In their search for food and shelter, different pests often visit your yard. One type of pest that you may encounter is garden moles. These creatures can cause significant damage to your garden, and you may be tempted to use WD-40 as a solution. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences before using this product.
Moles are known for their burrowing habits, which can be a nuisance for homeowners. While they are carnivorous and won't eat your plants, they can uproot them and cause destruction in your garden. Using WD-40 to eradicate moles may not be the best solution due to its strong odor and potential impact on your yard.
Using WD-40 to Repel Moles from Traps
There are numerous solutions and traps available online to deal with mole infestations in gardens. However, one method that should be avoided is using WD-40 to lubricate old or rusty traps. While WD-40 may repel moles due to its strong smell, it can also harm your garden if it comes into contact with your plants.
WD-40 contains petroleum products, hydrocarbons like alkanes, and mineral oil. When applied to traps, it helps lubricate them and ensure they function properly. However, this does not necessarily make the traps effective in controlling pests. Moles, despite having eyes, do not have great eyesight. They rely more on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings. The strong scent of petrochemicals in WD-40 would deter moles from approaching the traps, rendering them useless.
Therefore, it is best to explore alternative methods for dealing with mole infestations in your garden that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
Organic ways to get rid of garden moles
Ridding your property of garden moles is tricky because of all the tunnels they dig. Since they rarely come up to the surface during most people's watchful hours, it's rare to even spot one, let alone know where they are at any given time. It doesn't help that they can blaze through your yard, creating up to 150 feet of tunnels every day. Even so, they aren't invincible. Stay away from poisons, fumigants, or even traps if you have small children or pets that could be put in harm's way; instead, there are some natural solutions you can use to get rid of garden moles.
For all the coffee enthusiasts out there who can't start their day without a couple of cups, here's a helpful tip. Sprinkle fresh or brewed coffee grounds around molehills and throughout your yard. The strong aroma will deter these pesky creatures. Remember to reapply the grounds after it rains. Although this method doesn't have official research backing, there is anecdotal evidence to support its effectiveness. Keep in mind that you may not be able to reach all parts of the moles' tunnels with the grounds, allowing them to avoid them. Another option to drive moles away from your garden is to create a mixture of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:3 and spray it in and around the molehills. If these methods don't work, you might want to consider hiring professional pest control.
