Are you fed up with devoting endless amounts of time to perfecting your garden, only for moles to come and ruin your lawn? There is a straightforward answer…marshmallows. Believe it or not, these sweet treats can actually be used as an effective mole prevention tool and can help bring back the beauty of your lawn. Find out how marshmallows can get rid of moles along with other mole-related information in this article:
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Killing moles with marshmallows
Commerical-grade marshmallows contain carrageenan, which is toxic to moles as they can’t digest it. To effectively and safely eliminate these burrowers from your garden, first remove all alternative sources of food. Then place marshmallows in the mole tunnels and holes, blocking their passage and forcing them to consume their way out. Repeat this process until you notice the mole numbers significantly reducing.
What are moles?
Moles are small mammals that specialize in digging burrows underground and are most commonly found in North America, Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. They have an average lifespan of 2-3 years and breed in early spring, producing about 4-6 young.
Their main diet consists of earthworms, larvae, spiders, centipedes, and other insects that they dig out from the soil – which they can do quite efficiently due to their large claws and sensitive snout. These animals prove very troublesome for gardeners as they can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens with their extensive underground tunnelling networks.
Not only do their tunnels disrupt root systems but also lead to dead patches in the grass due to soil displacement. Additionally, their surface runways create unsightly ridges in lawns which can be difficult to repair without professional help.
Mole prevention methods
Below you will find some of the most widely used mole traps that can be used to catch and eliminate moles from your lawn:
Talpex-style mole trap
The Talpex-style mole trap is a type of scissor-jaw trap that is primarily used to kill moles. This trap has two sets of jaws, one of which clamps the mole by its body and neck when it triggers the pressure plate.
It is designed so that once trapped, the mole will be killed instantly and will need to be removed by hand from the area. The trap is easy to set up and can usually be done in just minutes. Talpex traps are an effective way to humanely kill moles from your lawn
Mole netting
Mole netting is a barrier which is placed underground to help prevent moles from entering your garden. It consists of a mesh which is placed at least 15cm below the ground surface and secured firmly in place with pegs or plastic tent pegs. The netting helps to create a physical barrier that moles cannot get through and so prevents them from entering your garden.
Mole repellents
Mole repellents are a popular solution for deterring moles from entering your garden. Common methods of mole repellency include using sound waves, ultraviolet light, and scented oils or granules.
- Sound waves can be broadcast in the form of ultrasonic pulses or vibrations which are designed to confuse and irritate moles.
- Ultraviolet light is another method that can be used to make an area unappealing to moles.
- Scented oils or granules can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your garden as a deterrent. It is important to note that for the best results, all three methods should be used in tandem for maximum effectiveness.
Plants
Daffodils and marigolds have been long reputed to help keep moles away from gardens. The traditional explanation of this phenomenon is said to be related to their pungent odor which is noxious to moles. However, there is some scientific evidence that suggests that certain compounds in daffodils and marigolds may actually interfere with the mole’s sensory physiology, thus making them feel uncomfortable in the vicinity of these plants.
Hire a professional
If you feel that mole repellents are not effective enough or if you want a more permanent solution, then you may want to consider hiring a professional animal control service. Animal control professionals are experienced with dealing with moles and can provide efficient and safe solutions for keeping them away from your garden.
The science behind marshmallows and moles
Now, I know that marshmallows can seem like an unlikely solution to deter moles, but the truth is there is actually some scientific evidence that supports the use of marshmallows as a mole repellent. Studies have found that when placed in underground tunnels near mole dens, marshmallows have proven to be an effective deterrent against these animals.
The theory behind this phenomenon is that the sweetness of the marshmallow is appealing to moles and encourages them to consume the food. So why are marshmallows safe for human consumption and not for moles? Well, it’s all to do with “carrageenan”.
Marshmallows can achieve a texture that is similar to that of gelatin-based marshmallows by using carrageenan and soy protein. Carrageenan, which comes from seaweed, is composed of chains of polysaccharides that form a helical structure. When combined with soy protein, the combination creates a light and bouncy texture – although not as firm as traditional marshmallows made with gelatin.
Carrageenan, the key constituent of commercial-grade marshmallows, can be lethal to moles. Thankfully this element has no harmful repercussions for humans; however, it brings death to these small mammals by obstructing their digestive tracts and prohibiting them from gaining necessary nourishment. In other words – carrageenan is a silent killer.
How to kill moles with marshmallows
Here is a quick and easy guide to safely killing moles with marshmallows:
Step 1
To identify mole tunnels, start by looking for the mounds of soil that have been pushed up from underground by the moles as they dig out their burrows in your garden or lawn.
Step 2
Purchase commercial-grade marshmallows making sure they contain the ingredient carrageenan.
Step 3
To determine if the marshmallows are working to get rid of moles, wait several days and then check the tunnels to see if they have been touched. If the moles have consumed the marshmallows, you’ll know that your method is effective.
Main Ingredients Of Marshmallows
Marshmallows are a classic treat that have been enjoyed for centuries. Along with their sweet taste and fluffy texture, marshmallows are made of three main ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.
Sugar is the base of the marshmallow and gives it its sweetness. Most commonly white sugar, or granulated sugar, is used to provide the foundation of the marshmallow. Corn syrup helps to bind all the ingredients into a cohesive mixture, as well as makes them tender and moist when cooked.
The final ingredient in marshmallows is gelatin which helps provide the light, airy texture they are known for. This comes from collagen taken from animal sources such as pork bones or beef hides; though there are vegan alternatives available as well.
In addition to the three key ingredients for marshmallows, there are several commonly used additives which help thicken, stabilize, and emulsify them. These include carrageenan, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and gum Arabic. Of these additives, carrageenan is particularly important when it comes to killing moles (which you know already).
Conclusion
Marshmallows can be an effective method to kill moles in your garden. The key ingredient of carrageenan is crucial as it obstructs their digestive systems and prohibits them from gaining necessary nourishment. When using this technique, make sure that you purchase commercial-grade marshmallows containing carrageenan for optimal results. With a few simple steps – such as identifying mole tunnels, purchasing the right type of marshmallow and checking if they have been touched – you can easily use these sweet treats to get rid of moles in no time.
People also ask
What do moles hate the most?
To prevent moles from entering your yard, some readers suggest sprinkling dried blood, tobacco, powdered red pepper, or coffee grounds near tunnel entrances. The smell of tar is very effective in blocking their escape routes. It is important to remember to reapply these substances after each rainfall to keep them away.
What time of the day are moles most active?
During the spring and fall, moles tend to be most active during early mornings and late evenings on cloudy days. Despite the presence of various methods advertised to deter moles such as chewing gum and vibration and ultrasonic devices, these methods have been found to not be very effective in removing them.
Should I flatten mole hills?
When attempting to prevent moles, some may be tempted to try and flatten the hills created by them. However, due to their expertise in digging, this will ultimately be ineffective in keeping them away as they are able to create these mounds of dirt again without much difficulty.
Does flooding mole tunnels work?
Trapping is the most effective way of dealing with moles, as their tunnelling systems can make it difficult to get rid of them through flooding or other methods. Furthermore, they are capable of blocking off flooded holes and tunnels in a matter of seconds. As such, trapping is the only reliable way to get rid of them.
