How to Get Rid of Moles in Yard Once and For All. Mole removal from lawn

How to Get Rid of Moles in Yard Once and For All

After all the hard work you put in to make your lawn shine, the last thing you want are moles tearing it up. Moles are particularly attracted to the most lush, well-manicured lawns—the ones with thriving ecosystems, and lots of food in the way of worms, and other insects. In this article I’ll talk about why your lawn may have moles, and tell you how to get rid of moles in yard and lawns once and for all.

Moles are primarily insectivores and eat their way through the plum earthworms your lawn is home to. While they don’t harm your grass or root systems, they tear up the ground, leaving tell-tale mounds of dirt.

While it’s typically a good sign your lawn is healthy enough to attract moles, you don’t want their population getting out of hand. The presence of moles could also indicate your lawn has a grub problem.

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. There are many deterrents, however, that you can use to keep moles out of your yard.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Yard: 6 Strategies

Below I’ll outline the 6 best approaches you can take to get rid of moles in your yard.

These include (click to jump to that section of the article):

Each of these ways to remove moles from your yard has pros and cons, and some approaches may take more time and cost more money than others.

Get Rid of their Food

Moles love insects. Things like grubs are delicious treats for them. If you’re getting moles, there’s a likelihood you have a healthy grub population too.

Taking measures to get grubs out of your yard with yearly grub treatments, you’ll make your lawn less attractive to moles. If they don’t find enough food, they’ll leave sooner or later. But when you apply grub treatment matters – you have to hit them during the right time in their life cycle.

The bad news is that once moles arrive, even if you get rid of grubs you may find that is only partially effective.

Once they’ve made themselves at home they may stay and feed on other insects, like worms. This mole prevention strategy is good, but it’s not usually an effective mole removal strategy.

Make a Ruckus

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.

Alternatively, you could set out a radio and let it play (or do what I did and have some kids … though that’s a time-consuming and costly strategy).

You can take the radio strategy a step further by taking a small, handheld radio and put it in a plastic bag, then place it into or near the mole’s hill. If you find their active run (the straight tunnel near their nest) this will persuade them kindly to leave. Especially if you play one of the worst songs of all time on repeat.

Hardware stores also sell sonic mole deterrents. Amazon does too.

Most often, these are spokes you put in the ground that emanate sound into your yard. They send out electronic pulses that disrupt moles and keep them out of your yard, or they may use a sound that resembles a rodent in distress (which will scare moles away).

Use Strategic Plants

There are certain scents and plants that moles particularly dislike. Planting them in your garden, or strategically around your yard, will make your lawn particularly unattractive to moles and other rodents.

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. However, those are toxic, so be careful planting them if you have children or pets. The crown imperial and narcissus also make great natural mole repellents.

Spray Your Lawn with Natural Repellents

Just as moles hate the smell of planted castor beans, they hate the smell of castor oil.

Applying castor oil won’t kill the moles, but the smell can effectively drive them away. 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.

Moles are sensitive to other smells too, particularly feces. If you have a dog, drop those droppings right into the mole hills and seal it up.

The smell will drive the moles away. If you don’t have a pet, you can also leave leftover fish in the mole’s tunnels. Moles hate the smell of fish, and it will naturally drive them away … but this may just attract other animals to your yard.

While I love natural remedies, I’ll be honest and say that castor oil and other strategies like this only work in the short-term. You may only cause the moles to move to a different part of your yard.

Use Poison or Gas Their Tunnels

This is a lethal solution, but one that can be effective given the proper circumstances, or if your issue is persistent enough. Make sure before use that you can keep poison away from pets or children.

You can purchase poison mole bait at any hardware store or online at Amazon.

The standard poison baits are Zinc Phosphide. You could also use Talpirid Mole Bait. This product mimics a worm in size and texture. The mole will think the bait is food, then will be poisoned after it eats it.

You can also use carbon monoxide gas from a small engine or your car. 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.

Using pesticides as a means of killing insects will deter moles by cutting down on their food supply, and I recommend treating for grubs at the same time that you remove the moles so that the problem does not reoccur.

Trap The Moles

Deterrents are a better preventative solution than they are at dealing with a full infestation.

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 Trap Moles in Your Lawn

Before trapping them, you need to figure out where the active run is.

The active run is the tunnel that leads from the mole’s nest underground. Moles live entirely underground and only come out to mate.

How to Find the Active Mole Run

To determine the active run, flatten the mole tunnels and mark them. Check your lawn periodically throughout the day. A raised run (after you’ve flattened it) is the active one and where you’ll set the trap.

Once you’ve found the active mole run, insert a trap into the active run. Moles become active in early spring, and it’s best to set the traps then, once you notice the tunnels starting to form. You can either use a humane trap to release them elsewhere, or a kill trap to get rid of them altogether.

If you decide on a humane trap, you’ll need to release the mole after catching it. Take it at least 5 miles from your home before setting it free. Let it out in a rural area, where the mole can thrive without causing damage.

I’ve tried using a humane mole trap, but it’s frustrating and much more difficult than using a good kill trap like the one I mention below. Kill traps can be purchased at any hardware store, but some traps are safer than others (and more effective).

My Recommendation for Killing Moles in Your Yard

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.

These traps do not require any digging, and there are no above ground hazards, so it’s safe to use without closing on you. And it’s safe for kids and pets once set.

You step on the setting lever to trigger the trap. Set it on the active run and check every few hours. Move it 1-2 times per day for the most effective use.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Yard Keep Them Out

After you’ve solved your mole problem, one effective way to keep moles out of your yard is simple, and it’s a strategy that farmers have used for years to keep pests away from their property.

A good outdoor cat who loves to hunt chipmunks, moles, and other critters will be an incredible defense system against moles and other critters that can invade your yard, outbuildings, or house.

Underground pests can be among the most difficult to control. They rarely surface or allow themselves to be seen in broad daylight, and their tunnel systems provide them both shelter and opportunities to escape unwanted attention.

Just figuring out which unwanted subterranean guest is making your yard unsightly can be tricky. Mounds, holes and patches of dead grass can be caused by gophers, shrews, moles and even armadillos.

Identifying Moles

Of all these animals, moles are the most proficient diggers. The mole most commonly encountered by homeowners in the United States is the Eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus). The average mole is about 6 inches long and weighs, at most, 4 ounces. It’s covered in thick gray-brown fur. In fact, mole fur is extremely soft with a very nice texture and was used to make powder puffs for face powder in years past. It also features a short snout, and its eyes and ears may not be visible on first inspection.

Moles are frequently mistaken for rodents. However, moles are members of the Talpidae family, and are more akin to bats, small mammals that are also almost completely blind and rely on their sense of both sound and touch, — than they are to mice, squirrels, rabbits, etc. Should you be lucky enough to spy a mole, you’ll notice its most distinguishing characteristic is its front paws. Large, hairless and outfitted with five, long claws, these appendages are designed specifically for breaking up and shoveling soil.

Mole Behavior

Moles dig for two main reasons:

To build nests in which to raise their young.

Moles typically breed in the spring and produce small litters. Outside of the brief period (about four to six weeks) they spend in their mother’s care, moles are not social creatures.

To hunt.

Worms and grubs are the staples of the mole diet. Moles, like snakes and scorpions, are actually venomous animals. Their bite is enough to paralyze any insect prey that falls into one of its traps. Because they expend so much energy in digging, moles must eat almost constantly. Experts at the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences have observed that moles can consume their own body weight in insects each day. With its high metabolism, a single mole can dig out up to 15 feet of soil in a single hour.

Moles dig their burrows deeper than the tunnels they use for foraging. Some mole nests can be found up to a foot beneath the topsoil. Molehills result from this burrowing activity, while ridges are a product of the more shallow excavations moles undertake as they mark out their territory.

Mole Damage

Moles can be beneficial animals. The root-sucking grubs moles dine upon can be far more damaging to ornamental plants, trees and grasses. They also aerate the soil, which increases the circulation of nutrients.

That said, the damage caused by moles can be much more than cosmetic.

• Their tunneling can negatively affect the root systems of certain grasses, producing dead brown patches on lawns.
• Holes and collapsed tunnels in a mole-infested yard can create hazards for small children or pets.
• Their digging can also disrupt in-ground automatic sprinkler systems, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
• Moles also love acorns, nuts and seeds, and will feed on germinating plants if no other food source is readily available.
• In the winter months, moles searching for warmth can also dig close to your home, creating compromising conditions for your foundation (loose soil leading to shifting, vulnerability to moisture and the growth of mold and mildew).
• Finally, moles are wild animals, and can be vectors for rabies.

You can use fencing as a mole-preventative measure. The Safe Rodent Control (SRC) coalition recommends digging a trench 2 to 3 feet deep and lining it with wire mesh. The SRC further recommends eliminating other pests, such as grubs, likely to attract moles to your yard. Keeping your yard clear of dead leaves and other organic debris can also create a less hospitable environment for moles and make evidence of their presence much easier to spot.

DIY methods for helping get rid of moles can be dangerous. One of the most effective and safest things people can do is contact a wildlife control professional, many of which will use trapping. Some traps are designed, like mousetraps, to kill the pests outright. Other traps are meant to simply capture the mole and facilitate its relocation to an area where its natural behavior will be less destructive. However, this equipment has the potential to injure anyone who fails to install it properly. Again, it would be best to leave trapping to the professionals to remove animals safely.

Not sure what your home needs? Let us help.

Lawn Mole Removal in Atlanta

Moles are subterranean mammals that cause damage to lawns, gardens, and paved or brick pathways. They build complex tunnel systems, often large enough to extend far outside your lawn, potentially causing damage to neighboring lots as well. Thanks to their elusiveness, mole removal can be a very difficult task. Breda Pest Management is an industry leader in mole control for Atlanta homeowners. You can trust us to deploy the most effective and efficient mole removal service in Georgia.

How to Remove Moles from Your Property

Moles are some of the most secretive pests you could have. As burrowing rodents, moles spend the vast majority of their time underground and very rarely show themselves. The best way to tell if you have moles burrowing beneath your lawn or garden is to (a) look for raised ground caused by shallow tunneling or (b) find an entrance to their tunnel.

Most Effective Mole Traps

The most effective mole trapping method is to use spring-loaded prong or choker-loop traps along the mole’s tunnel or above a tunnel entrance. When a mole pushes up against the spring-loaded trap, the trap is activated. There are all sorts of different traps and variations in trapping methods, but the most effective solution is to hire experienced mole trapping professionals. DIY solutions like chemicals, poisons, and online home remedies do not work and only leave more time for the moles to become a bigger, more expensive problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

The volcano-shaped mounds at the entrance of mole burrows are often confused with gopher mounds. The difference is gopher mounds have plugged entrances and tend to be crescent-shaped, while mole mounds are more circular and the entrance tends to be open.

Hiring professional mole trappers is always the fastest way to rid your yard of moles. Don’t waste your time trying ineffective DIY solutions while the problem gets worse.

The national average cost for professional mole extermination is between 170. 500, depending on the scale of the infestation.

Lawn Mole Removal near Atlanta, Georgia

Moles (sometimes colloquially called yard moles or garden moles) are a unique pest control challenge. Many clients come to us after trying home solutions regarding mole trapping and extermination. Often there’s no substitute for an experienced pest control service. Contact us today.

Lawn Mole Removal Reviews on Google

“We used 3 other companies before switching to Breda. They were unable to meet the impeccable customer service, the competence, and the professional service that Breda offers. We now have every service provided by Bredapest service, wildlife, termites, mosquitoes, voles/moles, wasps/bees, and ants.”

“Caleb and Little Mike came out and accessed the issue and explained the course of treatment to get rid of moles and chipmunks. They were very professional and followed through on their strategy. Once they completed the task, they made sure the area was cleared and clean. Thank you BREDA Pest Management.”

“Great company all around. Punctual, professional and courteous during the inspection and installation of critter barriers for our attic area. Follow up was just as great. Yes, their may seem a bit higher vs. other pest management companies in regards to trapping, removal and installing barriers to deter wildlife from entering the attic area but you absolutely get what you pay for. The price difference was only about

Mole removal from lawn

Moles are common pests that exist on every continent. The little buggers love to dig tunnels underground, wreaking major havoc on your yard and landscaping.

In North America, moles can grow to be between five and seven inches long. That means there’s potential to cause serious damage to your curb appeal.

If you’re wondering about mole removal and how to go about it, read on for some helpful do’s and don’ts to keep them out of your yard for good.

Spotting the Infamous Mole

It’s important to know the signs of ground moles so you can start the removal process. These tiny mammals travel along paths or tunnels that they make underground. If you notice small trails of grass all over your yard that seem worn out, it could mean moles are present.

The biggest reason moles are a problem is that they chew up and eat the roots and bulbs of plants. This can cause your entire lawn or garden to die off in just one season.

You won’t likely see moles in your yard with the naked eye. These animals live underground, so it’s important to look for the red flags.

If you sink down into the ground in certain spots or notice small trails of raised dirt, it’s likely you have a mole problem. Look for small mounds of dirt that resemble tiny volcanoes. This is a typical sign that moles are lurking underneath your lawn.

You might think that moles are only an issue during the warmer months. But, these little pests can actually handle extremely cold temperatures, making them a year-round annoyance.

Mole Removal: Do Eliminate the Food Source

Moles enjoy eating insects that live in the dirt, particularly grubs and worms. If you cut off their food source, they’ll either starve or move on to other areas to find something to eat.

Use milky spores to kill the grubs in your soil, and the moles will eventually disappear. This may take a few seasons, however, so you might not have time for this option to work as quickly as you’d like.

If you want to try something more aggressive, use a grub-killing insecticide. Once the source of food is gone, the moles will likely move somewhere new where food is easy to find.

Mulch and piles of compost are attractive to moles. If possible, remove these items from your lawn and garden to help make the area less appealing.

Don’t: Try To Trap Moles Yourself

Trapping is one of the most common methods for permanent ground mole removal. While the idea seems simple, attempting to do this DIY can lead to frustration.

Not only will you need to know how to set the traps, but you’ll also need to know how to bait them and where to put them. Instead of using your own traps, it’s best to contact professional mole removal services near you.

The pros not only know how to trap moles, but they also know the best ways to do it effectively. This is an ongoing process that requires a lot of time, patience, and physical work.

While you’re welcome to try and trap the moles in your yard on your own, you’ll need to keep doing it in order for it to work. Consider calling a professional mole removal company that has experience dealing with these nagging pests instead.

Do: Use Mole Repellants

If you have moles in your yard, you can use repellants to keep them away. Moles hate castor oil since it disrupts their digestive tracts and will make your lawn less enticing.

You make your own mole repellant by mixing four tablespoons of castor oil with one gallon of water and two tablespoons of liquid detergent. Mix everything together in a blender, then add it to a watering can and fill the rest of the can with warm water. You can also apply it to your lawn using a garden sprayer attachment.

Evenly distribute your mole repellant all over the yard, including around the edges. You can also try granule or liquid repellants that you can find at most hardware stores. If you choose this route, be sure to follow the instructions closely for the best results.

Another way to “block” moles is to create a border around your yard by planting marigolds or daffodils. Moles don’t like the smell of these plants and will likely move to another location. Plant them in raised beds and use netting to help keep the moles out.

Don’t: Assume that Moles Will Disappear Fast

One of the biggest misconceptions of mole removal is that it’s a one-step process. These little pests are quite resilient and will take a lot of work to get rid of completely.

Eliminating their food source and using some humane repellant products is a good place to start. But if the moles keep coming back, it’s time to take more drastic measures.

If you think that one treatment of mole repellant or just a few traps will get rid of them, you’re going to be disappointed. A better option is to contact your local mole removal service for help so that you can get rid of them once and for all.

Get Rid of Pesky Moles

Keep these tips in mind for effective mole removal. While repellants and removing the food source can help, it’s always best to consult with professionals.

If you need help getting rid of moles in your yard, be sure to contact us today to find out more about our services.