Safest Method to Get Rid of Yard Moles

Trapping

• Trapping is one of the most effective ways of controlling moles and can be safe if done properly. Several types of mole traps are available at hardware stores and nurseries, including harpoon and scissor-jaw traps. Mole traps must be set to straddle the active tunnel; otherwise the mole will simply dig around the trap. To determine if a tunnel is active, stomp on a portion of the tunnel. If the tunnel is fixed within 24 hours, it is an active tunnel. Trap manufacturers generally provide detailed instructions concerning how to set the trap; these instructions should be followed carefully. If you do not feel comfortable setting the trap yourself, contact your local Animal Control organization.

Repellents

• Frightening devices, including vibrating windmills and loud whistles, are quite safe, but their effectiveness is unclear. Other repellents include Euphorbia lathyris, a plant that serves as a natural repellent, and soil-vibrating devices, which are available at most hardware stores and nurseries. While some literature suggests using broken glass, razor blades, bleach or castor oil to repel moles, these items can be very dangerous to humans, pets and other wild animals.

Additional Methods

• Installing underground fencing may provide temporary relief. However, moles are intelligent creatures and will destroy or dig around the fence. If moles have been digging up the plants in your garden, use wire mesh baskets to prevent moles from removing the bulbs from the ground. Moles eat earthworms, insects and invertebrates. Thus, removing these food sources will cause the moles to leave your yard. Unfortunately, this requires applying pesticides and, even then, getting rid of all food sources is difficult.

Warning

• Fumigation using gas is often suggested as a way to get rid of yard moles. However, fumigation can be dangerous. Moreover, it is generally not effective as the tunnel systems are too long and porous. In some states, such as Washington, trapping moles is illegal. Contact your local Department of Fish and Wildlife before engaging in any mole removal activities.