Introduction #
Many customers have a need for preventive or curative services for moles. In the past we have relied on Talprid (baits) or trapping to provide solutions for these customers. With planning and attention to detail baits and traps can provide resolution. Even so, they are time consuming, reactive and not seen as environmentally responsible. While these tools will always be available to integrate into a service solution for our customers, Mole Scram Professional granular repellant is being added to our material selection. It is expected Mole Scram will be an effective, environmentally responsible year-round solution to suppress pocket gopher populations.
Mole Scram is a combination of three potent organic ingredients. The combination granular applied over the lawn repels the active moles by producing a discerning scent. Oils released from the granules coat the food sources (grubs and worms) with a digestive irritant. This combination causes the moles to move to untreated areas of turf/soil. This product provides a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible means to rid our customers of their mole issues. This mode of action doesn’t harm the species, as it simply makes the area of application undesirable for moles to exist in.
Generally, Mole Scram Professional is fast acting and immediately effective. However, mole activity will appear to increase for the first 1 to 2 days as moles become immediately uncomfortable and attempt to dig away from the treated area. Mole Scram Professional can be used as a preventative to keep moles from entering an area as well. Keep in mind, the mole populations/pressures from surrounding areas do not go away, creating the need for a year-round monthly application.
SERVICE CYCLE #
This protocol is a monthly service cycle. The initial month consists of 2 services on back-to-back days. The subsequent months consist of single applications over the entire lawn.
RUNWAY/TUNNEL APPLICATION OF MOLE SCRAM #
Begin with a detailed inspection of the site to locate all tunnels, runways and damage each time you service.
When possible, identify the runways, create 1” holes every 10 feet, and sprinkle a teaspoon of granular in the run, covering the holes after application.
LAWN APPLICATION OF MOLE SCRAM #
In the initial service month, two treatments are required. After completing the runway/tunnel treatment, DAY 1 apply Mole Scram to 50% of the lawn starting at the area FURTHEST from the area you want the moles to exit to. THEN WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES. DAY 2, apply Mole Scram to the remaining 50% of the lawn and WATER THAT AREA FOR A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES.
On the monthly maintenance services, apply Mole Scram to the entire lawn followed with WATERING FOR A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES. Watering is a CRUCIAL step in activating the product and starting the repelling process.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUE #
After applying product in the runways as described above, apply Mole Scram to the lawn. The rate of granular to apply is 1.3 lbs. per 1000 square feet.
The Scotts handheld spreader is the preferred application tool. Assure the spreader is clean and free of any residues from other products. Based on the square footage of the area to be serviced, measure the required amount of granular into the handheld spreader. Set the spreader on #2. Calibrate your walking speed to deliver the 1.3 lbs. per 1000 square feet of turf.
We will use a gridiron pattern (like the lines on a football field) for applying granular to lawns and beds. Following the representation shown, each turn will be a 12-foot turn. Start at one edge of the lawn and use the following technique for applying Gopher Scram Professional. Use this technique until you have finished that run. This application procedure will apply granular to a 10-foot-wide area per walking path.
DO NOT overlap your passes. Instruct the customer to water the treated area for at least 20 minutes.
FOLLOW-UP #
With monthly inspections/services it is not required to perform scheduled follow-ups. Though fast acting, depending on the amount of infestation and size of the turf, it may take 30-45 days to completely drive moles from the affected area.
EXTRA SERVICE PROTOCOL #
Occasionally the customer may find and report new mole activity. This likely will originate from a neighboring area. We will return as we do for any service request and will treat all mounds and tunnels found in the area of concern following the specifications above for mound treatment. Spot treatment along adjoining area may be required as well. Do not retreat the entire area at this time.