The arrival of spring is often marked by blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately for many homeowners, the sudden appearance of molehills. My own lawn, a lush expanse of green, was not spared. I was determined to find a solution that was both effective and environmentally friendly. After much research, I stumbled upon an unconventional method: using chewing gum as a deterrent. Intrigued by its simplicity and low cost, I decided to give it a try.
With skepticism and curiosity in equal measure, I embarked on a week-long experiment. Armed with several packs of sweet chewing gum, I ventured onto my lawn, ready to face the molehills that had disturbed its tranquility. My goal was simple: to see if this peculiar method could indeed keep moles at bay, without resorting to traps or chemicals.
1. Why I Turned To Chewing Gum As A DIY Mole Deterrent
Moles, while fascinating creatures in their own right, can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens. Traditional methods of dealing with moles often involve traps or poisons, which I was reluctant to use. I was searching for a solution that was humane and safe for the environment. During my research, I found anecdotal evidence suggesting that moles might be deterred by the smell and taste of chewing gum, particularly sweet varieties like Juicy Fruit. It was said that the gum, once ingested, could block the digestive systems of moles, though this theory is largely unproven scientifically.
The appeal of this method was its simplicity and low cost. A pack of chewing gum costs only a few dollars, making it an affordable option for many homeowners. Additionally, the process of placing gum in molehills required little effort and no specialized equipment, making it accessible to anyone willing to try.
2. How I Prepared The Gum And Chose Which Molehills To Target
I began by purchasing several packs of sweet chewing gum, opting for Juicy Fruit due to its popularity in various forums discussing this method. Each stick was unwrapped carefully to ensure the scent was potent enough to attract the attention of any curious mole. I decided to focus on the most active molehills, those that showed recent signs of digging, as these were likely connected to the main tunnels.
Using a small trowel, I gently excavated the top of each selected molehill and placed a stick of gum inside. I then covered the hole with soil, taking care to restore the appearance of the hill as much as possible. Over the course of the week, I repeated this process for any new molehills that appeared, ensuring that each one received a fresh stick of gum.
3. Day-By-Day Observations During The 7-Day Gum Experiment
Day 1: After placing the gum in several molehills, I noticed no immediate change. The lawn remained quiet, and no new molehills appeared overnight.
Day 3: By the third day, I observed that some of the molehills had been disturbed, though it was unclear whether this was due to moles or other animals. I replenished the gum where necessary.
Day 5: The number of new molehills seemed to decrease, which was a promising sign. I continued to monitor the lawn for any fresh activity.
Day 7: By the end of the week, the lawn showed significantly fewer new molehills. While this was encouraging, I remained cautious about declaring success, given the unpredictable nature of wildlife behavior.
