Title: Effective Ways to Controlling Moles and Other Pesky Critters

In episode thirty-two of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand discusses methods to control common lawn pests, focusing on moles and covering voles, chipmunks, skunks, and the newly emerging issue of armadillos. Kristin is joined by guest Dr. Matthew Springer, UK Assistant Extension Professor of Wildlife Management, who shares his expertise on various wildlife management strategies and insights on pest behaviors.

The episode begins with Kristin welcoming her audience, highlighting the relevance of pest management during the active lawn care months. Dr. Springer shares his background, explaining his shift from pre-med to wildlife management due to his interest in the outdoors and environmental sciences, influenced partly by his father's forestry background.

The conversation then turns to pest control, starting with moles. Dr. Springer elucidates mole behavior and their solitary nature except during breeding and provides strategies for homeowners to deal with mole infestations effectively. He discusses using physical barriers and baits (specifically mentioning a product called talpirid) and the pros and cons of various mole traps, emphasizing safety concerns when pets and children are present.

Besides moles, they discuss other pests like voles and chipmunks, noting their different behaviors and impacts on lawns and gardens. Dr. Springer details how trapping these smaller rodents effectively can involve snap traps baited with peanut butter and oats, also stressing the importance of correct trap sizing to avoid teaching animals to avoid the traps.

A significant part of the discussion also addresses the recent presence of armadillos in Kentucky, their unique biological traits, and the difficulties they present in control due to their random digging habits and poor responsiveness to baits. Dr. Springer highlights that while armadillos are not a significant problem, their numbers will likely increase, posing future challenges.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Springer stresses the indiscriminate nature of wildlife impacts on lawns and gardens and the importance of setting realistic management goals. He advocates for tolerance and strategic intervention only where necessary, preserving wildlife benefits while managing their drawbacks.

Kristin and Dr. Springer also discuss resources from the University of Kentucky, including upcoming publications and educational programs to help homeowners manage pest issues. They encourage listeners to access these resources for further information and support.

The episode wraps up with Kristin thanking Dr. Springer for his insights and inviting listeners to subscribe to the Sunshine Gardening podcast for more gardening tips.

• **Title:** Effective Ways to Control Moles and Other Pesky Critters
• **Podcast:** Sunshine Gardening, Episode 32
• **Host:** Kristin Hildabrand
• **Guest:** Dr. Matthew Springer, UK Assistant Extension Professor of Wildlife Management **Episode Highlights:**
• **Introduction:**
• Kristin highlights the importance of pest management.
• Dr. Springer discusses his career shift from pre-med to wildlife management.
• **Mole Control:**
• Explains mole behavior and effective control strategies.
• Recommendations include physical barriers, baits (e.g., talpirid), and various traps.
• **Other Pests:**
• Discussion on voles, chipmunks; different behaviors and impacts.
• Effective trapping techniques for voles and chipmunks using snap traps with peanut butter and oats.
• **Armadillos:**
• Recent issue in Kentucky, unique challenges due to non-responsive behavior to baits and random digging.
• Expected increase in their population posing future challenges.
• **Wildlife Management Goals:**
• Dr. Springer advocates for realistic goals and strategic interventions.
• Importance of maintaining balance between controlling pests and preserving wildlife benefits.
• **Resources:**
• Discussion on resources available through the University of Kentucky for pest management.
• Encouragement for listeners to utilize university publications and educational programs.
• **Conclusion:**
• Kristin thanks Dr. Springer and encourages listeners to subscribe for more gardening tips. **Key Messages:**
• Importance of understanding pest behaviors.
• Utilizing effective, safe control methods.
• Accessing professional resources for optimal pest management.