And many gardeners report that it chases nasty voles as well! Most garden centers now carry ready-made castor oil repellant products in spray able and granular form. They won't affect each other-in fact, you could apply both on the same day.Ĭastor Oil May Work Against BOTH Underground PestsĬastor oil definitely sends moles scurrying to do their tunneling in the neighbor's lawn. That's why I recommend releasing nematodes to knockout your current grub population and applying milky spore for long-term future control. Now, because it does take so long to establish, it won't do anything to control your grubs (or moles) the first year or so. But once it does become established, no grubs will be able to survive in your lawn for the next 15 to 20 years, no matter how many eggs nasty female beetles lay in your turf. It takes a few years for Milky Spore to become established in warmer regions, and it can take a fairly longtime-up to five years-in the Far North of the country. Available at most garden centers, you apply teaspoon-sized amounts in a checkerboard pattern across your lawn and water it in. And it's totally safe for you, your family, pets and wildlife. This control is SO specific it doesn't even harm other kinds of grubs, like those of June beetles. Yes, this naturally occurring organism, which has been used against Japanese beetle grubs for the past 50 years, IS a 'disease', but a disease that only affects the grubs of Japanese beetles and rose chafers. The organic supply company GardensAlive! is one of the premier sources for these helpful little microscopic wormies they're on the web at For other suppliers, simply search the phrase " Beneficial nematodes".įor long- term control of Japanese beetle grubs, treat your lawn with "Milky Spore" disease. Then, with their food all gone, the moles should pack up and leave. Water them in at dusk, and they'll rid your lawn of grubs within a few weeks. These microscopic predators only harm pests-like the grubs of Japanese, June and Masked chafer beetles and flea larvae! A kitchen sponge-size package containing ten million nematodes costs around thirty bucks and treats 600 square feet of lawn. The fastest way to wipe out those grubs is to release beneficial nematodes into your lawn when the temperature hits 55 degrees. The moles doing that digging are eating Japanese beetle and other grubs that ARE devouring your lawn's roots. If You're Troubled by tunnels on top of your turf… So, which do YOU have: Mole tunnels or vole holes? Their favorite foods are tulip bulbs and the roots of plants like host as. Voles are a HUGE garden threat they eat plants, and lots of 'em. Voles make lots of little holes in the ground they look more like mice, but with really long weaseley snouts. They NEVER eat plants but the raised tunnels can make your lawn look really bumpy. Moles are mostly blind, strange looking little guys with BIG front claws that eat grubs and earthworms in lawns. So first, let's discuss the important differences between these underground pests: Generally DEER win the ' Pest of the Year' award, but so far moles and voles are hands down the biggest problem our gardeners are confronting early this season. Sheila Bodine Princeton, NJĪnswer: Boy, Sheila's plaintive plea sure reminds me of when Princess Leia sent that message to Obi Wan, doesn't it? I'm comin' Sheil-just let me find those Daylily droids and my trusty Slug-Saber and I'll save you from that nasty Darth Diazanon!Īll seriousness aside, our email has been absolutely burning up with similar complaints. What could be doing this to my backyard and what can I do of a healthy nature to get rid of the problem? Thanks. You are my best resource. I have 3 dogs and so never use chemicals outside. Question: Over the past few months my backyard has suddenly changed from a grassy square to a place where the earth is no longer level, with holes all over. Please remind me of the details on using milky spore. I have just ordered nematodes from Gardens Alive!. We live in Goldsboroand have also been plagued by moles in the natural areas of our yard. Question: Dear Mike: On a recent show you talked with a woman from NC about mole control using beneficial nematodes and milky spore disease. Question: I know this has been covered on past shows, but what are your suggestions on identifying and driving off those burrowing critters, voles and moles? Thanks.
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