(Oriskany, NY – March 2013) For some the arrival of robins is considered the official declaration that spring has arrived. Here at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County we mark the occasion with the ringing of the Master Gardener Volunteer Horticulture Hotline. Every year starts out with the same questions, “There is some critter making tunnels and piling up soil in my yard, what do I do?”
Before we can solve the problem we need to identify the culprit and therein lays the problem.
VOLES- Tunnel underground, they eat plants, roots and seeds. They have tiny ears and short tails.
MOLES- Tunnel underground in search of earthworms, insects and grubs. Moles are easily identified by their big feet.
SKUNKS- Can dig up a huge portion of a yard in search of grubs. Skunks black and white markings are as distinctive as its odor.
Unfortunately if you have VOLES, there is no product registered for homeowner use in New York State. The best defense would be to alter the landscape to less favorable conditions, which ultimately means the removal of mulches and ground covers, or get a cat.
If your problem is MOLES or SKUNKS you may be tempted to put down grub control. If you decide to take this route then do not waste your time or money applying grub control in the spring. The best time to treat is in the fall when the grubs are susceptible to the pesticides.
Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your gardening question Wednesday and Fridays from 9am to noon, 736-3394 or you may visit our Home and Gardening factsheets on line at cce.cornell.org