Now that we've had a break in the rain, moles are busy fixing collapsed runs. All this rain has caused erosion problems on some properties, including mine, where heavy runoff finds its way into a tunnel system and flows downhill, eroding the ground as it goes. I've got at least one more in the yard, evidenced by mound building and a "fixed" run. The harpoon trap is set and ready to go.
What a great day for a field day! Over 200 people showed up for the Horticulture Field Day at Texas A&M at Overton today. The weather cooperated and the field was full of color for folks to enjoy and evaluate. Petunias, pentas, angelicas, ageratums, impatiens and even sneezeweed (Helenium 'Dakota Gold') were in full glory. Growers, seed dealers, arboretum faculty, county Extension agents and Master Gardeners were all given 2 flags to mark favorites, and it was a tough decision for many. Purslane 'Rio Scarlet' View image and Magilla Perilla, among others.
Gray leaf spot continues to trouble St. Augustine lawns. The frequent showers are keeping the grass wet, and if it doesn't dry out between showers, then this fungal disease can go from simple leaf spots to causing the lawn to appear like it is "melting" away. This will be more severe in low spots, areas which receive runoff, shaded areas, recently fertilized lawns, and tall grass. See previous entry for more information.
Hot weather and abundant rainfall has combined to create good conditions for the development of Gray Leaf Spot fungal disease in St. Augustine lawns. Often the grass appears yellowing, or chlorotic, but closer examination will reveal small leaf spots on the grass blades. If favorable conditions persist for Gray Leaf Spot development, the grass in the affected areas could severely thin.
2 moles in a day! The 2nd was caught in the same run as 2 others about a week ago. This fellow was big! That makes 6 in 2007.
Keep in mind with mole trapping that as summer progresses, and it begins to dry out, earthworms and other insects that make up the mole's diet will move deeper into the soil profile. Mole's tunneling activity will become less apparent and might make trapping more difficult. So, identify major runway tunnels now and keep trapping.
I'm under no illusion that I will eliminate them from my yard. A vacuum needs to be filled. But, I can dramatically reduce their tunneling activity and keep them from killing young plants in flower beds and reduce twisted ankles in the lawn!
Instead of making mountains of mole hills, I have taken on these little buggers. Periodically this blog will make mention of my successes and failures of controlling moles, since one of the frequent questions I get is on controlling these rascals.
Forget about all the home remedies; they don't work. Start a trapping program and keep with it. After about 14 years, I think I have finally figured out how to consistently catch them using mole traps. I caught my 5th mole of the year this morning. Didn't have time to reset the trap, but I did plug the run to see if anyone else is using it. A couple of weeks ago, I caught 2 in 3 days in the same spot. And the run was "fixed" (pushed back up) later the same day, indicating there's yet another one to catch.
Gardening is one of the oldest occupations and hobbies, and one of the most relaxing and interesting. My goal for this weblog (blog) is provide timely updates on what is happening horticulturally in the Northeast Texas area.
