Moles vs. voles

July 10, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Sweeney’s annual “I hate moles because ...” contest runs through Aug. 31

McClatchy Newspapers

Moles versus voles — which one is the worst? Hard to tell when you love your lawn and gardens.

Oftentimes, the two are confusing because each does so much damage.

The way to remember is:

voles

V is for vegetarian voles that eat plant roots. You know the signs when you see it — a rootless plant flops over or you easily pull it out of the ground because there are no roots to support it.

Solution: Bait mouse traps with slices of apple, peanut butter and/or granola and place the traps near the hole. Cover with a plastic pot secured with a brick or rock on top. Vole haters swear by this method.

moles

M is for meat-hungry moles that tunnel through your yard, going 100 miles an hour, while they look for grub worms — and earthworms. Toxic chemicals are not the answer because they kill the beneficial earthworms.

Solution: A spring-loaded trap that is placed over an active tunnel so it kills the mole when it speeds through the area. Deterrents such as smelly sprays work for a while, but like deer, moles get used to the smell and continue wrecking your yard.

annual contest

If you have moles that make you crazy mad — an easy emotion when you keep tripping on their raised tunnels — you may want to cool those feelings with an entry in Sweeney’s fifth annual “I hate moles because...” contest.

The contest, which runs through Aug. 31, is an annual nationwide search for the most aggravating “mole woe” stories and the most creative solutions for getting rid of these unwanted yard invaders.

Since the contest’s origination in 2007, thousands of battle-weary mole warriors have shared their tales of strategic campaigns designed to get rid of moles and return lawns across America to their rightful suburban beauty.

Each year, the winner receives a $500 Lowe’s gift card and 10 runner-ups receive a gift basket filled with an arsenal of Sweeney’s mole control products.

The 2010 winning entries can be viewed at www.wrsweeney.com.

“We created the ‘I hate moles because ...’ contest as a forum for people to vent about why they hate moles because, let’s face it, misery loves company,” says Stew Clark, Sweeney’s Director of Research & Development, in a press release.

“The contest gives home-owners a chance to voice their opinions on moles. We like to think of it as mole control group therapy.”

The “I hate moles because ...” contest rules are simple. If you or anyone you know has a “mole woe” story, Sweeney’s wants to know about it. Write a short story or poem, create a video or draw a cartoon — anything that works to let Sweeney’s know why you hate moles. (Note: Stories about gophers and voles will also be accepted. This is an equal- opportunity contest and no underground varmints will go unrecognized.)

To enter the contest, visit Sweeney’s Facebook page or visit the company’s website at www.wrsweeney.com. Entries can also be mailed to: Sweeney’s “I hate moles because ...” Contest, 2244 Dunroyal Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63131.