AnnaJW

I am at a loss as to what to do about these rodents! This year they are worse than I've seen. I'm a nature based person and try to handle "yard problems" as organically as possible. But nothing is working this season.
The Moles are destroying the sod, and the "BLEEP BLEEPING" gophers have downed several of my bananas. Actually, what seems to happen is that they tunnel under the plants and chew the roots, then I water and the plants die from root rot. At first I thought the Big Freeze got them. But now I know some of them were gopher treats. It's turning me from - to - :2687: :2687: :2687: LOL!!!

Seriously, I'm calling in the Pro's tomorrow.

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-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's

Kylie2x

I am so sorry to hear that! We don't have those rodents but we have plenty of armadillos...I hate the little (BAD WORDS) unless they are dead on the side of the road or stuffed with a beer bottle in the creepy little paws...LOL I do shoot them you should give it a try... The buzzards got to eat too!!!
Kylie

the flying dutchman

Anna, I know for sure that the 'Fritilaria Imperialis' helps against moles.
It is also a nice plant. Don't know what to do against those other creatures.

Ron

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bananimal

Anna Banana

As I started planting my bananas and the vegg garden in early spring this year I noticed tunnels forming all over the garden. The folks at Lowes recommended Tomcat Mole Killer. Looks like a plastic worm used for bass fishing. Said to mimic a mole's natural food - worms.

Was somewhat skeptical as I had experience trying to rid my fathers garden of the little subterranean rodents. Used smoke bombs back then. Almost started a fire.

You carefully excavate the top of the tunnel and slide the 5 inch "rubber worm" inside covering the top of the hole you made without collapsing the tunnel. Used long curved needle nosed pliers.

Well it really works! Had to use 5 or so baits in different tunnels over the course of a month or so. Then just like that - no more tunnels and It's been 5 months now since I've seen a tunnel in the garden and nearby banana mats.

Of course the most powerful weapon in my tree rat/ground rat arsenal is Bananimal - Chloe the dog. Here's another shot of her - I remember how much you liked the first one.



Getting professional help right now is definitely the way to go for you. Later on, if tunnels show up you could use the plastic Tomcats for control. I don't think these mole/vole things can ever be permanently eradicated.

Dan

BGreen

Hey Anna,

Castor beans are supposed to keep away the moles.
I have some extra seeds you could have if you just want to toss them in the tunnels.

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Take care,

BGreen

klemmthamm

I just had one of the little buggers down one of my young majesty palms I know my nanners are next so I am just digging them all and potting them and the "planting" the pots (put a hefty layer of gravel/rocks underneath the pots for drainage)

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I'm a cheap date... just thought I'd let you know.

Randy4ut

Anna,
Like BGreen said, I have also had good results with castor beans placed directly into the tunnels... I am having a little trouble with a vole right now in my back bed (no tropicals) so I am dropping a few seeds in their tunnels and hopefully the little 'booger' will croak from eating one... Good Luck...
Randy

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pitangadiego

Gophers require traps, and digging up the old tunnels. Period!

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AnnaJW

What a cute picture of Chloe! Give her a hug and pet her for me!!!

__________________
-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's

AnnaJW

Thanks for all of the ideas everyone! I'm writing them all down to research.

Someone is coming out tomorrow morning to look at the problem. They use gas pellets, but say they won't use them within 15 feet of the house. That may pose a problem.

I don't want to hurt other WELCOMED critters that visit here, and that is the hard part.

Oh, but I was so excited last night to be awakened by two owls! First time I've heard them around here. I read that they like rodents. 3 AM and I'm yelling "get 'em owls"!!!

__________________
-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's

AnnaJW

Dan,
I tell you, everytime I see that picture, it makes me smile! (Don't tell my dog...) :-)

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-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's

bananimal

Ann Ban

This dog is the most affectionate breed we have ever run into. We used to have G Shepherds. She loves pets and hugs and licking your neck. And as Lagniappe says, she's "sperled rotten". And boy does she love bananas, and mangos. She eats anything, even sauerkraut.

Dan

Tangy

Just had 7 turkeys walk through the garden and right by my bananas. I am somewhat pissed off in that I was unable to get a photograph of the event.

They'll be back though and I will be ready...................

AnnaJW

That would be a great picture!

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-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's

microfarmer

I hope your gassing goes well! My old dog (Spirit, an American Eskimo) dug up a mole one night and was about to make a snack out of it when I took it away from him. He was very disappionted... (he likes to start with the belly...)

Thanks for this thread! I had a mole last winter, and now know I have a quest on my hands. I do have a very useful cat who brings me presents all the time, but she has yet to give me a mole. I think I need a dog too. Now to go tell the SO..

BRB...

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My new hero...

cactus6103

If you have a mole problem, more than likely you have a grub or other critter problem. Get rid of the grub, and the mole will be gone. They are there because of a food supply. Red

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Family, Friends and Bananas

AnnaJW

Well, , there haven't been any more new mounds in almost two weeks. And apparently the grass that I thought the frost had killed was because of the gophers/moles, because it's all coming back now. Next time I won't be nice for so long.
There are some grubs out there I know. The poor grass takes a back seat to the bananas.

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-Anna Banana -

Living my life in MMORPG's