Mole Removal in the Lawn and Garden

Description

• Moles create burrows in lawns and gardens in search of food, mainly earthworms, insects and other invertebrates. The burrows create mounds and ridges in lawns and dislodge plants in gardens. Moles are rarely seen above ground. However, if you spot a mole above ground, it is likely between 4 and 9 inches long. The mole likely has dark gray or brown fur, a pink tail and feet, and no visible ears.

Repellents

• Some people swear by the use of home remedies, such as pickle juice, pepper, rose branches, ultrasonic devices, broken glass, bleach, castor oil, mothballs, lye and human hair, to repel moles from their lawn and garden. The effectiveness of these items, however, is not supported by research. Moreover, many of these items can harm wildlife, pets and people. There are several commercial repellents available as well. Again, the effectiveness of these products is not supported by research.

Trapping

• The most effective way to remove moles from your lawn and garden is through trapping. There are several different mole traps available, including harpoon and scissor-jaw mole traps. Moles are active year round. However, trapping is best done in the spring and fall, particularly after a long rain. During the summer and winter, moles burrow deeper in the soil and thus are more difficult to trap. Mole traps should be set in active burrows. To determine if a particular burrow is active, cave in part of the burrow with your foot. If the burrow is reopened within 24 to 48 hours, the burrow is active. When setting a mole trap, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Moreover, check with your local wildlife department to make sure trapping is legal in your state.

Additional Methods

• For gardens, wire mesh baskets and wire mesh bottoms in raised beds will help prevent moles from damaging plants. For lawns, flooding and fumigating may be effective. Finally, while it will not get rid of moles, watering your lawn properly may reduce the visible signs of mole damage. Overwatering brings moles close to the surface, making tunnels more visible.