how do i get rid of moles on my lawn

[Solution] How to Get Rid of Moles on your Lawn

1. Plant vegetative barriers. Certain plants can deter moles from occupying your lawn. ...
2. Create your own mole repellant. You can create a mixture using castor oil, which can be found in most health sections of your grocery store, and dish soap.
3. Attract mole predators. This can be an effective, hands off solution. ...
4. Trap the mole using shovels. ...

Full Answer

How to kill moles in your lawn?

^{How to Get Rid of Moles}

• Apply castor oil. This multi-purpose vegetable oil is often effective in eliminating moles because it makes the soil smell bad to them (you may notice a faint odor).
• Replace grass. Since moles primarily damage turf, another option is to replace grassy areas, although this isn't practical for some people.
• Grow protective plants. Some plants help deter moles. Put them around the perimeter of your lawn for a natural, effective and attractive mole repellent.
• Encourage predators. Owls and hawks eat moles and voles, so invite them to your yard by installing a post 10 to 15 feet high.
• Get rid of their food source. Make moles go hungry — and go somewhere else — by eliminating their favorite foods. ...

How to deal with lawn damage from moles?

Moles and gophers can damage your lawn and garden. Control them humanely by eliminating their food source, spraying with liquid repellents, scattering repellent granules, using barriers and/or digging trenches lined with wire mesh or hardware cloth. Other humane ways to get rid of moles and gophers include using sonic devices and traps that ...

How do you control moles in your lawn?

• Walk around your compound and look for tunnels. Once you find them, collapse them by stepping on them.
• The following day, check to see if the tunnels have been rebuilt. ...
• Using mole traps is easier during spring and fall when activity in the tunnels is at peak. ...
• When checking if any mole has been caught, be careful not to disturb the tunnel too much. ...

How to create a homemade mole repellent?

• Heat water in kettle
• Pour castor oil into jar
• Pour 3 quarts of hot water into the jar
• Add Dawn Dish Soap
• Shake or stir the mixture together
• Pour the mixture into a garden sprayer
• Spray lawn
• Pour extra directly onto mole holes

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles in your yard?

You'll have the most luck killing moles in your yard if you use traps or bait in the spring or fall. Both products should be placed in a main, or active, runway. These are usually the straight tunnels in your lawn or the tunnels that follow the perimeter of your yard.

What do I put on my lawn to get rid of moles?

For a homemade remedy, mix three parts castor oil and one part dish soap. Add four tablespoons of the mixture to a gallon of water. Soak the tunnels and entrances to evict the moles and soak the holes to evict gophers. Castor oil is one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of these animals.

Will lawn moles go away on their own?

Unfortunately, moles aren't easily dealt with. Unless your yard is really showing damage, the best approach is to leave moles alone. They'll usually move on once they've eliminated their food source. You can keep your lawn in shape by flattening the runways with your feet or a lawn roller, or by raking out the tunnels.

How does Dawn dish soap get rid of moles?

InstructionsHeat water in kettle.Pour castor oil into jar.Pour 3 quarts of hot water into the jar.Add Dawn Dish Soap.Shake or stir the mixture together.Pour the mixture into a garden sprayer.Spray lawn.Pour extra directly onto mole holes.

How long will moles stay in my yard?

How Long Will Moles Live in the Yard? In general, moles have small home ranges and the animal will rarely stay in the same area for a longer period of time. Their activity in a particular area may only last one or two weeks until there's no more food to be found.

Will vinegar get rid of moles in the yard?

If you're looking for a compassionate way to get rid of ground moles, vinegar is a great solution. Not only will it kill the existing moles, but it's also a natural repellent, so it will help prevent new ones from moving in. Simply pour vinegar into the mole holes, and they should be gone within a few days.

What is the most effective mole repellent?

Read on for some of the best mole repellents available in their respective categories.BEST OVERALL: NIKAND Ultrasonic Mole Repellent.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent.BEST NATURAL: Essential Depot 100% Pure Castor Oil.BEST ULTRASONIC: MOSTATTO RUNADI Mole Repellent Outdoor Deterrent.More items...•

How do golf courses get rid of moles?

Live-catch traps are a human and effective way to remove moles from your golf course. To use them, place them along active mole runways. To tell if a runway is active, press down on the edge and come back in 2-3 days to see if the moles have repaired the runway.

What smells keep moles away?

Moth balls in the mole tunnels, coffee grounds and castor oil mixed with cayenne pepper are all possible deterrents that some claim to work.

Do coffee grounds get rid of moles?

Surprisingly, many homeowners report that coffee grounds offer a natural remedy against moles. By simply scattering your old coffee grounds over their holes and covering it with soil, the smell of the coffee will annoy your yard-destroying varmints.

Will Epsom salts get rid of moles?

And there's no scientific evidence that Epsom salt will deter slugs, beetles, moles, caterpillars, or any other pest.

What is the most effective mole repellent?

Read on for some of the best mole repellents available in their respective categories.BEST OVERALL: NIKAND Ultrasonic Mole Repellent.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent.BEST NATURAL: Essential Depot 100% Pure Castor Oil.BEST ULTRASONIC: MOSTATTO RUNADI Mole Repellent Outdoor Deterrent.More items...•

How do you permanently get rid of voles moles?

How to Get Rid of Voles: 5 Effective WaysRemove vegetation. Voles don't like to feed out in the open. ... Protect young trees. Voles love to gnaw on the trunks of young trees. ... Use live traps. ... Use natural repellants. ... Contact a professional pest management company. ... Vole Poisons. ... Repellents. ... Traps.More items...•

What smells keep moles away?

Moth balls in the mole tunnels, coffee grounds and castor oil mixed with cayenne pepper are all possible deterrents that some claim to work.

How to get rid of moles in a tunnel?

First, pat down the mole trail by walking over it. This will allow you to notice when the mole is actively using the tunnel. Wait nearby for the mole to begin moving around. When you notice the mole, enclose this section of the trail off with two shovels. This will trap the mole. Throw a trashcan or a large bucket over the trapped mole, and then scoop it up and transport it away from your lawn.

How to attract moles to your yard?

This can be an effective, hands off solution. Owls are natural predators to moles and you can attract them to your yard by building or buying a nest box. Nest boxes look like a large bird house that attaches to a tree high off the ground. Once you assemble the nest box, set it up high in a tree and fill it with straw. It's only a matter of time before an owl is attracted to it.

How to catch moles in a mole tunnel?

Use a mouse trap. Mice and moles are about the same size, so mousetraps can be effective for capturing moles. Prepare a piece of bait when setting up the trap. Then, place the mousetrap at the opening of a mole tunnel. Check back on the trap several hours later to see if it has captured any moles.

How to catch moles with bait?

Some baits are poisonous to the mole. Other baits you could acquire easier like earthworms. You could catch earthworms yourself by overturning clumps of your yard, or simply buy them online from Amazon.

What happens if you don't catch a mole?

If nothing's been caught, it's possible the trap was not concealed well enough, or the moles have moved to a new tunnel.

How many trails does a mole make?

The mole usually makes more than one trail to hide the actual work area.

What plants repel moles?

You can plant plants like daffodils, marigolds, alliums, and fritillarias. Castor bean plants are also a known mole deterrent, but they are also poisonous. 2. Create your own mole repellant. You can create a mixture using castor oil, which can be found in most health sections of your grocery store, and dish soap.

What is the best way to kill moles in your yard?

There are several products on the market that act as both mole bait and poison to the critters in your yard. These usually come in the form of fake worms that mimic the shape and feel of real earthworms but contain the poison bromethalin. Bromethalin contains both bromine and fluoride and affects the moles both physically and neurologically until they die. Other common types of poisons include warfarin and zinc phosphide.

How to get rid of moles in a mole tunnel?

Slowly fill the mole tunnel system with water. Keep an eye on the remainder of the tunnel system. You’ll want to look for any movement or new tunnels being made. Once you see any sign of activity, stop the mole and snatch it with your gloved hands, a shovel, or any other tool of your choice.

How to identify moles in your yard?

To be sure, make a point of monitoring your yard. The best way to do this would be to set up a camera for a day or two and watch the recording when you can. If you see a critter scurrying by, compare its appearance to that of a mole to determine what type of pest you’re dealing with. Keep in mind that moles only come on land to find a mate, so it is rarer to see one than other wildlife.

What is the difference between a mole and a vole?

Differences Between Moles and Voles. Voles look more like mice, with identifiable eyes and ears and a small nose rather than a snout. Moles are grey to black; voles are usually brown in color. Moles’ diets consist of insects, whereas voles are herbivores that feed on fruits, flowers, grasses and other plants.

How to identify mole tunnels?

Carefully walk around your property to determine if you do have mole tunnels and locate where they are. Even during daytime, a flashlight will help you identify any raised areas before possibly tripping over them. Note that most species of moles are solitary, so even if you see many tunnels, it’s usually only the sign of one animal.

Why do moles like my yard?

In general, moles will be attracted to your yard because of the number of insects in your soil and the ease of digging through it. Most species enjoy wide, open spaces to do this. If your yard is large and unobstructed, your mole damage may be particularly extensive.

How high can a mole climb?

Even though moles remain underground most of the time, their damage will extend onto the surface in the form of tunnels and ridges along your lawn and volcano-like mounds that can raise as high as eight inches. The damage done underneath your lawn will also tear up plant roots and can cause them to die slowly.

How do I get rid of moles in my yard?

If your mole problem is already full-fledged and/or persistent, then trapping them is the next thing to try, and it’s what I recommend to those wondering how to get rid of moles in yard and lawn spaces.

How to deter moles from destroying my yard?

Moles are highly sensitive to noise and will leave if you have enough noise in your yard. The simplest, and most natural way to introduce this is to get some windchimes ( shop windchimes on Amazon ). They’ll deter moles, while also adding some welcome sounds into your yard.

How to make mole repellent?

If you mix three parts of castor oil ( Amazon link) with one-part dish soap, then dilute four tablespoons in a gallon of water, you have a natural, homemade mole repellent spray. Either spray it or pour it at mole tunnel entrances. If you have a smaller yard and a big mole colony, you may want to spray the whole yard.

What plants deter moles from moving in the yard?

Marigold bed s can help to deter moles from moving into your yard. They hate the smell of daffodils and marigolds, as well as plants in the allium family, like onions, garlic, chives (if you like cooking, those last ones can be a great addition to your kitchen too). Other plants, like the castor bean, will also deter moles.

What is the best trap for a mole?

Traps like the Wire Tek 1001 EasySet Mole Eliminator Trap are highly effective with little risk on the setter’s part. It’s the trap I recommend and I have used it myself.

Why do moles live in my yard?

Remember, a small population of moles is beneficial to your yard. Their tunnels help aerate your lawn, and they control your insect populations to keep your grass healthy. But the trick to living in harmony with moles is keeping their populations down.

How to get rid of mole hills?

You’ll need to use a hose and cap the exhaust on either a car or a lawn mower. Then lead the hose into one of the mole hills. Block off or plug the other holes. This technique will only be effective if the mole tunnels are sealed. Otherwise all of the gas will escape quickly and the gas will be ineffective.

How to get rid of moles in your house?

Purchase mole traps online or at your local home center. Mole-weary homeowners report success with spring-loaded snares like Victor Easy Set Gopher Traps ( view on Amazon ). Place yours directly into the mole’s tunnel, being sure to choose an active tunnel. If you’re not sure of a given tunnel’s status, cover over the nearest molehill. Wait a day or two, and if the molehill has been uncovered, that’s a pretty clear indication of activity.

What to do if you're squeamish about moles?

If you’re squeamish about such things, your best bet is to hire the job out to an experienced exterminator in your area. If you’re used to dealing with animals—or if the damage caused by the moles has driven to you a point of frustration-induced courage—then you’re ready to get to work.

Can moles kill grass?

There’s no mistaking when a mole or two have invaded your lawn and garden. Though you’re not likely to see one above ground, the hills and ruts a mole leaves in its burrowing wake can spoil, if not devastate, your landscaping. Beyond the eyesore of new mounds sprinkled throughout your lawn, the tunneling can separate roots from soil, killing grass and other vegetation.

Can you catch a mole in the act?

Basically, there are two options: You can try to catch a mole in the act, so to speak, or you can set out a series of mechanized traps. The former is the more humane approach, because it doesn’t require killing the mole. The latter is more likely to produce results, but the mole may die in the clutches of your trap.

Do you need to set a mole trap again?

Once you’ve set the mole trap, check it often. Also, remember that catching one mole doesn’t mean the problem’s behind you. You’ll need to set the trap again and again, because additional moles may decide to occupy the initial one’s pre-established tunnels.

What is the best way to kill a mole?

Use Mole Poison. A last resort is to use one of the chemical poisons proven to be effective against moles. One leading product is known as Bromethalin, which is sold as a package of worm-shaped baits treated with a mixture of bromine and fluorine. When the mole eats these worms, it induces convulsions that kill the mole.

How to get rid of moles permanently?

The most reliable method of getting rid of moles permanently is to use kill traps. These traps are designed specifically for killing moles, and several styles are available, described according to their means of action: scissors traps, choker traps, and harpoon traps. If the idea of killing moles is repugnant to you, there are also small live traps available, though they are hard to use. The problem with live-trapping, however, is that you still have to release the live mole. In some states, the relocation of vermin animals is actually prohibited. Kill traps are generally the more recommended, and the most effective, method.

How to tell if a mole is a mouse or a vole?

Since moles are not the only animal pests responsible for runways in the yard, they are often confused with these other pests, such as the vole ( Myodes spp. ). Moles and voles may have similar-sounding names, but it's easy to tell them apart: A vole looks like a mouse; a mole is much larger (usually about 6 to 8 inches long) and has a long, pointed snout and large paddle-like front paws with prominent claws.

What is a mole?

Moles are small burrowing mammals from the Talpidae family of animals. In North America, the most common species are the common (or eastern) mole ( Scalopus aquaticus ), common east of the Rocky Mountains; the star-nosed mole ( Condylura cristata ), a familiar pest along the east coast; the hairy-tailed mole ( Parascalops breweri ), ...

What do moles need to survive?

Moles need food to survive. Two major sources of food for moles are grubs (that is, the larvae of certain beetles) and worms. Therefore, a simple first step you can take for mole control is to eliminate grubs, thereby removing a principal food source. If, on the other hand, moles are drawn to your lawn due to the presence of earthworms, ...

Why do moles come to my lawn?

If, on the other hand, moles are drawn to your lawn due to the presence of earthworms, you will have to fight them by other means. Earthworms are usually considered beneficial to your lawn and garden, and you don't want to eliminate worms simply because you have a mole problem.

What are the differences between voles and moles?

Mole mounds are volcano-like in appearance , while voles leave behind no mounds at all. Instead, voles construct well-defined, visible runways at or near the surface, about 2 inches wide. Vole runways result from the voles eating the grass blades, as well as from the constant traffic of numerous little feet over the same path. 1

How do lawn moles get away from harpoon traps?

When the lawn mole pushes up on the dent to fix the tunnel, it will hit the trigger, releasing the spikes. Quite often the mole is not stuck in the spikes when the harpoon trap is retrieved. The way the trap is built, the lawn mole can easily get away, but is often mortally wounded. Frequently, the animal can be found within a few feet of the trap.

How to make a mole trap?

Placing the trap is easy. The first thing you do is to make an indentation in the center of the tunnel with your finger. You want to slightly depress the roof of the tunnel, but do not cave it in or make a hole. The purpose is to make a dent in the tunnel roof, so that the mole will attempt to fix it by pushing it back up.

How to trap a mole in a tunnel?

The next step is important: Place a small rock, piece of wood or mound of dirt in the bottom of the tunnel directly under the trigger plate when you place the trap. This obstacle you placed in the bottom of the tunnel will be something the mole will want to remove and increase the chances of setting off the trap. Carefully place the trap in the tunnel and cover with dirt up to the spring. Do not fill in the tunnel when covering with dirt.

How long does it take for a mole tunnel to be repaired?

If it is an active tunnel, the area will be repaired within 12 to 48 hours. Second method : Carefully make a small hole in the top of the raised tunnel the size of a quarter or slightly larger. Mark the area beside it with a landscape flag. Lawn moles do not like any light coming in and will seal the hole.

How long do moles stay in one area?

Moles may make one tunnel and then seem to disappear and at other times will tunnel extensively. A mole generally won’t stay longer than a few weeks in one area. However, after he is gone, a different mole could move in and occupy the same area.

What do moles eat?

Moles are not rodents, but are strictly insectivores. A mole’s diet is primarily earthworms, but will eat grubs and other insects. Moles can dig up to 15 feet per hour. Moles have short front legs with over-sized front claws for digging. Moles are generally 4 to 9 inches long. Photo shows a 5 inch long mole.

Why are there so many mole cures?

Have you ever wondered why there are so many mole "cures"? Its simply because most methods don't work or they are set in the wrong place. This fact alone has opened the doors for all sorts of strange ideas. If you searched the internet, you have probably read some of them.

How much water do you need to keep moles out of your yard?

Remember: Most lawns only need 1 inch of water per week from either an irrigation system or rain to stay healthy, and this will also help limit mole activity. Apply repellents. You can also use mole repellents to make your yard undesirable to the furry, tunneling pests. Tomcat® Mole & Gopher Repellent Granules or Tomcat® Mole & Gopher Repellent ...

Why do moles invade my yard?

The main reason that moles invade your yard is to search for food. Their primary food sources are earthworms, grubs, and lawn insects. If no food is available, they won’t find your yard attractive. To help limit the moles’ food supply, use products labeled to control grubs, ants, mole crickets, and other lawn insects. Don’t water too much.

How long does it take for a mole to die from a Tomcat grub?

Moles eat the baited earthworm or grubs and die quickly (within 12-24 hours after ingestion) underground in their tunnels. For more information on using baited earthworms and grubs, see our article How to Use Tomcat® Mole Killer Baited Worms & Grubs.

What does it feel like to have a mole in your yard?

It's a terrible feeling when you look out and see your beautiful lawn crisscrossed by a web of tunnels and unsightly mounds. Moles make a horrible mess of your yard. If they've invaded, there are measures you can take to take back your lawn.

What is a Tomcat mole trap?

Traps: The Tomcat® Mole Trap provides a method to kill quickly and hold the mole to provide proof of control. Unlike many competitive spear traps, the Tomcat® Mole Trap does not draw blood, and its “hands-free” design makes it easier to use than other traditional mole traps.

Does Tomcat kill moles?

Tomcat provides products for both options to meet your specific needs and preferences. You’ll have the most luck killing moles in your yard if you use traps or bait in the spring or fall. Both products should be placed in a main, or active, runway. These are usually the straight tunnels in your lawn or the tunnels that follow the perimeter ...

How to ensure mole crickets are gone for good?

The best way of ensuring mole crickets are gone for good? Regular treatments with a residual preventative product or mole cricket bait that contains imidacloprid or a synthetic pyrethroid. Keep in mind that the timing of treatments is critical to catch the mole crickets at their weakest.

What is the most destructive mole cricket?

There are lots of native and introduced species in the U.S., but the most common and destructive are: The southern mole cricket ( Scapteriscus acletus).

What Are Mole Crickets?

Mole crickets — also known as cricket moles, lawn crickets or flying moles — are a common turf grass pest in the southeastern U.S. Adults grow to between one and two inches long, vary in color from light to dark brown, and sport large mole-like front claws for burrowing under the surface of the soil.

How many eggs do mole crickets lay?

Males die after mating, while females dig deep into the soil to lay up to 150 eggs before dying themselves. These eggs hatch about three weeks later. By late spring the developing mole cricket nymphs begin tunneling and feeding on grass roots and shoots.

What is the most destructive pest to turf grass?

Mole crickets are one of the most destructive turf grass pests in the southeastern U.S. Here's how to send them packing before they devastate your lawn.

What are the active ingredients in mole crickets?

“Important active ingredients for mole cricket insecticides are bifenthrin, carbaryl, imidacloprid, gramma cyhalothrin, deltamethrin and permethrin ,” Wagner says.

When do mole crickets start?

Although you may begin to notice signs of mole cricket infestation in early spring, these pesky critters are most active — and destructive — in late August to October. This is good news because it gives you time to intervene and stop them in their tracks. Follow our tips below on how to monitor for mole crickets and save your lawn from an infestation.