[Tweeters] Getting rid of moles ...

[Teresa Michelsen]

I guess the question in my mind would be why you need to get rid of the moles, especially if you’re not invested in grass aesthetics. They’re part of the ecosystem, good for the soil, etc. maybe just get used to living with them? Take a rake out every now and then if you don’t like the molehills. Especially don’t get rid of the earthworms. Just let the ecosystem be what it is… that will be the most helpful to your plants and your birds. Maybe put in some good stone paths if you’re concerned about turning your ankle or something like that…

All the best – sounds like a great project!

Teresa

From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces at mailman11.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Alan Roedell
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2023 11:01 AM
To: jimbetz at jimbetz.com
Cc: Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Getting rid of moles ...

As someone who tore out our lawn 40+ years ago I congratulate you. You really care about the earth.  You may wish to have control over your part of it.
I've been there. Unknown plants keep trying to take over. Bluebells still come up after decades of pulling them out. Molehills periodically show up and then don't continue. You have a lot less control over how and which plants thrive.
After four decades our yard isn't perfect, and I know it never will be. "So it goes."
I admire you. alanroedell at gmail.com<mailto:alanroedell at gmail.com>

On Mon, Apr 24, 2023, 9:54 AM <jimbetz at jimbetz.com<mailto:jimbetz at jimbetz.com>> wrote:
Hi,

   Before you go right by this - there is a definite link to birds!

   We're reworking our yard and putting in native/bird friendly plants.
We have a long history of trouble with moles - and the yard is going
to be "all tan bark and plants".  The lawn has already been removed
and we're seeing evidence of mole activity.
   I know about/have tried most of the mole treatments - and they don't
really work (temporary, at best).  Moles eat earthworms.  So if we get
rid of the earthworms we'll get rid of the moles.

   Catch-22 ... we have a good number of robins that I don't want to
loose and I'm concerned about doing something to the earthworms that
will affect the robins and towhees.  I especially don't want to
poison the birds!

   Suggestions?
                                                       - Jim

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