The mole is a relatively small, furry creature that likes to burrow underground, often making tunnels and holes in lawns. Actually its presence in the yard has a use, because these furry animals eat other nuisance pests. However, these animals also cause lawns to look bumpy or uneven. While many lawn owners look for friendly ways to rid their lawn of these animals, some of those who use poison know that trapping and killing these animals is the only way. If you're looking to get rid of moles in your yard, continue reading and learn how to do it effectively.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Trapping Moles
Step 1. Look for signs of mole activity in the spring and fall
It is during this time that moles are thought to be most active and burrow near the ground. In winter, these animals tend to dig deeper, making them more difficult to catch. Rats usually give birth in late spring, so if you catch them before early summer you can control the population. Planning for a mousetrap during spring is best.
Step 2. Check for mounds in the yard
You probably already know what to look for: bumpy/uneven grass, blank spots in your lawn that look like small volcanoes. You may see one, two, or maybe even your page is full of bumps. No matter how many mounds you see, it's possible that there are actually no more than one or two moles in your yard. The animal may dig alone; do not come in a group, nor do they live in a community.
Step 3. Select the trapping location by checking the active tunnel
Find the main road in the ground that is still active by breaking it down and waiting for the mice to react. Throughout the afternoon, destroy mounds of earth by stepping on them. If the tunnel is active then the mound will appear again the next morning. Straight tunnels connect the mounds to each other. Main tunnels are usually made by rats along construction edges, such as walkways or fences.
Step 4. Set the trap
You will need to purchase a trap specifically designed for moles. There are two types of traps to choose from: spear traps and scissors traps. With both types of traps, the rat that enters it will be killed immediately.
- Set the spear trap by making a 'well' above the active tunnel. Gently push your hands down over the tunnel until it collapses to 50%. Align the trap spikes over the tunnel. Push the trap into the ground. The trap trigger should be above the low part of the tunnel. Set the trap following the manufacturer's instructions, and leave it at the selected location.
- Set the scissor trap by first checking the location around the mound. Use a long screwdriver or steel rod to find out how deep the tunnel is. If the pointer drops rapidly to a few centimeters, it indicates that the tunnel is deep enough that you need to hit it a little. Dig a hole the size of a trap, where the pointer indicated a tunnel. Insert a handful of soil into the tunnel, position the trap-as directed by the manufacturer-and lower the trap into the hole. Make sure both pairs of trap jaws are in the tunnel, each on the side of the mound you created. Finally, remove the safety lock and close the hole.
Step 5. Check for traps
As soon as you set the trap, you need to inspect it daily to see if you might have caught a mouse. If within 4-5 days no rats have been caught, it is possible that you have set traps in the tunnels that the rats no longer pass through. If so, you will need to move the trap to a different location.
- Continue checking the trap and moving it, if necessary, until you have caught a mouse.
- If you're having trouble finding an active rat tunnel, make sure you set a trap around a mound of dirt that looks brand new.
Step 6. Remove the mouse from the trap
As soon as a mouse is caught in a trap, follow the instructions-provided by the trap manufacturer-on how to release the captured mouse. Make sure you use plastic gloves when releasing caught mice.
Step 7. Remove the caught mice
Use a shovel to put the mouse into the plastic bag. Close the bag tightly and put it in the trash can outside the house. Follow local rules on how to dispose of dead animals.
Step 8. Reattach the trap
Mice from a neighbor's yard may move into the tunnel in your yard as soon as the rat in your yard is caught. Therefore, you will need to re-attach the trap and inspect it every few days, and immediately dispose of any rats that have been caught. Eventually the tunnel will become 'obsolete' and no more rats will pass through it.
Method 2 of 2: Using Another Approach
Step 1. Reduce watering of the lawn
Moles are aquatic, and like to move to well-watered lawns. Wet lawns tend to have lots of worms for moles to feed on, and wet soil is easier to pass. If you use sprinklers from day to day then you have created an ideal habitat for moles. Try to only water the yard once a week to make the environment less hospitable for the furry creatures.
Step 2. Replace your lawn with succulents or other plants that require less water
Who says lawns have to be planted with grass? Grass requires consistent watering, and earthworms like to live under it, so a grassy lawn will attract lots of moles. If you replace the grass with cactus, moss, or another groundcover plant that requires less water, you will save on water costs and make your lawn less attractive to moles.
- Choose plants native to your area that do not require a lot of water.
- You can also plant trees and surround them with gravel, soil or suitable ground cover.
Step 3. Flatten your lawn using your feet or a garden roller
This step is considered a time-consuming method, but most people find it effective. Every day, level the mound made by mice by trampling on it. You can also use a lawnmower to ease the job. Over the course of a few weeks, the rats will repeatedly push the soil back up into mounds. However, you will eventually tire the rats out so they can start digging deeper and stop destroying your lawn.
Step 4. Don't use unknown methods, especially superstitious ones, to get rid of moles
The use of poison, human hair, fumigation and machines that generate sound waves have not been proven to be effective in getting rid of moles. Don't waste your time and money trying this method. Among many people including frustrated gardeners, they have tried it.
Step 5. Consider allowing moles to activity
The mole's activity actually helps aerate the soil and preys on lots of insects, making your lawn healthier in the long run. If you see small bumps like volcanic eruptions on your lawn, consider leaving them alone rather than trying to kill the rat that caused them. Moles only live for 3 years, so eventually the problem will resolve itself.
Tips
- The mound of earth from mole rat activity looks like a small volcano. However, if the mound looks like a horseshoe then it is a hole made by a mole.
- Regular mowing of the grass will make it easier for you to locate mole tunnels.
- Use at least one trap for each active tunnel.
Warning
- Do not place the trap at the end of the tunnel. The mole will run through the trap area to avoid it.
- In some countries, it is illegal to use mole traps.
