Mole Problem

[fermi de Sousa]

Lesley

It would cost me too much in tea and biscuits for the MI6 officers lurking in the undergrowth and waiting to pounce. I don't think the excuse, I was trying to get rid of a mole would stand up in court

David

But MI6 are ALWAYS trying to get rid of moles!
 
cheers
fermi

[Slug Killer]

LOL

[fermi de Sousa]

I remember reading in old "Organic Gardening and Farming" magazines (when it was editted by J.I.Rodale) that the organic solution to moles was to plant castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) over the runs as it exudes some sort of chemical which the critters don't like.
Never had the opportunity to try it myself, so can't vouch for its effectiveness.
cheers
fermi

[Lesley Cox]

But remembering that the bean itself - so I've heard - is highly poisonous so not where there are children. The plant contains Ricin (wasn't that what was used to gas the subway system somewhere in Japan?). But of course the "poison" thing could be a matter of wishful thinking. My mother never dosed me with castor oil but those unfortunates who were, would be anxious not to repeat the experience.

[Anthony Darby]

I remember reading in old "Organic Gardening and Farming" magazines (when it was editted by J.I.Rodale) that the organic solution to moles was to plant castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) over the runs as it exudes some sort of chemical which the critters don't like.
Never had the opportunity to try it myself, so can't vouch for its effectiveness.
cheers
fermi

I think I'd prefer the mole. Would castor oil plants grow in our climate?

[Gail]

Would castor oil plants grow in our climate?

They are widely grown as tropical annuals - often used as 'dot plants' in municipal bedding schemes as they have quite dramatic leaves and flower spikes and grow very fast.
http://www.cooltropicalplants.com/Castor-oil-plant.html