How To Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard: 7 Effective Methods
With the warmer weather, you can start expecting a ton of pests to show around your garden. This includes moles. While these small mammals may seem cute, they can be very disruptive to your outdoor space. If you start noticing a bunch of 3- to 5- inch, rounded, raised ridges alongside little piles of soil here and there around your lawn and garden, then you are most likely dealing with moles. While moles don’t go around chewing up and feeding off your plants, they are harmful in other ways. These creatures may be small, but their damage is mighty. As they dig through the soil creating tunnels they take down every plant that is in their way. This means you will be left with destroyed roots and unhealthy plants. That’s why today we will show you how to get rid of moles in your yard with a few simple methods.
While these small mammals may seem cute, they can be very disruptive to your outdoor space
In this article
What Are Moles?
Moles are small burrowing insectivores. They are around 6 to 8 inches long and have gray, brown or black fur. Moles have small beady eyes, tiny ears and slender hairless snouts. Thanks to their big large feet with long claws they can dig like hell. They feed on insects and grubs, so they will at least get rid of lawn grubs. They also tend to live alone. So, you will likely be dealing with just one mole, unless it is early spring, which is their breeding season.
Moles are small burrowing insectivores that have gray, brown or black fur and long claws
How To Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard
Many homeowners mistake mole tunnels for those made by pocket gophers. However, it’s important to remember that gophers do not make raised ridges as they go. They also eat roots and will pull plants underground. These main differences will help you be sure that you are dealing with moles. So, don’t let these tiny menaces wreak havoc in your garden! It’s time to take matters into your own hands and fight back. Here are some simple methods to get rid of these pests and keep them away for good.
Many homeowners mistake mole tunnels for those made by pocket gophers
#Remove food source
Mole love their grub. Which means that if you eliminate the grubs, you cut off the mole’s food source and they won’t have any reason to stay in your garden anymore. So, once all the food is gone, they will relocate to a place with a better food source. You can easily get rid of lawn grubs by using nematodes and other methods. If you want an even faster result, you can also use insecticides.
You cut off the mole’s food source and they won’t have any reason to stay in your garden anymore
#Make repellent
You can make your very own DIY repellent to drive the mole away. Castor oil is a great choice for this, as it will not kill the moles, but it will cause them some temporary itchy skin and some digestion issues which will quickly make your garden an unappealing place to live. To make this repellent just mix one part dish soap with three parts castor oil. Then take around four tablespoons of this mixture and mix it in a gallon of water. With this spray go around and soak the tunnels and entrances. You can also purchase ready repellent sprays.
You can make your very own DIY repellent with castor oil to drive the mole away
#Border plants
There are certain plants that moles just do not like. Which is great for you! You can create a border in your garden with these beautiful flowering plants to help deter moles. Some of the most effective plants are daffodils, marigolds, and alliums. These are all natural repellents that are safe options if you have kids, pets, and wildlife running around your garden. Plus, they make a beautiful addition to your garden, so it is a win-win.
You can create a border in your garden with these beautiful flowering plants to help deter moles
#Pets
Bring in some help from your pets. Dogs can be especially helpful to keep moles at bay and drive them away from your yard. The sounds of a dog barking and running around can scare the moles away, as they will feel threatened by the awaiting them predator. Cats can also be useful if they are used to roaming around the garden. Once moles sense they have constant company waiting for them to pop out, they will be more inclined to move far away.
Dogs can be especially helpful to keep moles at bay and drive them away from your yard
#Drought
Moles main food source which is earthworms and other grubs. And they thrive in soft, damp soil. So, if your garden allows it, you can make an artificial drought. This will make your garden less hospitable for them. Try to keep your garden as much on the dry side as possible in order to limit the activity of earthworms and consequently discourage moles from searching for food at your place. So, make sure to avoid overwatering. Lawns only need around an inch of water to stay nice and beautiful, so there is no need for more water.
You can make an artificial drought, as this will make your garden less hospitable for moles
#Traps
Moles can be tricky to evict. One of the most sure ways to rid yourself of these pests is to trap them. Mole-specific traps are super effective and lethal. You can find both above-ground traps, and below-ground traps in your local gardening stores. After you choose your trap, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to make sure you are using it correctly and that it will get the job done. It’s recommended to move the traps on the daily while you are still noticing activity. This will increase the chances of catching it.
One of the most sure ways to rid yourself of these pests is to trap them
#Pest control
If you can’t seem to get a handle on the problem, then it’s time to call in some professionals. Search for local pest control companies and let them take care of the dirty business. They have all the needed tools and knowledge to clear your garden from moles, so don’t be afraid to contact them in times of need. Sometimes even if you try your best, some professional help can come in handy.
If you can’t seem to get a handle on the problem, then it’s time to call in some professionals
These were some of the most effective ways on how to get rid of moles in your yard. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can enjoy a mole free garden and you won’t have to worry about them making a mess in your garden.
These were some of the most effective ways on how to get rid of moles in your yard
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