CASTOR OIL AS SOLID SENDS MOLES PACKING

Aug 09, 2023

Castor-oil controls are popular, nontoxic ways to chase moles out of your yard. Moles dislike the smell of castor oil and simply leave the area.

Most of the castor-oil products come in a concentrated liquid form you mix with water and spray, but mixing and spraying can be inconvenient.

Now there's a dry form of castor oil — called Molexit — that you merely spread by hand or a broadcast spreader. No messy mixing is needed. The product should be applied heavily over the mole runs that can be seen, and then lightly scattered over the rest of your lawn or garden. One application covers up to half an acre.

Molexit is a time-release, biodegradable formula that works with moisture in the soil. Heavy rains will wash the granules away before they get embedded in the soil, so you should not apply the product if downpours are forecast, according to a company spokesperson.

In 2002, it was tested by the University of Kentucky Forestry Department, and found to deter moles for four to six weeks in 80 percent of the area tested. $21.95 for 61/2-pound box. Call 1-800-785-7890, e-mail molexit@bluegrass .net. Visit online at www.molex it.com.

Kathy Van Mullekom/Daily Press

LURE MOSQUITOES AWAY. The SonicWeb joins the lineup of machines made to lure mosquitoes away from you while you relax outdoors.

Four types of signals attract mosquitoes and other biting insects: sound, smell, sight and heat. The SonicWeb uses the sonic heartbeat, virtually inaudible to humans, to attract biting insects on an acre.

As they get closer, the machine uses other lures:

Smell: A replaceable Octenol strip emits a time-released Octenol scent, a natural fragrance that mimics breath. It also attracts no-see-ums and can be detected at more than 100 feet. The strip needs to be replaced every 30 days.

Sight: The design combines ultraviolet reflection and contrasting stripes to visually attract the insects.

Heat: The temperature mimics the body heat of a warm-blooded host.

Insects that fly into the unit are captured by traps coated with an all-weather glue. It uses no pesticides. $249-$299. Made by Applica Consumer Products, also makers of Black & Decker household products. Call 1-866-766-4293 or visit online at www.sonicweb.com.

SonicWeb

USE PESTICIDES CAREFULLY. Many homeowners annually do battle with pests around the garden. Reckless use of poisonous pesticides can be harmful to your health, your family's health and the ecosystems of local streams and rivers.

When working with pesticides, wear rubber gloves and protective clothing, and never spray on a windy day. When you’re finished, gloves should be rinsed in the garden, and tainted clothing should be allowed to air-dry in the sun. Simply tossing them in the clothes washer will send pesticides into the sewer and ultimately into fresh-water systems. The same is true when cleaning up spray applicators. They always should be rinsed outside, and not in a sink.

Finally, many pet shampoos contain pesticides. Therefore, when it comes to washing your pet, do it in the yard rather than in the bathtub.

The Associated Press

STORE GARAGE STUFF. Stanley's Garage Workshop is a storage system that is an inexpensive alternative to a number of systems on the market.

It consists of modular cabinets and shelves made of a resin and galvanized metal, coated with a powder-coat paint to make them rust- and stain-resistant.

The shelves can be put in and between cabinets and can hold up to 100 pounds. The cabinets’ outer surfaces are lined with pegboards for additional hooks for tool storage. There are also plenty of drawers.

Stanley spokesman Eric Montagu says that, at long last, the storage system is now available at Pep Boys.

Prices: The units range from $80 to $100; the pegboard for inside the cabinet doors is about $15; a "smart shelf" with power-tool slots costs $10; and heavy-duty wheels to make the system mobile run about $15.

Information: www.stanley works.com or 1-800-782-6539.

– Does your store stock a new tool or toy that could be featured here? To be considered, send a description, price, color image and business card to Home Stuff, Kathy Van Mullekom, Daily Press, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News 23607 or e-mail [email protected].

Sign up for email newsletters