Are you tired of unsightly moles digging up your lawn? We’ve got you covered! We will show you tried-and-true methods to keep these pests from your garden.
From DIY traps and barriers to homemade repellents and more, you’ll discover the best techniques for ridding your outdoor space of these pesky critters.
Don’t let moles take over. Find out what strategies work to have a beautiful, mole-free yard all season!
Table of Contents
What are Moles?
Moles are small mammals or rats that belong to the Talpidae family. They are typically 4-7 inches long and weigh around 2-4 ounces.
Moles have a cylindrical-shaped body with short, velvety fur that can be gray, brown, or black. They also have tiny eyes and ears covered by fur.
One of the most distinctive features of moles is their large front paws designed for digging. Their front claws are broad and robust, allowing them to tunnel through the soil easily.
Moles spend most of their time underground in complex networks of tunnels, where they hunt for insects and worms as their primary food source.
While moles may seem harmless at first glance, they can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens due to their extensive burrowing activities.
These tunnels create unsightly mounds on your property and can uproot plants and decrease soil quality over time. You must control the mole population if you notice signs of infestation in your yard.
What are the Ways to Eliminate Moles in Your Yard Naturally?
1. Remove grubs
Grubs are the larvae of many different types of beetles, including Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live in soil and feed on grass roots, which can cause significant damage to your lawn if left unchecked.
Grubs attract moles as they are a primary source of food for them. One way to eradicate moles in your yard is to treat the grub infestation.
You can use beneficial nematodes, microscopic worms that prey on grubs and other harmful insects without harming your lawn or plants.
You can purchase these nematodes online or at garden centers and apply them in early spring or fall when the soil temperature is between 50-80°F.
Another natural method to eliminate grubs is by using milky spore disease. This bacterial disease affects only Japanese beetle grubs and will not harm any other beneficial insects or wildlife in your yard.
The bacteria multiply inside the grub’s body until it dies, releasing millions of new spores into the soil that will infect other grubs over time.
It takes about two years for milky spore disease to establish itself fully in your yard. However, it can last up to 20 years or more once established. Lastly, you can eliminate grubs with soapy water.
2. Cultivate repellent plants
One of the most effective ways to eradicate moles in your yard is to cultivate plants that repel them. These plants emit smells and produce toxins that moles dislike.
One such plant is the daffodil, which has a strong scent that repels moles and other rodents and pests. Another great option is castor bean, which produces a toxin called ricin, repelling moles without harming other wildlife.
In addition to daffodils and castor beans, several repellent plants can rid your lawn of these pests depending on your location and climate.
For example, marigolds have a pungent odor that keeps moles at bay while adding color to your garden. Garlic, onions, and leeks release sulfurous compounds in the soil that deter rodents.
These plants are safe for the environment and other animals if you use them correctly.
So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to keep moles out of your yard, consider cultivating some repellent plants today!
3. Apply castor oil
One natural method to eliminate moles in your yard is to apply castor oil.
Castor oil has a strong odor and taste that can repel moles, making it an effective solution for mole infestations.
To use castor oil, mix one cup of the oil with three gallons of water and spray the mixture over areas where you have spotted mole activity.
Another way to apply castor oil is by using castor oil granules. Sprinkle the granules over affected areas according to package instructions.
The granules will dissolve and release the scent of the castor oil into the soil, creating an unpleasant environment for moles.
4. Use vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile household item you can use in various ways, including eradicating moles in your yard. The acidic nature of vinegar makes it an effective solution to drive away these pesky creatures.
Mix equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to mole tunnels and mounds.
The pungent smell of vinegar will irritate their sensitive noses, forcing them to leave your yard. Using vinegar as a natural remedy against moles is an eco-friendly solution that is safe for both humans and pets.
Not only does it keep gardens pest-free, but it also promotes soil health and overall plant growth through its acidity-boosting properties.
With its numerous benefits, having a bottle of vinegar handy at home is worth considering!
5. Create loud noises
Moles are sensitive to loud noises, making it an effective way to drive them away from your yard. One method is to use a high-frequency sound emitter that creates a vibrating sensation in the soil.
This vibration creates an uncomfortable environment for moles, causing them to migrate elsewhere for more comfortable ground.
Another way to generate loud noises is by setting up wind chimes or empty containers that collide with each other when the wind blows.
The sound from these objects will resonate through the ground and cause discomfort for moles.
This method may take some time before you see results, as moles are resilient creatures and may require continuous exposure to loud noises before they leave your yard entirely.
6. Set traps
Traps are the most effective way to eliminate moles in your yard. There are several types of traps available, including live-capture and snap traps.
Live-capture traps work by luring the mole into a cage or container with bait and then releasing it elsewhere. On the other hand, snap traps will kill the mole instantly.
Mole plunger traps will drive a spike into the ground when a mole tunnel is detected, while scissor-jawed traps clamp down on the mole when it triggers the trap.
When using snap traps, put them in active tunnels where you have noticed mole activity. To increase your chances of success when using traps, identify the main tunnels moles use and place your trap accordingly.
You can locate an active run by looking for raised tunnels or soil mounds in your yard.
Check your trap regularly to release or dispose of any moles caught ASAP. Before setting a trap, wear gloves to avoid leaving any human scent that might scare off moles.
Additionally, never touch the trigger mechanism with bare hands because moles have sharp senses and might detect foreign smells in their food sources.
With patience and persistence, trapping can be an effective way to eliminate moles naturally.
7. Create barriers around your yard
Barriers are an effective way to keep moles out of your yard. You can prevent these pesky critters from burrowing and causing damage to your lawn by creating a physical barrier.
One option is installing underground fencing for moles. This type of fencing typically consists of mesh netting buried several inches deep around the perimeter of your yard.
Ensure the fence is flush with the ground so that moles cannot dig underneath it. Another option for creating a barrier is using plants that deter moles.
Certain types of plants, such as daffodils and alliums, can repel moles due to their strong odor or toxicity if ingested by the animals.
Cultivating these plants around the perimeter of your yard can help discourage moles from entering. Finally, natural materials like gravel or crushed oyster shells can serve as a physical barrier against mole activity in certain areas.
Spread these materials over garden beds or paths to deter moles from digging there.
While barriers may be effective in preventing new mole activity, they will not eliminate existing infestations in your yard without additional measures such as trapping or repelling methods.
Conclusion
Ridding your lawn of moles is not as difficult as it may seem. Implementing some methods we discussed earlier, such as using castor oil or creating barriers around your garden, can deter and eliminate these pesky creatures without harming them or the environment.
Remember to monitor your yard for new mole activity and make adjustments. Besides, you’ll have to be patient and persistent to enjoy your lawn or garden again.
So why wait? Start implementing these natural methods today and regain control over your outdoor space!
