Homeowners frustrated by the unsightly mounds and raised ridges that moles leave across a lawn often turn to unusual remedies. Among the most persistent and widely discussed folk solutions is the practice of placing bubble gum into active mole tunnels. This article investigates the scientific validity of this popular home remedy. Based on the biology and dietary habits of these subterranean mammals, the answer is a clear negative. This examination will provide the facts on why this method fails and offer proven, effective methods for managing mole activity.
The Theory Behind the Bubble Gum Remedy
The premise of using bubble gum to eliminate moles is a simple, yet scientifically unsupported, folk theory. Proponents suggest that moles are attracted to the gum, particularly the sweet, fruity flavors, which they mistake for a food source. Specific brands, such as Juicy Fruit, are often cited as the most effective bait. The theory further posits that once the mole consumes the gum, the indigestible, sticky material will cause a fatal intestinal blockage or severe constipation. This obstruction is believed to lead to the mole’s death or force it to vacate the area due to an inability to feed.
Why the Myth Fails: Mole Biology and Diet
The fundamental flaw in the bubble gum remedy lies in a misunderstanding of mole biology and diet. Moles are not rodents; they are insectivores, a classification of mammals whose diet consists almost entirely of insects and other invertebrates. Their preferred food is earthworms, which often make up the bulk of their diet, supplemented by beetle larvae, grubs, and other soil-dwelling arthropods.
Moles have an extremely high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume between 70% to 100% of their body weight in food every single day. Their entire subterranean existence is a continuous hunt for protein-rich, wiggling prey, which they locate using their highly sensitive snouts and specialized sense of touch. They are not attracted to sugar, artificial sweeteners, or plant-based materials like bubble gum.
A stationary piece of synthetic gum is simply not recognized as a viable food source by a mole’s sensory system, which is adapted to detect the vibrations and scent of live prey. Even if a mole were to accidentally ingest a small piece of gum, their digestive system is highly adapted to processing the protein and chitin found in insects. It is extremely unlikely that the small amount of gum consumed would cause a fatal blockage.
Furthermore, placing gum into a mole tunnel often serves only to temporarily disturb the mole, causing it to dig an alternative route, rather than eliminating the animal. The tunnels homeowners observe are often simply feeding runways that a mole may abandon and create elsewhere. The perceived success of the gum is usually just a temporary shift in the mole’s tunneling pattern, not the result of a permanent solution.
Humane and Effective Mole Control Strategies
Since home remedies like the bubble gum method are ineffective, homeowners should focus on proven, effective, and humane control strategies.
Trapping
One of the most reliable methods is the use of specialized mole traps, such as the scissor or harpoon type. These are designed to be placed directly into active tunnel runs. Successful trapping requires careful identification of the main, active tunnels. This is often confirmed by flattening a section and checking if the mole has repaired it within 24 hours.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification is another effective approach, primarily by reducing the mole’s food supply. Treating a lawn for grubs using beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease can reduce a major food source, encouraging the mole to relocate elsewhere. This method addresses the underlying reason the mole is attracted to the area. However, it may take time to fully impact the earthworm population, which is another primary food source.
Repellents
For a non-lethal deterrent, castor oil-based repellents, available in liquid or granular form, can be applied to the lawn. The oil does not harm the moles but coats their food sources, making them unpalatable. This often causes the mole to move away to a more appetizing hunting ground. Results with repellents can vary based on concentration and application, but they offer a safer alternative to poisons.
Physical Barriers
To protect specific, high-value areas like small garden beds, physical barriers provide a long-term solution. Burying an underground fence of hardware cloth or wire mesh at least 12 to 18 inches deep is necessary. Bending the bottom outward in an L-shape can effectively block moles from entering a defined space. This exclusion method works by intercepting the mole’s tunneling and forcing it to dig around the protected area.