Moles and composting

stanleh

I've had my composter for a little over a year now.  I think we have mole tunnels under the grass leading to the composter.  The ground is pretty squishy in some places.  Can anyone recommend a safe (dog and kids) way to deter our new friends.

In case it matters, I have a Deluxe Pyramid Composter - http://www.gardeners.com/Deluxe-Pyramid-Composter/20706,38-682,default,cp.html

Thanks!

CDMay2006

We've been composting for years and haven't had more than a couple visits from moles (though maybe that's thanks to my dog?), none of which have been in close proximity to the compost bins.  My parents had luck using mint; check this out: http://www.ciscoe.com/garden/topics/moles.html

SuperGreen

All of the mole repellents, like granules and powders, won't be kid or dog-friendly so I would veto those.  As much as a PITA this will be to do, you only have to do it once.  I would shift the composter and its contents to the side, and lay down some semi-fine chicken wire on the ground.  You can hold it in place with earth staples, something like this:

http://www.gardeners.com/Earth-Staples/11858,default,pd.html

Put the composter back down on top of the chicken wire, and moles won't be able to get through anymore.  If you do semi-fine chicken wire, like maybe 1" openings, the earthworms will still be able to move through it, but the moles can't.