How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Moles live underground and dig burrows. If the furry pest is digging in your yard, learn effective ways to get rid of them.

Moles are little mammals with grey or black velvety fur. You’ll recognize them by their long snouts, small eyes, and ears.

They like to eat insects and larvae, which they find by digging tunnels. You’ll know a mole has arrived in your yard when you see mounds of soil or feel soft spots. They’re called molehills.

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In most cases, Moles aren’t bad and won’t affect you. They can benefit your yard by eating the insects that destroy your plants, such as grub.

However, they can be annoying when they dig in your yard and ruin the landscape. To get rid of moles, try any of the following methods.

1. Eliminate the food source

Moles love to eat insects in the soil, and grubs are their favorite. The key is to get rid of the insects because they’ll look elsewhere for food. You can use products that are designed to control grubs and insects.

The drawback is that the moles may begin eating other insects and worms. Start by eliminating their food sources, and if that doesn’t work, you’ll have to try other methods.

2. Create barriers

Barriers are great because they block the moles. You can create a barrier by using plants from the allium family, such as marigolds or daffodils. If you plant them in your garden, they’ll repel moles and insects.

Another method is to dig a trench and line it with rocks. The trench should be 2 feet deep and 6 inches wide. This is a great way to create a barrier that prevents moles from digging into your yard.

3. Use a repellent

You can purchase a mole repellent from a store or make one at home. At stores, you can find them in liquid and spray forms.

Castor oil is non-toxic and commonly used in repellents, which is why you can make it at home. To make it, combine 1/4 cup of castor oil with 6 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent in a blender. It’ll have the consistency of whipped cream.

Then, you can mix 2 tablespoons of the repellent with water in a watering can pour it over the molehills or areas where they used to be.

4. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage

Moles love moist soil, and so do the insects they like to eat. So, avoid overwatering, and if you can, improve the drainage in your yard. Effective methods include extending your downspouts or bringing in plants that love water.

5. Hire a professional

If you don’t want to do it yourself or experiment with different methods, hire a professional. They’ll know what to do and be able to clear up your yard quickly. You can call a pest control company and request mole removal services. Expect it to cost around $250.

6. As a last resort, use traps

The trap should be your last resort because it’ll kill the mole. It’s the least humane method, but it works. You can purchase a mole trap online or at a local home improvement or outdoor store.

Mole traps work by crushing the mole when it tries to reopen a blocked tunnel. The trap blocks the tunnel and is triggered when something tries to press through.

It’s also important to note that killing moles may be illegal in your state. So, check on that before you buy a mole trap.

Conclusion

Moles are more of a nuisance than anything else. They won’t harm you, but they can ruin your yard. If you want to get rid of moles, try eliminating their food sources, using repellents, and building barriers before moving onto traps.

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Featured image courtesy of Canva.