Controlling Moles Or Gophers & Moth Balls As A Cat Repellant

Question:

 I’ve been unable to find anyone who can tell me how to deal effectively with moles. I’ve tried so many things, but they just do not work. Could you offer a solution?

Answer:

  • We have moles and gophers in the Bay Area, but they’re the same rodent in other areas.
    • So, part of the problem is you may be trying to control the wrong critter, and there isn’t enough information for me to suggest a suspect. So, you’ll have to troubleshoot the problem from the following information. 
  •  Moles tunnel along the soil surface looking for food, while gophers produce existing holes surrounded by soil. Gophers move about under the ground in runs.
    • Moles do not eat plants. Their diet is composed of soil insects. In controlling moles, my best option is to remove the food source, forcing the moles to go somewhere else.
  •  The most environmentally friendly way to eliminate grubs and other insects is with Beneficial Nematodes.
    • Beneficial Nematodes are small microscopic critters that are applied in water to the soil. They seek out the soil insects and destroy them but not earthworms. If you have a big earthworm population, you have another problem, as earthworms are ninety percent water and can be the chief water source for moles. So, it’s not a complete answer.
  •  My next option is to apply the granular repellant Mole Max. Mole Max uses Castor Oil as the repellant, so this may work in moving them elsewhere to be someone else’s problem.
  • On the other hand, gophers feed on the roots of plants, and they’re known to pull plants into their runs. There is no easy or simple answer to controlling gophers.

Question:

 I have used moth balls to keep cats from digging in my flower beds. Would it hurt to use them in a herb garden? 

Answer:

  • Cats have an excellent sense of smell, so they don't like mothballs; however, Moth Balls contain a toxic chemical called Naphthalene and other toxins that are unsafe for cats, humans, and the environment.
  • Hence, I don't recommend using them as a repellant. Instead, making your garden beds prickly is a safe way to repel cats.
    • You can use egg shells, wash and pre-crushed holly, pyracantha, or rose cuttings, place the chicken wire on soil, and or scatter citrus peels in your flower beds and herb garden as a cat repellent.
    • Coco Mulch is another solution. Also, here is a list of cat-repellant herbs and plants you can include in your garden: https://verminkill.com/plants-that-repel-cats/