Moles have been a constant headache for farmers and gardeners alike. With the devastating power, farmers constantly search for a product that could kill moles and get rid of them for good. Back in the day, poison is the number one product for killing moles. But this has been a thing in the past. We now have Juicy Fruit Gum.
Yes, you read that right. Juicy Fruit Gum can kill Moles, or so many farmers say. But is the rumor true? Would a meager gum kill a creature that could destroy a whole manicured lawn overnight? Let’s find out in this article.
Overview
Everything you need to know about moles
Let’s understand moles better first so we can effectively get rid of them.
Physical appearance
Moles are small furry mammals that have a pointed nose and mouth and too-small eyes. Since they live underground, they do not need to see things. However, moles are very sensitive, and they use their sense of touch to find their food underground. They also have massive forelimbs and large hands that are perfect for digging. But while their forelimbs are very much developed, their hind legs are pretty much ineffective.
Mating Habits
Moles love solitudes, but they are actively seeking a mate during the end of the winter, which is in February, and the whole spring season, which is until May. During this time, male moles will travel in search of a possible mate. And it is during these times when mole infestation happens typically.
Mole’s Diet
Moles do not eat plants. Instead, they are carnivorous creatures that live off of grubs, snails, and worms. They dig tunnels near plants because that is where they can find food. Since moles have a sensitive snout, they can detect if a creature enters the tunnels. And since constant digging requires a considerable amount of energy, moles are in search of food almost non-stop as well.
Threats from Moles
Moles are helping aerate the soil with its digging. But their constant digging underground will uproot plants and leave molehills all over your lawn. Not only that, but moles can also bite. Although they tend to hide when they sense a human is nearby if cornered, moles will bite. It may sound non-threatening at all, but wait until you see molehills peppering your whole yard. And don’t forget the dead plants they left in their wake.
Your yard and moles
Moles are attracted to your backyard because of their food source, and they think it is a suitable habitat for breeding. If your garden has rich, moist soil that is perfect for a lot of plants, then moles will find it attractive to them as well. Where there are moisture and soft ground, there are plenty of grubs and worms for sure.
Identifying mole infestation
If you see a dozen freshly made molehills every day, then you have moles running underground your yard, and you need to act fast. Moles can dig molehills faster than you can blink, and you won’t be too happy about it. Now, you may have voles and not moles in your yard. To identify if it is a mole or a vole you have, look for a molehill. Voles will only burrow in the surface and not dig underground. Therefore, only moles can create a molehill.
Juicy Fruit Gum Active Ingredients
Please note that there is still no scientific evidence to prove why Juicy Fruit Gum is effective against moles as of this writing. But with the success stories of many farmers and gardeners in using it, it is no doubt effective against moles.
Gum base
Gum base is part of Juicy Fruit gum or most commercial grade gums, for that matter. It is a water-insoluble, non-digestive composition that is present in Juicy Fruit Gum. While swallowing gums may be non-threatening for humans, this may irritate and even lead to moles’ death.
Moles have smaller bodies than humans. If a mole swallows a gum, it won’t be able to digest it. The gum will cause intestinal blockage unless moles can remove it via their stools. In humans, too many gums can lead to intestinal blockage and need immediate surgery. I don’t think moles can escape their fate unless moles have surgeons that can remove the gum.
Why Juicy Fruit and not Doublemint Gum?
Since Wrigleys manufacture both Juicy Fruit and Doublemint Gum, they have the same component and gum base. However, Doublemint gum has a mint flavor and scent. Moles hate mint, so they tend to avoid it. And if you want to kill moles, using Doublemint gum will not work for you. Although, moles will avoid using the tunnel with Doublemint gum because of its minty scent.
So how to kill moles using Juicy Fruit Gum?
Since we now know of Juicy Fruit Gum works, let get those pesky moles. Since moles are relatively small, Juicy Fruit Gum can fit right into their tunnels.
To do this, peel off the wrapper and fold the gum in half, making sure it fits the molehill’s entrance snugly. You can insert about two or three gums on one hole. Next, insert gums to all the tunnels you see. The trick is to block all possible entrances and exits on the tunnels. Moles will either build a new one or eat away the gums that are stuck in them. Repeat the process if you see new molehills until all the mole activity has stopped. Moles will disappear in one to three weeks, depending on the level of infestation.
Other ways to kill moles
There are, of course, other ways to kill moles. You can try using marshmallows, bait, or poison. However, if you use poison, remember that you are leaving dead moles inside their tunnels. Poison will seep into the earth and your plants. If you have a vegetable garden, are you sure you want to eat them afterward? Not likely.
If you are not too keen on killing moles, you can use some do-it-yourself mole repellent. Use mint, dishwashing soap, or those electronic mole repellents in your backyard. However, you will have one or two pissed-off neighbors after the treatment.
