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Ground moles are small varmints that can wreck havoc on a lawn or more importantly, your flowerbeds. They do not eat the flowers, but rather tunnel underneath them, lifting the roots. They make these tunnels to travel from one location to another and to forage for worms, grubs and other insects. Uprooted flowers die quickly, leaving your hard work in ruins. Poisonous baits are effective in eliminating moles from flowerbeds and other areas of the lawn. Secure the area so pets and children will not be affected by the treatment plan.
Check with local and state laws to ensure that removal of moles is legal in your area. Some states prohibit the poisoning or trapping of these pests.
Inspect the flowerbeds and lawn for active tunnels. Closely watch for mole activity and check tunnels for signs of recent movement. Dig a small hole or tamp down a tunnel in one location. Check the tunnel in 24 to 48 hours to see if repairs have been made to the tunnel. If so, it is active and a good place to begin treatment.
Place mole bait inside each active tunnel at the entrance. Choose bait that contains bromethalin to effectively poison moles. This bait is worm-shaped and allures the mole with an insect aroma.
Reapply mole bait at the entrance of each tunnel until the evidence of current movement has disappeared. Tamp the tunnel and check the location in 24 to 48 hours for repair. If the tunnel has remained collapsed, discontinue treatment of that tunnel.
Christina Wheeler has been a professional freelance writer since 2007. She lends her expertise in animal care, gardening and home improvement to online publications such as Garden Guides and eHow. Wheeler studied business management at Ohio University.
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