I wish I knew a way to save our customers the headache of trying to solve their nuisance wildlife problems on their own. Over the years, I have been told many stories by home owners that start with them scattering moth balls around their yard or attic, and end with a moth-ball scented home or property; and a phone call for help with their nuisance wildlife problem. I've also heard stories from home owners who have unsuccessfully controlled the mole population in their yards using the common "home remedy" of juicy fruit. If you are unfamiliar with this peculiar practice, it is widely accepted belief that rolling pieces of this tasty chewing gum into tubes, and sticking them into mole tunnels will result in moles choking to death...

The truth is, there is no cookie-cutter solution to any kind of wildlife problem. Solving these problems is usually an organic and time-consuming process that like most things, necessitates experience.

So, does juicy fruit kill moles? Maybe. Or maybe it just results in a fresh-breathed bachelor mole ready to make some more moles. There are certainly more effective and specialized methods of managing mole populations... Does Naphthalene (the active ingredient in moth balls) repel wildlife? Well, it sure does stink, so maybe. One thing it can definitely do is destroy a person's red blood cells and cause organ damage. It is also classified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA...

So, maybe it will prove beneficial to save your time, your chewing gum, and your health, and let the trusted professionals work with and for you to figure out what it takes to solve your nuisance wildlife problems.

-Astin Hunt

Oh, just in case: (National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222),