Moles are small, nearly blind insectivores that spend the vast majority of their lives underground, creating extensive tunnel networks in search of food. Their activity is most visible through cone-shaped molehills, which are piles of excavated soil pushed to the surface, and raised ridges marking their shallow feeding runs. A single mole can create significant damage, sometimes extending tunnels by as much as 100 feet in a single day. Controlling these subterranean pests requires a multi-step approach addressing both immediate damage and the underlying presence of the animal.
Immediate Cleanup of Existing Mounds
The unsightly mounds of dirt are the byproduct of the mole’s deeper tunneling and must be dealt with to restore the lawn’s appearance. Leveling these molehills is cosmetic and does not eliminate the mole, but it prepares the area for further control measures. The loose soil can be quickly dispersed by gently raking it outward across the lawn surface.
Alternatively, lightly stomping on the mounds or using a roller helps collapse the deeper tunnels and redistribute the soil. This action also helps reveal the path of the mole’s active surface runways, making it easier to target control methods later. Once the soil is leveled, any bare patches should be lightly top-dressed with soil and overseeded to encourage new turf growth.
Deterring Moles with Non-Lethal Methods
Non-lethal deterrents focus on creating an unattractive environment based on scent and vibration to encourage moles to relocate without harm. Moles possess a sensitive sense of smell, making castor oil-based repellents a common approach. These repellents, available in liquid concentrate and granular forms, are applied to the lawn and watered in to penetrate the soil.
The castor oil does not injure the mole but coats their food source and tunnels, creating an unpleasant taste and smell that irritates their digestive system. Repeat applications, especially after heavy rainfall, are often necessary to maintain a sufficient concentration of the repellent in the soil.
Another method is the use of sonic or vibrational devices, which are inserted directly into the ground. These devices emit low-frequency sounds or vibrations every few seconds, intended to disrupt the mole’s sensitive touch receptors and make foraging uncomfortable. While appealing for their ease of use, the effectiveness of these deterrents varies widely and is often limited to a small radius around the device.
As a physical measure, subterranean barriers made of hardware cloth or wire mesh can be installed vertically around small, high-value areas like garden beds. This barrier must extend at least 18 to 24 inches deep and be bent outward at a 90-degree angle at the bottom to prevent the mole from tunneling underneath.
Eliminating Moles Through Trapping and Baits
Direct removal is the most effective method for achieving control. Success begins with identifying the main, active runways, which are the primary travel routes used multiple times daily. To confirm an active tunnel, gently collapse a small section of a raised surface run by pressing down with a foot. If the tunnel is repaired within 12 to 24 hours, it is a highly active path and the ideal location for trap or bait placement.
There are several effective trap designs, including the scissor, harpoon, and choker loop traps, all designed for underground placement. The trap must be set directly over or within a confirmed active runway, ensuring the trigger mechanism aligns with the mole’s path. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the trap to ensure safety and efficacy. Handling traps with gloves is recommended to avoid transferring human scent, which can cause the mole to detour.
Commercial mole baits, often shaped like earthworms (a primary food source), offer a chemical control option. These baits contain a toxic agent and must be placed directly into the main tunnel network using a probe or small hole, then carefully sealed. Due to the toxicity of these products, they must be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets. Local regulations regarding the use of such poisons should also be checked before application.
Maintaining the Yard to Prevent Future Activity
Long-term mole prevention focuses on altering the environment to make the yard unattractive to new moles. Moles are insectivores whose diet consists primarily of earthworms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. Reducing the available food supply is a strategy to encourage them to forage elsewhere.
Targeted lawn treatments to control grub populations, such as applying beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease, can reduce a significant portion of the mole’s diet. While moles consume earthworms, reducing the abundance of pest insects makes the habitat less appealing overall. Moles prefer soft, moist soil because it is easier to tunnel through and generally contains more food.
Addressing excessive soil moisture and improving drainage makes the ground more difficult to navigate, discouraging new tunneling activity. This is accomplished by reducing overwatering or implementing aeration services to break up soil compaction. Maintaining a healthy, dense turf layer also helps stabilize the soil structure.