Proven Strategies to Prevent and Eliminate Moles and Keep Them Away…

Moles can be a persistent and frustrating problem for homeowners, burrowing their way through lawns and gardens, leaving unsightly mounds and tunnels in their wake. These small, subterranean mammals may be out of sight, but their destructive impact on your carefully cultivated outdoor spaces is hard to ignore. Fortunately, with the right approach and a little determination, you can effectively rid your property of these unwelcome guests and prevent future infestations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most reliable methods for getting rid of moles, as well as proven strategies to keep them from returning.

Understanding Moles: Identifying the Culprit

Before you can effectively tackle a mole problem, it’s essential to understand the nature of these burrowing creatures. Moles are small, insectivorous mammals that belong to the Talpidae family. They are known for their distinctive features, including:

Physical Characteristics

    • Cylindrical bodies with short, dense fur that ranges from black to gray in color
    • Large, paddle-like front paws with sharp claws, adapted for digging
    • Tiny, almost invisible eyes and ears, as well as a long, pointed snout
    • Typically measuring between 4 to 7 inches in length

Burrowing Behavior

    • Moles are skilled tunnelers, constructing an extensive network of underground passages and chambers
    • They create two types of tunnels: deep runways (12-18 inches below the surface) for daily travel, and shallow surface tunnels (just below the topsoil) for foraging
    • The tell-tale signs of a mole’s presence are the raised ridges and symmetrical mounds of soil that appear on the lawn’s surface

Feeding Habits

    • Moles are insectivores, feeding primarily on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates
    • Their voracious appetite can lead to significant damage to your lawn and garden as they search for their next meal

Understanding the unique characteristics and behaviors of moles is crucial in developing an effective plan to eliminate them from your property.

Identifying the Culprit: Moles, Voles, and Other Burrowing Pests

While moles are a common culprit behind unsightly lawn damage, it’s important to correctly identify the offending pest to ensure you employ the right control methods. Moles can be easily mistaken for other burrowing animals, such as voles, pocket gophers, and shrews. Here’s how to distinguish between these different critters:

Moles

    • Cylindrical bodies with short, dense fur
    • Large, paddle-like front paws and a long, pointed snout
    • Raised ridges and symmetrical mounds of soil on the lawn’s surface

Voles

    • Mouse-like appearance with visible eyes and ears
    • Shorter tails compared to mice
    • Smaller, less pronounced mounds and tunnels

Pocket Gophers

    • Larger in size, typically 6-10 inches in length
    • Visible, yellow front teeth and fur-lined external cheek pouches
    • Fan-shaped mounds of soil, often with a visible hole

Shrews

    • Smaller, measuring 3-4 inches in length
    • Mouse-like appearance with small eyes and long snouts
    • Do not create their own tunnels, but rather use existing ones

Accurately identifying the culprit is the first step in developing an effective mole control strategy. Once you’ve determined that moles are the source of your lawn’s woes, you can move forward with the appropriate removal and prevention methods.

Effective Mole Removal Strategies

When it comes to getting rid of moles, there are several proven methods to consider. From trapping to baiting, each approach has its own advantages and considerations. Let’s explore the most effective mole removal techniques:

Trapping

Trapping is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and targeted methods for eliminating moles. There are two main types of mole traps:

Harpoon Traps

      • These traps use a spring-loaded mechanism to quickly impale the mole as it travels through the tunnel
      • Carefully place the trap directly over an active tunnel, ensuring the trigger pan is flush with the ground
      • Check the trap regularly and move it to a new location if no mole is caught within 3-4 days

Pit Fall Traps

      • These traps are designed to catch the mole alive, allowing you to relocate it to a more remote area
      • Bury a wide-mouth jar or container flush with the ground, covering the exposed tunnel with cardboard
      • Check the trap regularly and release the mole in a wooded or shaded location, according to local regulations

Trapping requires patience and attention to detail, but it can be a highly effective way to eliminate moles without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

Baiting

Mole baits are another option for controlling these pests, though their effectiveness is not as well-documented as trapping. Mole baits are typically designed to mimic the appearance and scent of the mole’s natural food sources, such as earthworms. When the mole consumes the bait, it can lead to its demise.

Considerations for Baiting

      • Baits containing the active ingredient bromethalin are generally considered more effective, as they can kill moles within 12-24 hours of a single feeding
      • Repeat bait applications every week for up to six weeks to ensure comprehensive coverage of the mole’s territory
      • Exercise caution when using baits, as they can pose a risk to pets and other non-target animals if not used properly

While baiting can be a useful tool, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits, and to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Professional Pest Control

For homeowners facing persistent or extensive mole problems, enlisting the help of a professional pest control service may be the best course of action. Experienced technicians have access to a wider range of tools and techniques, as well as the expertise to develop a comprehensive mole control plan tailored to your property.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

      • In-depth knowledge of mole behavior and control methods
      • Access to specialized equipment and products, including more potent baits and fumigants
      • Ability to implement a multi-pronged approach, combining trapping, baiting, and exclusion techniques
      • Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the moles do not return

While hiring a professional may come with a higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits of a successful mole removal and prevention strategy can far outweigh the investment.

Preventing Future Mole Infestations

Once you’ve successfully eliminated the moles from your property, the next step is to implement strategies to keep them from returning. By making your yard less appealing to these burrowing pests, you can enjoy a lush, mole-free landscape for years to come.

Eliminate Food Sources

Moles are primarily attracted to areas with an abundance of their preferred food sources, such as grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. By taking steps to reduce these food sources, you can make your property less appealing to moles.

    • Use beneficial nematodes or milky spore to control grub populations
    • Apply insecticides or other targeted treatments to eliminate the mole’s food supply
    • Maintain a healthy, well-aerated lawn, as moles prefer areas with soft, moist soil

Implement Physical Barriers

Creating physical barriers can help prevent moles from burrowing into your yard in the first place. One effective method is to install an underground wire mesh fence around the perimeter of your property.

    • Dig a trench approximately 12 inches deep and line it with a wire mesh or hardware cloth with openings no larger than 3/4 inch
    • Backfill the trench, ensuring the mesh extends at least 6 inches above the ground and 6 inches below
    • This underground barrier can effectively deter moles from tunneling into your yard

Improve Drainage and Lawn Health

Moles are attracted to areas with moist, soft soil, as it makes burrowing and foraging easier. By improving drainage and maintaining a healthy, well-aerated lawn, you can create an environment that is less appealing to these pests.

    • Address any areas of poor drainage or standing water on your property
    • Aerate your lawn regularly to improve soil structure and water infiltration
    • Maintain a consistent mowing schedule and avoid overwatering your lawn

Use Repellents and Deterrents

While their effectiveness is debated, some homeowners find success in using natural or commercial repellents to deter moles from entering their yards.

    • Plant mole-repellent plants, such as daffodils, marigolds, and alliums, around the perimeter of your property
    • Apply castor oil-based repellents or granular deterrents to your lawn, following the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Install ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves, which may temporarily disrupt moles’ activities

Remember that a multi-pronged approach, combining various prevention strategies, is often the most effective way to keep moles at bay in the long run.

Addressing Mole-Related Lawn Damage

Even after successfully removing moles from your property, you may be left with the unsightly aftermath of their burrowing activities. Addressing the damage to your lawn is an essential step in restoring its lush, healthy appearance.

Repairing Mole Tunnels and Mounds

    • Flatten any visible mole mounds or ridges by stomping on them or using a lawn roller
    • Fill in the resulting depressions with a mixture of topsoil and grass seed, tamping it down firmly
    • Overseed the affected areas to encourage new grass growth and repair the damage

Restoring Lawn Health

    • Aerate the soil to improve drainage and oxygen flow, which can help the grass recover
    • Apply a balanced lawn fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth
    • Overseed the damaged areas with a high-quality grass seed blend suited to your climate and soil type

By taking prompt action to address the physical damage caused by moles, you can help your lawn bounce back and regain its vibrant, uniform appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I have a mole problem?

The most obvious signs of a mole infestation are the raised ridges and symmetrical mounds of soil that appear on your lawn’s surface. These are the result of the mole’s extensive burrowing and tunneling activities.

When are moles most active?

Moles tend to be most active during the early morning and late evening hours, especially during the spring and fall seasons when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild. They are less active during the hot, dry summer months and the cold winter season.

Can I just flatten the molehills?

While you can flatten the visible mole mounds, this is only a temporary solution. The mole will simply push the soil back up, and you’ll end up in a never-ending game of “whack-a-molehill.” To effectively address a mole problem, you’ll need to employ more comprehensive removal and prevention strategies.

What if I ignore the moles? Will they eventually go away on their own?

Moles are unlikely to leave your property on their own, as long as they have access to a reliable food source and a suitable burrowing environment. If you do not take action to remove them and eliminate the factors that attract them, the moles will likely continue to thrive and cause ongoing damage to your lawn and garden.

When should I consider hiring a professional pest control service?

If you’re dealing with a persistent or extensive mole problem that you’re unable to resolve on your own, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional pest control service. These experts have access to specialized equipment and techniques, as well as in-depth knowledge of mole behavior and control methods, which can be invaluable in effectively eliminating the pests and preventing their return.

A&A Can Stop Moles From Destroying Your Lawn 

We place a worm-shaped mole bait for moles who are currently creating tunnels. After just one feeding, that particular mole will no longer be a problem in about 2 days. Stay clear of these mole tunnels (runs) until you don’t see any more mole activity.
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Moles can be a frustrating and persistent problem for homeowners, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your lush, mole-free lawn. By understanding the characteristics and behaviors of these burrowing pests, accurately identifying the culprit, and implementing a comprehensive removal and prevention strategy, you can effectively eliminate moles and keep them from returning.

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A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.
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