False remedies
These mounds of earth, characteristic of mole activity, annoy as much as they intrigue. “People often think there is an infestation, but in reality a single mole can produce dozens of mounds, explains Pierre Henrot. It’s a very territorial animal, so on a 10-acre plot of land, you rarely have more than one or two moles.”
To combat these underground architects, there is no shortage of tips: dog hairs, planted bottles, ultrasound gadgets. “It’s all useless, slices Pierre Henrot. People often spend a small fortune on tricks that don’t work, and they always end up calling me back.” La solution ? “Mechanical trapping is the only truly effective method. You have to identify the good galleries, set the traps, and come back several times.” So, should we declare war on moles? “Non, tempers Pierre Henrot. A damaged lawn can be repaired by scraping the mounds and re-sowing. But for those who absolutely want impeccable land, trapping remains the best solution. ” Between admiration for their ingenuity and annoyance at their damage, moles continue to dig their holes in our gardens… and our minds.
80 years ago, mole was “used to make hats”
In the past, moles were not seen as enemies of the English garden. Their underground work, far from triggering aesthetic crises among their owners, gave rise to a completely different exploitation. “50 or 80 years ago, we did not trap the mole for its habit of digging, but for its fur, surprises Pierre Henrot. It was a valuable resource, used to make hats. People didn’t care about the aesthetic appearance of their garden back then.”
Far from being a lawn problem, the mounds of earth were a real financial windfall. “The mole has a beautiful fur, dense and soft, which had real commercial value, specifies the professional. It was a time when nothing was lost. Our ancestors used everything: meat for food, skin for clothing, even bones were used to make tools or everyday objects. With current customs, it is no longer possible to use furs as before.”
-Today, this practice therefore belongs to the past. The remains of captured animals are redirected to specialized channels. “What I trap goes to the rendering enclosure. I keep them in a cold room before a truck comes to pick them up. It is processed in accordance with current standards.” These standards also include particular attention to animal welfare. “The law requires that traps be cleared every day. The animal must not suffer unnecessarily. It is slaughtered quickly and cleanly.”
So, the next time a mound appears on your lawn, remember that there was a time when the mole was popular… and not just underground.
