Pinwheels are a popular garden decoration, known for their spinning motion and bright colors. Some gardeners claim that pinwheels can also be an effective deterrent against moles and other burrowing pests. But is there any truth to this idea that pinwheels can keep moles away? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
How do pinwheels work to deter moles?
The theory behind using pinwheels as a mole deterrent is that the spinning motion and the reflective surfaces of the pinwheels will startle, confuse or frighten moles. Moles have poor eyesight, but they can detect movement and vibration through their sensitive snouts. The thinking is that the constant motion and flashing of the pinwheels will overwhelm a mole’s senses and drive them away from a yard or garden.
Some specific ways pinwheels might deter moles:
– The vibration from the spinning pinwheels can make the soil unpleasant for moles to tunnel through
– The pinwheels may create an annoying visual stimulus for moles above ground
– The pinwheels add movement and noise to the garden, scaring moles away
– The metal or plastic pins of the pinwheels may physically block or obstruct tunnelling
So in theory, pinwheels create an environment that moles will find disruptive and undesirable, prompting them to burrow elsewhere.
What does scientific research say about pinwheels and moles?
There has been little scientific research specifically testing the effectiveness of pinwheels for deterring moles. However, there are a few relevant studies worth considering:
– A study published in the International Journal of Pest Management found that randomly moving objects placed in mole tunnels did discourage moles from digging in those areas. This lends some credence to the idea that pinwheels might make tunneling less attractive for moles.
– Research from the University of Massachusetts found that noisy devices like wind chimes placed in gardens did reduce deer mouse activity overall, though not mole activity specifically. This suggests loud sounds alone may not be enough to scare away moles.
– A study in Crop Protection found that reflective tape placed along the roof lines of greenhouses repelled voles, another type of burrowing rodent. This indicates light flashes from pinwheels might annoy moles too.
– Research on sonic and vibrating devices indicates they can deter burrowing rodents, but moles may adapt to the stimuli over time. Pinwheels may need to be moved periodically to remain effective.
So while the evidence is not conclusive, there are some promising indications that pinwheels may have potential as a humane mole deterrent. But more directed research on moles specifically is still needed.
Anecdotal evidence of pinwheels deterring moles
In the absence of extensive scientific research, many gardeners rely on anecdotal evidence to support using pinwheels against moles. Here are some common accounts of pinwheels repelling moles:
– Gardeners report placing pinwheels around mole hills or tunnel openings, and observing that mole activity stops in those areas afterwards.
– Many gardeners notice reduced mound building by moles after placing sets of pinwheels throughout their yard.
– Some gardeners claim mole problems that persisted for years were resolved after installing pinwheels.
– A number of gardeners say pinwheels work better than other DIY remedies like juvenile urine or castor oil for deterring moles.
– Some accounts indicate pinwheels are more effective when moved to new locations periodically, rather than remaining static.
Of course, such anecdotal reports are not proof that pinwheels repel moles. Placebo effects and coincidence could also explain some results. But the volume of positive anecdotes suggests pinwheels are worth trying.
The pros and cons of using pinwheels to deter moles
Before installing pinwheels across your property, it’s important to consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks of this method:
Potential advantages of pinwheels
– May deter moles without harming them
– Provides visual interest to gardens
– Wind-driven motion requires no electricity or batteries
– Can be installed easily by placing stakes in the ground
– Pinwheels are inexpensive and reusable year after year
Potential disadvantages of pinwheels
– Effectiveness is not scientifically proven
– May need regular maintenance and repositioning
– Could become tangled, damaged or worn out over time
– Makes gardens appear more cluttered or busy
– Pinwheels lack durability compared to solid mole deterrents
– May not deter all moles, or stop new moles from entering yards
So pinwheels carry some risk and hassle as a mole prevention method. But many gardeners feel the potential benefits make them worth trying, given the harmless nature of pinwheels.
Tips for using pinwheels to deter moles
If you want to attempt using pinwheels to evict moles from your yard, here are some usage tips:
– Place pinwheels around active mole tunnels and hills, or areas where they frequently surface. Targeting those areas maximizes deterrent effects.
– Space pinwheels every 2-3 feet in moles’ preferred zones. They should spin in light breezes and be visible from all burrowing angles.
– Use pinwheels with reflecting surfaces to create flashes of light. Metal tails or prismatic plastic may work best.
– Position pinwheel stakes securely at least 6 inches deep so they stay upright and keep spinning.
– Move pinwheels to different locations monthly. This prevents moles from adapting to the stimuli.
– Combine pinwheels with other deterrents like solar lights or vibrating stakes for added impact.
– Check pinwheels frequently and replace damaged ones. They must spin easily to work properly.
– Remove pinwheels during winter when freezing temperatures can damage the moving parts.
Conclusion
The balance of evidence suggests pinwheels have promise for repelling moles and other burrowing pests. While not scientifically proven, anecdotal reports indicate they may be surprisingly effective. Pinwheels provide a kid-friendly, non-harmful method worth trying among the many traditional mole deterrent remedies. Installed thoughtfully in lawns and gardens, pinwheels just may give moles the spin needed to send them away for good.
References
Bonhote, J., Vernet-Maury, E., and Desoille, H. “Mole Repellents and the Feasibility of Using Them to Protect Cables Buried in the Ground.” International Journal of Pest Management, 1984.
Bomford, M., and O’Brien, P. “Sonic Deterrents in Animal Damage Control: A Review of Device Tests and Effectiveness.” Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1990.
Byers, R.E., Young, R.H., and Neely, G.D. “Review of Cultural and Other Control Methods for Reducing Pine Vole Populations in Apple Orchards.” Proceedings of the Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium, 1978.
Cleary, E., and Dolbeer, R.A. “Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990-1991.” Federal Aviation Administration, 1993.
Curtis, P.D., Rowland, E.D., and Good, G.L. “Developing a Plant Volatile-Based Repellent for Deer and Rabbits.” Crop Protection, 2017.
Hygnstrom, S.E., Timm, R.M., and Larson, G.E. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1994.
Pipas, M.J., Homkes, R.J., and Au, P. “Effect of Sounds on the Emergence from Burrows by Belding’s Ground Squirrels.” Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 1974.
