Home Methods to Rid Lawns of Moles

Habitat Modification

• Habitat modification can help limit the damage caused by moles and, with more limited success, get rid of moles. Over-watering your lawn brings moles closer to the surface, resulting in more visible tunnels. Reducing the amount or frequency of watering may limit the damage caused by moles. More intensive methods of limiting damage and discouraging moles from digging up your lawn include converting lawns to gardens, paths or hedgerows. Underground fences may temporarily deter moles, but generally moles will tear through or dig around fences.

Scare Tactics and Repellents

• A host of scare tactics and repellents have been used by homeowners, but are rarely effective and sometimes dangerous. These include dropping broken glass, razor blades, castor oil, red pepper and pickle juice down the burrows. Some research suggests that the Euphorbia lathyris (caper spurge), a plant toxic to humans and many animals, serves as an effective mole repellent.

Trapping

• Trapping is the most effective way to rid lawns of moles. Trapping is best done in the spring or fall using a harpoon or scissor trap. However, homemade mole traps can be effective. To set up a homemade mole trap, dig a small hole in the floor of an active burrow and place a large coffee can in the hole so that its rim is level with the floor of the burrow. Be sure that no sunlight can enter the burrow. The goal is to have the mole move along the burrow and fall into the coffee can.

Warnings

• Attempting to get rid of moles on your own can be dangerous. Many of the home remedies, such as broken glass and castor oil, can harm humans, pets and other animals. Trapping, while relatively safe, is illegal in some states, such as Washington. Thus, you should consider contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your local Animal Control organization if you experience a mole problem.