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EDITOR'S BLOG

MOLES ON THE RUN
How to deal with an unwanted visitor
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

It is usually at this time of year that we see the start of mole activities, with mole hills popping up everywhere.

Last week a friend of mine called to say he had a problem with moles in his garden and would I come and have a look to see what could be done to eradicate damage being caused?

It is usually at this time of year that we do indeed see the start of mole activities, with mole hills popping up everywhere. In many natural environments these are not really a problem, however when mole hills start appearing on fine lawns and sport pitches, they can pose an issue.

European moles are found in the UK and across Europe. They are related to shrew-moles, desmans and other small insectivores. Our moles are one of nine species of mole, found primarily in Europe and western Asia.

European or Common Moles have a fat, long body covered in dark grey or black velvet like fur, which can lie in either direction – making moving through the tunnels easier. Their eyes are very small and hard to spot in the fur and they have no external ears. They have long very sensitive whiskers, which are used to hunt for food. The large spade-like front feet are turned out to make effective digging tools.

Moles are completely subterranean animals. They are insectivores and feed on wireworms, leatherjackets, cut-worms, insect grubs and earthworms. Its saliva contains toxins which paralyse earthworms.

Moles are now becoming active due to the recent increase in soil and air temperatures which results in increased worm and insect activity, a valuable food source for moles.

The male mole will serve the females in March then leave them alone until late autumn when he may get a second chance to serve the females again. If not, he would then return the following March to start the process again. Moles do not hibernate but remain active all the year round.

The females may have two litters, having 2-6 moles per litter, one in spring and one in autumn. However, this can be dependent upon the weather and climatic conditions and the health of the mole. Usually, the gestation period for moles is 6-8 weeks with the moles being born in mid-April. The baby moles stay with their mother for 6 weeks, after which they then fend for themselves. The moles grow to about 150mm (6inches) in length when fully grown.

Moles live on average for three years and, when they die, other moles keep away from their site for 2-3 years. Moles only travel and move about 40 metres at the most and remain in their own territory for life.

Moles have very sensitive smell and hearing and do not like noise or vibrations, which is why you only find moles in relatively quiet areas. Constant noise will deter moles from the area, which explains why moles are not active in cattle fields, the vibration from cattle feet disturb the moles. This may also explain why active molehills are not seen on playing pitches and regular trodden fairways and fields.

Each female mole has her own set of tunnels that serve for feeding and escape. The mole will build a nesting area that is served by several tunnels. The tunnels vary in depth depending on soil structure and timing of year. They can be found at different depths ranging from 50 to 200mm. The tunnels are generally deeper during the mating season as the nest will be about 200-250mm below ground.

The mole eats a variety of food including worms, slugs, and insects and is able to obtain these foods from underground and above ground sources. The mole will often come out of the tunnels early morning and feed on slugs, gaining both a protein and water intake in one meal. But the main diet of the mole is worms which they are able to catch from their tunnels, especially during the spring when the soil is very moist.

Moles have two main predators, foxes and owls. The foxes are able to dig them out, especially when they are in shallow tunnels, and owls are able to attack when the mole comes out to feed. The molehill is the result of the mole digging back into the tunnels, using his strong web like paws in a breaststroke fashion.

Othe years there have been many myths on how to catch a mole. I remember fondly the famous Jasper Carrot routine where he talks about a mole that has appeared in his garden.

There is plenty of information about moles and the best ways to control them on various websites. The RHS is a good one start with.

However, I believe the most effective method of control is trapping. Knowing when and where to place the traps is a skilled operation. Moles can easily smell human scent which may reduce the chance of success.

Moles can be challenging to control, and there are various methods you can try to catch them. Keep in mind that moles play a role in aerating and enriching the soil, so it's essential to consider the extent of the problem before deciding on control methods.

Here are some common methods:

Mole Traps: There are different types of mole traps available, such as scissor traps, harpoon traps, and tunnel traps. Set traps in active mole tunnels for the best results.

Live Traps: Some traps are designed to catch moles alive. Once caught, you can release them far away from your surface.

Poison Baits: There are mole baits available that contain toxic substances. However, the use of poisons raises ethical and environmental concerns, as it may affect non-target species.

Repellents: Castor Oil-Based Products: Some people use mole repellents containing castor oil. These products work by making the soil taste unpleasant to moles, encouraging them to move elsewhere.

Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic devices emit sounds that are unpleasant to moles but usually not audible to humans. Their effectiveness can vary.

Flooding: Flooding mole tunnels with water can sometimes encourage them to leave. However, this is not a foolproof method, and it may not work in all situations.

Natural Predators: Encouraging natural predators like owls and domesticated animals like cats can help control mole populations.

Grub Control: Moles often feed on soil-dwelling insects like grubs. Using insecticides to control the mole's food source might indirectly reduce mole activity.

Vibrating Devices: Some devices emit vibrations that mimic the sound of predators or other moles, which can deter moles from the area.

Before implementing any control method, it's crucial to correctly identify the presence of moles and assess the extent of the problem. Also, be aware of local regulations and ethical considerations when using certain methods, especially those involving poisons. If you're unsure, consider consulting with a pest control professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.

NEWS

GMA PROMISES 'SPECIAL ACTIVITIES' THROUGHOUT YEAR
To celebrate 90th anniversary

In our first WEB ONLY story find out what 'special activities' the GMA says they will be undertaking this year to celebrate their significant milestone.

SECOND EDITION OF PRO TRADE SHOW CONFIRMED
Returning this March

In our next WEB ONLY story organisers are promising an expanded exhibitor list and more education opportunities.

AGROVISTA COMPLETES ACQUISITION
Of sports turf agronomy services business

Company says acquisition "brings together some of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector".

Agrovista has announced the completion of its acquisition of sports turf agronomy services business, Advance Grass Solutions (AGS).

The company says the acquisition brings together some of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector, which they say further strengthens their position as a key player in professional turf management.

The senior management team is now working on plans to ensure a smooth integration of the business.

Commenting on the announcement, managing director of Agrovista UK, Chris Clayton said, “AGS is a business that we have long admired and one that has delivered sustainable growth with an expanding customer base. The acquisition will allow Agrovista Amenity to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented and better leverage the combined offer to our current and future customers. Growth of Agrovista Amenity remains core to the overall Agrovista strategy and the AGS acquisition demonstrates once again our commitment to the strategy.’’

Jamie Bennett, Chairman and CEO of AGS said "We are delighted about this exciting news. This acquisition will combine the strengths of both companies, enhance the product portfolio and increase the technical knowledge of both teams. I am very confident that all customers can expect a smooth transition, a data driven commitment to support and a market leading level of customer service without compromise."

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider as usual, until further information is provided.

Sam Honeyborne, managing director of AGS added, “We look forward to discussing the news and welcoming all customers, clients and suppliers to the Agrovista Amenity stand at BTME hall 1 stand 120/124.”

DEALER ALL SET FOR NEW YEAR SHOW
20th anniversary event

It's the show's 20th anniversary this year

Dealership's event promises to showcase the latest ground care equipment technology and agricultural machinery.

Ripon Farm Services’ New Year Show celebrates its 20th anniversary next week.

Held in the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, the event takes place on Wednesday January 24 and Thursday January 25 from 10am to 5pm - with 5,000 people expected to attend over the two days.

The dealership promises it will showcase the latest ground care equipment, technology and agricultural machinery. Product specialists from Ripon Farm Services, Ripon Ground Care and Ripon Technology will be on hand to provide advice on machine choice, set-up, optimisation and job management. Visitors will be able to explore the latest innovations, speak to experts and see the products up close.

Richard Simpson, commercial director of Ripon Farm Services, said, “We can’t wait to welcome our customers and guests for what promises to be a very busy 20th anniversary event. A vast range of ground care machinery will be on display, from ride-on mowers through to pressure washers and hedge trimmers, plus a whole host of parts, tools and store items from brands like Milwaukee, Draper and Portek, to name but a few."

Other brands on show will include John Deere, Kramer, Bailey Trailers, Kuhn, Sumo, Dalbo, Ifor Williams, Stihl, Husqvarna and Spearhead.

NEW DISTRIBUTION FOR PAXSTER
In UK and Ireland

New distributor of the electric compact vehicles will debut them at LAMMA before establishing a dealer network.

Nordic electric compact vehicle manufacturer Paxster has awarded Boss ORV sole UK and Ireland distribution.

L-R: Thor Johansen (sales director, Paxster); Phil Everett (md Boss ORV) and Aleksander Safvenbon (CEO, Paxster)

Initially, Boss say they will launch the Paxster eCompact and eStretch all electric utility vehicles at LAMMA next week, followed by the appointment of Paxster dealers throughout the country.

“We are more than pleased to have the opportunity to distribute these very strong and incredibly versatile vehicles,” said Boss ORV md Phil Everett. “They are built in Norway to superior standards for all conditions and are the perfect fit for all types of local, urban and country businesses and logistics."

Aleksander Safvenbon, CEO of Paxster A.S. said, "We have been looking for a partner with expertise in building a utility vehicle dealer network and Boss ORV fits the brief perfectly. We are looking forward to working with Phil Everett and the team at Boss ORV during the coming years.”

The Paxster Utility range will be shown for the first time in the UK on the Boss stand at 6.920 in Hall 6 at LAMMA.

BEST KEPT GREEN WINNER ANNOUNCED
Honour presented

Greenkeeper says he's managed to significantly reduce the thatch on his green.

Trench Bowling Club has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Best Kept Green in Shropshire, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.

David Evans of Trench Bowling Club

Trench finished top to pip Whixall, Edgmond and Tilstock by just two points.

As well as being the secretary and the bar coordinator, David Evans is the man largely responsible for maintaining the green. He’s been part of the club for nearly 60 years and after retiring in 2013, he decided to take full-time responsibility of the green.

“I’ve learnt greenkeeping as I’ve gone along,” said David. “It must be in the genes because my father was a keen gardener and always took a great deal of pride in his lawns. Also, over the years I have been involved in bowls, cricket, and golf. I always took an interest in what the greenkeepers or groundsmen, were working on. The Dennis and SISIS bowls education days we have recently attended have also been very informative. These are a big help to people in my position to not only show what equipment is on the market but also to gather advice on maintenance tips.”

Trench Bowling Club came second in the competition in 2022 and David revealed why he believes they landed the trophy this year.

“I’ve managed to significantly reduce the thatch since we bought a new Dennis FT510 mower at the start of the year. I think this was the missing link because it has really helped me to improve the surface of the green. The verticutting cassette has thinned the grass out and eliminated the thatch and we’ve had lots of compliments from members and visiting teams about the playability of the green. Over the last couple of years, we have installed new gutters, which has vastly improved the overall presentation of the green and the green surrounds. I’d like to think that this also went some way towards winning this award, as the construction of the new ‘boxes’ and the installation was all carried out ‘in house’ by our members.”

With David spending most of his time at Trench Bowling Club, and his wife and daughter sharing the responsibility of the treasurer role, it is very much a family affair. However, the modest David was quick to acknowledge the hard work and dedication from everyone else who works at the club.

“As a family we put a lot of time in, but we’ve got a great committee that runs the club and there are so many other brilliant people that help out. I certainly can’t take all the credit. This award is for everyone at Trench.”

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