Question
Hello,
I have a mole in my vegetable garden. What can I  do without disturbing my newly planted seeds?
Thanks, appreciate it.

J Meyer

Answer
Dear John:

Listed below are 3 possible remedies for your mole problem:

1.  Install wire mesh both in the ground and slightly above the ground. If the mesh is placed vertically, the mole can neither penetrate beneath it, chew through it, or crawl over it. The top of the mesh fence should curve outward, away from the area to be excluded, and thus preventing the mole from crawling over the top.

2.  Live traps - Several live traps are available, but homemade traps can be easily constructed with large cans or jars. The gardener must find and excavate a portion of one of the tunnels, then dig a hole and place the can such that its opening is flush with the tunnel's floor. When the mole falls into the can, he will be entrapped and cannot climb out of the can. A long board must be used over the excavated tunnel to eliminate light from entering. And the can must be checked daily. If the mole is not caught within a few days, the feeding run has been abandoned, and another run must be found.

3.  Killing traps - there are several commercially-made traps available on the market. For the most part, these fall into three categories: Impaling, crushing/strangulation, or ensnarling until death from starvation.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee