Although many people associate a mole mainly with spring and summer, its activity in winter can be equally troublesome. It is worth knowing why this happens and how to legally and effectively get rid of it from the garden.
The mole does not hibernate, so it drills underground corridors all year round in search of food. In winter it goes deeper – even to a depth of 50-60 cm — where the soil is not frozen and access to earthworms and insect larvae is easier. During mild winters, its activity may even increase. From time to time it comes closer to the surface, resulting in characteristic mounds that disfigure the lawn, flower beds and flowerbeds.
Check also:
It cannot be denied that the mole plays an important role in the ecosystem, because eats many soil pests and loosens the soil. The problem is that it also destroys plant roots, digs up the lawn and spoils the aesthetics of the garden. It is worth remembering that in Poland the mole is a partially protected species. This means that it cannot be killed and the only legal solution is to scare it away.
One of the most effective and at the same time safe ways is using an intensely scented mixture, the smell of which is unbearable for the mole. Ingredients you need:
- 4 liters of water,
- ½ cup of castor oil,
- 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- a few drops of peppermint oil,
- a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and then pour directly into a fresh mound or exposed corridor. Finally, gently destroy the tunnel with a shovel or hoe so that the smell spreads underground faster.
Check also:
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you can use other ingredients natural “repellents”. Moles do not tolerate intense odors particularly well, so you can put in the mound:
- piece of fish,
- half a lemon,
- a few cloves of garlic,
- dog or cat hair.
Dried herbs such as lavender and rosemary also work well in winter. Their scent lasts for a long time and effectively discourages the mole from exploring further.
January is a good time to react. In winter, the mole has limited opportunities to change terrainwhich is why the intense, irritating smell often causes it to quickly move to another place. The sooner you react after noticing the mounds, the greater the chance that the problem will not return in the spring. Moreover, by using natural methods, you can protect your garden from damage while maintaining the balance in nature. This solution is simple, cheap and compliant with applicable regulations.
