The appearance of raised soil mounds and shallow surface runways across a lawn is a clear sign of a mole infestation. Moles are subterranean mammals, classified as insectivores, not rodents, and the damage they cause comes from their extensive tunneling network. Frustration over this damage has led to a widely circulated home remedy: placing chewing gum, particularly the fruity-flavored variety, into the mole’s tunnels. This popular, yet flawed, theory suggests a simple piece of gum can fatally resolve the problem.
The Origin and Mechanics of the Gum Method
The idea that chewing gum can eliminate a mole is an enduring piece of gardening folklore. The core belief is that the mole, upon encountering the gum, will consume the material. It is often suggested that the bright color or sweet scent of fruity gum attracts the animal to eat the non-food item.
The method’s supposed mechanism of action is fatal intestinal obstruction. The theory posits that the indigestible synthetic gum base will “gum up” the mole’s digestive tract, leading to a blockage and subsequent death. This remedy gained traction because it is inexpensive, readily available, and appears to be a non-toxic alternative to chemicals. However, this entire premise is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of mole behavior and biology.
Biological Reality of Mole Digestion
Moles are highly specialized insectivores whose diet consists almost entirely of live prey, specifically earthworms, grubs, and soil-dwelling insects. Their hunting is not visual; they detect prey primarily through their acute sense of smell and the detection of movement and vibrations within their tunnel systems. A static piece of chewing gum lacks the scent and vibration signature of their natural food source, meaning they are likely to ignore it or push it aside as debris.
The mole’s metabolism is rapid and demanding; they must consume 25 to 50 percent of their body weight in food every day to survive. Their high-speed digestive system is capable of processing the chitinous exoskeletons of insects, which are highly indigestible substances. If a mole accidentally ingested a small piece of gum, their robust digestive processes would likely handle it without the fatal blockage the myth describes.
Proven and Recommended Control Methods
For property owners seeking actual results, the most consistently effective method for mole control is the use of mechanical traps. Trapping directly targets the individual animal causing the damage and is considered the most reliable solution by wildlife experts. Effective traps include the harpoon, scissor, and choker loop designs, which must be carefully set in the main, active tunnels.
Another reliable approach involves the professional application of specialized, toxic baits formulated to mimic the mole’s natural diet. These baits are typically shaped like earthworms and contain active ingredients such as Bromethalin, a neurotoxin. Traditional rodent poisons are ineffective because moles do not eat seeds or grains, so these specialized baits must be placed precisely within the active tunnels to minimize risk to non-target animals.
Habitat Modification
Property owners can also employ habitat modification to make the area less appealing to moles. This involves reducing the population of food sources, such as grubs, through the correct use of insecticides. Repellents containing castor oil can also be applied as a deterrent, as the substance is distasteful to the animals and encourages them to relocate.
Another element is avoiding excessive watering, which helps because moles prefer moist, soft soil where earthworms and insects are plentiful.