Moles are small mammals belonging to the shrew and hedgehog family. They are insectivores, so they feed on earthworms, grubs, snails, spiders, beetles, caterpillars, mice, and snakes. When they forage, they dig underground tunnels, disturbing the soil, roots, and vegetation. These activities damage outdoor spaces like yards. If left unchecked, they can ruin the look and function of such spaces. So, it is important to find ways to get rid of moles.
How moles damage yards
While it is common to assume that moles eat roots and vegetables since the damage to the grass, lawn, and plant is visible, in reality, moles don’t eat plants. They continuously forage insects and earthworms, damaging the yard. Though their tunnels are well below the ground, the continuous digging creates up to 1-inch soil mounds along the tunnel path. The tunnels inevitably damage the roots of the plants in their path. Once the roots are damaged, the grass and plants in the yard begin to wither and die. If moles have stored enough food, they stop digging and start again once their supply is exhausted. The tunnels can run up to 100 feet with multiple interconnected tunnels.
Signs of mole infestation in a yard or garden
Spotting a mole is almost impossible, as they hardly come to the surface. But their continuous digging activity below the ground can leave a trail of signs that make it easy to identify their presence.
- Round or volcano-shaped solid mounds in the entrance of a mole tunnel
- Discolored plants, grass, or lawn
- Dead grass and plants in specific areas of the garden
- Raised crisscross ridges along the tunnel route
- Increase in detached weeds
- Increase in weed growth
- Soft oil that caves in when one steps on it
- Brown pellet droppings in tunnel entrances
Home and natural remedies to get rid of ground moles
Permanently getting rid of moles in a yard is challenging as one cannot see them. The tunnels they dig can go up to 100 feet long, and there can be up to 15 interconnected tunnels. The damage caused by such extensive tunnels can be disappointing for those who have raised a garden with so much hard work and care. Harsh chemical repellents are some of the best mole killers, but they can harm the soil and may be toxic to humans and pets. So, there are some natural methods and home remedies that can help get rid of ground moles and protect the yard.
Remove insects
While insects are crucial for a garden ecosystem, too many can attract the moles. Keep bird feeders in the garden to attract insect-eating birds. They can naturally spot and eliminate insects. Fewer insects in the yard make moles less likely to attack the area.
Compress the soil
To keep moles out of a yard, compress the soil tightly, making digging tunnels difficult for the moles.
Water the garden less frequently
It is essential to water the garden, lawn, or yard less frequently, as it makes it difficult for the mole to dig through tough soil.
Repel moles using smells
Moles are sensitive to smells. By placing strong scents in the tunnel entrances, one can ensure that moles do not get out. Some smells inhibiting moles include castor and neem oils, pickled onions, coffee grinds, and strong essential oils like mint or eucalyptus.
Make it noisy
Play loud music or a noise clip on the loop that can scare moles away.
Consider trapping
Trapping is one of the easiest ways of removing moles in yards. Carefully observe and track the movement of moles by following the soil mounds and setting the trap in an active tunnel.
Locate the tunnels before placing the trap and flatter the area so there is enough space for the trap. There are different types of traps for killing moles, such as the spring-loaded prong trap, scissors trap, plunger trap, and choker loop trap. One must follow instructions as per the trap they purchase.
Apply beneficial nematodes
A mole can damage a lush lawn, making it look dull and unkempt. To remove the mole from the lawn, apply beneficial nematodes.
Nematodes are microorganisms that kill grubs–the biggest food source of moles. By eliminating the food source, the chances of a mole infestation are reduced.
Spray castor oil
To repel moles, spray castor oil, neem-based or granular repellents.
Install vertical barriers
Using mesh, install vertical barriers at least two to three feet under the soil to prevent moles from digging tunnels.
Place ultrasound devices
Install ultrasound devices that can repel the moles. Place solar or battery-powered devices that emit ultrasound, flashing lights, or create vibrations that frighten the moles. Buy a machine that has a wide range that can cover the yard. If the yard is big, one can buy more than one device and place it closer to the entrance of the mole tunnels.
Apart from these techniques, one can also breed natural predator moles. Pets like dogs and cats can sense any movement in the yard, and their urine smell can also repel moles. In addition to this, by setting up an owl nesting box in the yard, one can attract owls that can prey on the moles regularly.