Beech Tree News Network

In the past when we’ve had mild winter weather, I’ve heard people comment that we didn’t have much of a winter. This year, that was not the case, and we still have time for more winter weather to visit our region. However, spring will arrive in our hemisphere on March 20, and I’m beginning to see signs of the coming spring through squirrel activity, mole activity, and the blades of spring flowers pushing through the ground. 

First, since our two-week winter storm, nearby squirrels have been active. I believe one squirrel was adding leaves to her nest because last week I watched her gather dry leaves from my front yard. Squirrels in Kentucky typically have babies during the spring and summer months. The breeding seasons are late winter and early spring and again in mid-summer. After a gestation period of about 44 days, female squirrels give birth to a litter of typically two to five babies, known as kits or kittens. Furry squirrels can be entertaining, but they can also be destructive.

Second, I have also seen new mole activity in my yard. I read an article (“When Are Moles Most Active? Understanding Their Daily and Seasonal Patterns”) by Jeff Cooper who attended Rutgers University and earned a Golf Turf Management Program certificate. Cooper explained that mole activity varies with the seasons, with spring and fall being the peak periods for their activity. In spring, the thawing soil is ideal for tunneling. I also found an Internet suggestion for a natural mole repellant which included a mixture of 6 ounces of castor oil, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1 gallon of water with the optional inclusion of 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper. This mixture should be sprayed or poured on the soil where moles are active. Another recommendation was to sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of chili powder into each mole tunnel entrance. Natural repellants should be applied on a regular schedule, especially after a rain, to maintain their effectiveness. Although I’ve always viewed moles as nuisances, I have read that they are valuable allies in maintaining a healthy landscape (though I’m not sure they’re worth it).

Third, my yard is covered in spring flower foliage pushing up through the ground - mostly daffodils and jonquils and one brave tulip. I believe the crocuses should be pushing up any day. Though I’ve seen these flowers standing in snow, the appearance of their foliage is a signal that winter is winding down - just not necessarily over. Spring flowers are a welcome sight, and I am eager to see all of their cheerful colors. 

Someone said about the end of winter: “The earth is waking up. Can you feel it?” I can see spring getting ready to say hello through the activity of the squirrels, the moles, and the spring flowers in my yard. We’ve had winter, and I, for one, am ready for spring.