeners, their digging helps loosen the soil structure, improving water and nutrient penetration. This allows plant roots to grow more freely and helps prevent waterlogging, which is especially useful in areas with heavy clay soil.
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The furry mammals can also reduce the population of undesirable garden wildlife, feeding on grubs, snails and snail larvae. Meanwhile, wild bees often use molehills as a breeding ground and ground bumble bees will build nests in the tunnels, thereby helping promote biodiversity.
Green-fingered expert, Ish, took to TikTok to explain why moles ‘help massively’ in the garden. “Now, the first one is aeration – the moles around your garden may be digging tunnels and all sorts, but they are introducing oxygen and air through the soil, which is perfect for roots – they need that extra bit of air, especially in a grassy area,” he said.
Ish admitted that molehills can be ‘a little bit messy’, but are made of ‘light and airy’ soil that’s simple to ‘scrape over and re-seed’, reports Devon Live. He added: “So, not does that only provide extra nutrition to the grass, but it also makes a pretty good potting compost.”
However, if moles are causing too much disruption in your garden, there are a range of deterrents. Here are four ways to encourage them to move elsewhere or control their activity from under £2.50:
1. Barrier method
Mesh or netting can prevent moles coming to the lawn surface to create molehills but must be installed before turf is laid.
2. Electronic device
Ultrasonic devices emit low-frequency vibrations which mimic natural underground threats and may persuade moles to find somewhere else to live.
3. Smells
Scented balls: Moles hate strong smells so mole repellent balls infused with garlic and peppermint oil may send them packing.
Fur bags: The smell of dog fur is said to trigger the mole’s instinctive fear of its natural enemies. The bags contain a blend of fur from dog grooming parlours.
Granules: Scattering water-activated granules, made of natural ingredients, is said to deter moles without harm to wildlife or the environment.
Smoke bombs: While some can be lethal to moles, humane smoke bombs coat the tunnels with a layer of castor oil which acts as a barrier between the mole and its food.
4. Planting
Many believe that compounds in the root of the biennial caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) repels moles – it’s often known as ‘the mole plant’. However, it liberally self-seeds and the sap is a skin irritant. Other plants which are said to deter moles include daffodils, marigolds and alliums.
Prices correct at time of publishing.
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