Imagine waking up one morning to admire your lawn or your backyard, only to see something alarming – small mounds of dirt and raised ridges all over the yard. You start to panic as you realize that moles have invaded, and you start thinking of ways to get rid of them.
Fortunately, there is no need to panic. Within this Talpirid mole bait review, you’ll find out how and why Bell’s mole bait is the tool of choice against moles. Gone are the days of placing ineffective traps or following various home remedies that mostly fail. Talpirid does the job quickly and without any fuss by mimicking what moles like to eat – earthworms.
Talpirid Mole Bait by Bell Laboratories is a bait designed to trick moles into thinking the bait itself is their food. Developed to look like earthworms, Talpirid promises to eliminate moles from their burrows within two days. Bell Laboratories have tested the bait on live, captured moles, and found that only one “worm”, laced with a lethal dose of bromethalin, is enough to kill them.
Talpirid’s main advantage is its form; the bait itself is designed to look and feel like earthworms. It also comes with a formulation that attracts moles closer to the bait. That means you no longer need to deal with elaborate setups or accidental inhalation of poisonous fumes. Simply place a worm or two underneath the runways where moles eat, then wait two to three days to see its effects.
The bait’s main chemical ingredient is a rodenticide called Bromethalin. Developed in 1985, bromethalin is a pale, odorless compound that targets the central nervous system. One bait worm, by weight, contains only 0.025 percent of this chemical, but its potency is what makes Talpirid so effective against moles. So before you go searching for the best mole killers to solve your lawn troubles, see if Talpirid is an easier solution for you.
Because bromethalin is pale and odorless, it is usually incorporated into food for targets to consume. Once consumed, the chemical disrupts the central nervous system which leads to a buildup of excess cerebral spinal fluid. The excess fluids cause immense pressure within the skull, damaging neurons which leads to paralysis and death.
Even the best mole traps require some set-up to be somewhat effective, but Talpirid doesn’t need much. All you need are a pair of gloves for handling and a rod for poking holes in the ground. You don’t even need a specific type of rod – anything that can be used for probing will do. Simple, isn’t it?
Using Talpirid couldn’t be any simpler. Start by checking for potential underground runways on the surface – these indicate where moles like to get their food. Then, using your rod, create a small hole through the runway and carefully place the worm inside. Cover the hole to keep sunlight out and let the bait do the rest of the work. Even the best mole repellents around won’t be this easy to use.
When you start seeing random mounds of dirt all over your lawn, it’s time to check what kind of rodent has caused them. Once you’ve ensured that they’re moles, then you need to observe the layout of their underground runways. These runways show you where moles go to get their food.
Keep in mind that Talpirid does not work well with water, so ensure the weather does not call for rain over the next few days. If it rains after you’ve applied the bait, you may have to do it again in a few days as it may have rendered the chemical compound ineffective.
Due to Talpirid’s simplicity, you don’t have much to worry about when using this bait. Of course, always make sure you’re wearing personal protective equipment – this means gloves for your hands; socks, and closed shoes for your feet. The chemical itself is incorporated into the bait so inhalation is not a problem. And when you’re finished, always wash your hands with soap and water.
Additionally, always make sure other animals do not accidentally ingest the bait. Bromethalin is poisonous so keep pets away from bait placements. Cats and dogs, in particular, have been susceptible to accidental bromethalin ingestion. Consider enclosing the treated area if animals are going to be near the site.
In the case of accidental ingestion with pets and other animals, bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Depending on the severity and the time lapsed, the vet will either empty the animal’s stomach or administer steroids to keep brain swelling down.
For humans, the process is largely the same. Additionally, if the product somehow gets into contact with your skin, make sure to remove all contaminated clothing and immediately wash the site with lots of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Seek medical help if a reaction occurs.
Talpirid’s safety data sheet mentions the odor as pungent. This is likely due to the materials used to create the bait itself, not to mention that the product is supposed to be quite attractive to moles. Bromethalin itself, as a compound, does not have an odor.
These earthworm baits are quite low maintenance despite their efficacy. You only need to check every 2-3 days to make sure the moles have eaten the bait. If they haven’t, consider placing another bait at a different spot and observe.
If the previous bait has been consumed but you still suspect activity, place another bait down. It’s possible that the target mole has slightly resisted the effects, but the second dose will definitely finish the job. After reapplication, check again in a few days for results.
Bell Laboratories claim that Talpirid will kill the moles in two days, so check bait placements again in about that time to make sure it worked. If it seems like there are still active moles around, either treat the same area again or pick a different spot. It’s possible that the moles may have been active somewhere else; make sure to keep a close eye on any indicators of their activity.
Unfortunately, Bell Laboratories do not specify any sort of warranty for the product. As such, always make sure that you’re using the product according to instructions. If you have any questions, you can always call their customer service line.
Most sellers sell this product for around $50, with the cheapest one on Amazon for about $45. This seems to be the norm with most sellers, though a few are selling for higher prices. As always, check the prices of different vendors before committing to a purchase.
Talpirid Mole Bait comes packaged with 20 worms, divided into two trays of 10. No other special items are included. The packaging can’t get any simpler.
PROS | CONS |
● Designed to look like a mole’s preferred food: earthworms.
● The bait contains a scent that makes itself more attractive to moles. ● Quick and simple application. |
● Can be accidentally eaten by unintended wildlife.
● Will need reapplication if the target is not dead within the first dose. ● Exposure to water can dissolve the bait. |
With such straightforward packaging and easy usage instructions, it’s almost a guarantee that this product will eliminate your mole problems once and for all. Our Talpirid Mole Bait review covers everything you need to know about the item; all you need now is to actually purchase the product and see it in action. As long as you’re observant of the moles’ activity, you can be sure that you won’t have a mole problem again in the near future.