Dear Sun Spots: What can be done about moles? I’ve lived in this place for 45 years and always had a garden.

We’ve tried pellets and they don’t work. We sure would appreciate advice from Sun Spots. – Mole Problems in Rumford.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to www.american-lawns.com, there are several types of moles in the United States. Two, the Eastern mole and the starnosed mole, are the ones that cause the most damage for homeowners. Moles are smaller than a chipmunk and weigh between three and six ounces.

Although their damage seems to come and go, they usually stay in one location year-round.

As the weather cools, they go deeper in the ground and sometimes hibernate during extreme cold, so their damage is less apparent. In some aspects they are very similar to gophers.

The reason the little miners are digging their way through your lawn is that they are looking for food and finding it.

These critters typically enjoy feasting on insects, with grubs being on the top of the list when grubs are moving toward the surface. If you have grub damage to your lawn then consider treating for them, but don’t count on removing the grubs and having the moles move on.

Scientists have determined moles eat about 25 to 100 percent of their body weight each day.

Moles enjoy earthworms; the soil they’re in is easy for the moles to dig through. This is particularly true in garden areas where the soil is normally very loamy- ideal for worms and ideal to dig in.

The only reliable method appears to be trapping. The best time for this is early spring, about the same time as the forsythia blooms.

This is normally before they breed, so getting rid of one mole then, is the same as getting rid of seven. Consult with a nursery for availability of and instructions on using traps.

Dear Sun Spots: The eighth grade class at Sabattus Central School is raising money for its year-end trip and activities.

One event that is currently planned is a craft fair being held Saturday, Dec. 1, at our school. The fee is $25 per 8-foot space and includes one table and two chairs. Crafters are also asked to donate one item for a gift basket raffle. Eighth grade students will be available to assist crafters in loading and unloading their crafts.

Any interested crafters should contact me at 333-0291 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Thank you. – Norma-Jean Stanion, eighth grade class adviser, Sabattus Central School, Sabattus.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to find my father. I have only met him twice and would really like to find him because I want to get to know him. I would really like him to be a part of my life. His name is Timothy Dwane Swan.

He used to live in South Paris across from McDonald’s and is around 47 years old. If anyone has any information that could help me, please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thank you very much.- Mary Clemons, Mechanic Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a local person or business who can transfer audio cassettes and/or LP records to CD.

I saw a Sun Spots item for this a few months back but cannot find the number!

Thank you so much for your helpful column! – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for a company or service that takes cassettes and transfers them to CDs. – Beverly in Sabattus.

Answer: Contact Richard of Turner at 225-5222.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].