Imagine looking out the window one morning and realizing your lawn is ruined. If it’s covered in neat little piles of dirt with tunnels in between, you can add mole removal to your to-do list.
It’s amazing how much damage these tiny mammals can do in a short amount of time, and they are difficult to get rid of. There are few different mole eradication methods you can try.
Read on to learn how to get rid of moles in your yard, so you can keep your green grass, your flower garden, and your peace of mind.
What Is a Mole?
Before you begin your battle with them, it’s helpful to know a few basic facts about moles.
Moles are 6-8 inches long and covered in thick fur. They have tiny, almost invisible eyes and ears for life underground, and a pointy nose and oversized feet and claws for digging tunnels.
They dig because they are looking for food – mostly bugs, grubs, and worms that live in the dirt. When they tunnel through your yard, they push the excess dirt above ground, leaving mountains of dirt all over the place.
Luckily, they are solitary animals, so it’s likely you will only need to remove one or two.
How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard
You can try to get rid of moles naturally, or you can use poisons and traps. Each mole removal method has its own pros and cons.
Mole Repellents
If you’re wondering how to get rid of moles naturally, applying a mole repellent to your yard is a great choice. There are granular and liquid options, all designed to make the environment less pleasant for moles.
Mole repellents are usually castor oil-based, because moles hate the smell and taste. You can buy repellent, or make your own.
Mole Traps
Mole traps are an effective way to get rid of moles, but they are deadly. If you are comfortable with killing the moles in your yard, you can purchase scissor traps from most hardware stores.
Each trap is inserted into the ground, and the mole dies instantly when it tunnels underneath. Mole traps are illegal in some places, so you might need to apply for a permit or hire a local company to help.
Mole Baits
Shaped like the worms and grubs moles love to eat, mole baits contain bromethalin. After this powerful rodenticide is ingested, it kills the mole within a few days.
Mole bait is also toxic to pets, children, and other wildlife, so be careful about where you put it. Also be sure to check the laws in your area before you begin.
Coexisting With Moles
Some gardeners ultimately choose to abandon their battle with moles and embrace the animals as part of the natural ecosystem.
Sure, they make plenty of messes. But they also eat grubs before they grow into garden pests like Japanese beetles. They can aerate the soil, and they are kind of cute! The mole will probably move to a different area, if you wait long enough.
Green Lawns for All
Now that you know how to get rid of moles in your yard, you can start to experiment and figure out what works best for you. Your hard work will be worth it when your lawn is green and tunnel-free again.
If this article was helpful, check out the other posts in our Home & Garden section.
