Effective Mole Control: Trapping Works, Castor Oil Doesn’t

Castor Oil Myth

Field trials (Ohio State) show castor oil applications do not reliably repel moles. Don’t waste time or money.

Trapping: The Gold Standard

• Traps: Harpoon (preferred—quick kill), choker, or scissor‑jaw.
• Timing: Early spring (first burrows) or after fall rains. Spring trapping removes pregnant females.
• Locating active runs: Tamp down all ridges; those raised next day are active. Set traps there.
• Persistence: Move trap if not sprung in 2 days.

Chinch Bug Note

Fertilizing timing does not affect chinch bugs. See Ohio State fact sheet HYG‑2503 for identification and control (usually insecticidal soap or targeted insecticide in summer).