Question
Hi,
I realize I may be fighting a losing battle, but wanted to know if there was a natural repellant for keeping my cats out of my flower beds.  I also have problems with moles.  What is your suggestion, any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Michele Fassbinder

Answer
Cats.

The real solution to the cat problem is to create legislation that makes it illegal for cats to roam free. They are terrible to the environment due to their indescriminate killing of birds etc. Unfortunately, the cat lobby is extremely powerful and the public outrage hasn't gotten organized enough yet. (for the record I own two cats but they are indoor cats).
Enough of my ranting, you have a few solutions none of which I am terribly excited about. Installing a fence can help reduce the ease of access to the garden. I would suggest constructing one at least 4 feet high with some barbed wire on the top to help reduce climbing. If legal in your area, an electric fence would be ideal.  I wouldn't waste any money on repellents. Urban cats already smell a lot of different things so I seriously doubt they would be scared. Forget the ultrasonics. If you can't hear the noise, neither can they. Since many cats don't like getting wet, there is a product called Scarecrow which is a motion activated sprinkler. I have never used it personally, but you may find it is worth the 60 dollars or so. Problem is it won't work in freezing temperatures.
Your state and local laws may allow the trapping of cats. That would also work as you can eliminate the population. For trapping information visit http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu and click on wildlife publications too. Feel free to ask more questions if you need further details as I have been a bit general here.


Getting rid of moles

First, don't bother with poisons, chewing gum, sonic devices etc. There is little to no evidence that they  work. The only effective method to control moles is trapping. 2. Use proper equipment such as harpoon or scissors traps. Third, get proper training, visit http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu  Click on the wildlife link and scroll down to moles.   Learn mole biology. The primary diet for moles is NOT grubs (although moles eat them worms are not their primary food. Their primary diet is earthworms. So even if you get rid of grubs you may still have moles who are seeking worms. Don't think that trapping won't work because there are too many of them. The fact is there are only 2-3 moles per acre on average. There are more in the spring time when young are involved. Most homeowners catch only one to two moles all year and they are done. Don't be deceived by the amount of tunnels. Moles dig around 100 feet per day. Also moles have no interest in your plants. Make sure you haven't confused moles with voles. Moles eat insects and worms. Voles in plants and roots. Voles will use mole tunnels and construct their own as well but no where near the extent of mole digging.