Not long after you've planted a beautiful lawn, you've seen a mound of earth ruining the beautiful setting of your garden. While moles are actually great for lawns because they increase soil aeration and feed on destructive insect larvae, they also kill grass around mounds. You don't need special skills to get rid of moles. There are many choices you can make before your lawn falls apart.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Rid of Moles
Step 1. Look for the active tunnel
If you want to clean the yard, first investigate the tunnels used by moles. Cover the nearest mound of dirt created by the mole and wait a day or two. If the mound is open, it is most likely still being actively used by moles.
Step 2. Use a special trap for moles
It seems that using traps is the most effective way to get rid of moles from your yard. You can buy these kits online or at your local farm or home supply store. Usually this is a trap equipped with a spring that must be assembled and arranged in the active tunnel. Consider some of the popular types of mole traps below:
- Traps with bait. This type of trap can be installed easily and quickly. Set the trap by placing it firmly in the center of the tunnel. You don't have to dig anything, but push the trap into the tunnel with your feet.
- Circular mousetrap. This type of trap is less expensive and can also be used on gophers and sewers. To use it, you have to dig up the mound carefully. then place the trap into the mound and seal any gaps that allow light to enter the soil.
- A rotating strangling type trap. This may be the trap that requires the most treatment, but many find it very effective once you become proficient with it. You have to make two holes in the active tunnel. Then the trap is inserted into the tunnel in a rotating strangler position ready to catch unwanted moles.
Step 3. Give the mole a gas blast
You must act very carefully when dealing with toxic gases. If you are successful in gassing the main nest or repeatedly gassing the mole, you will get a positive result. You can choose between different types of gas solutions, such as "Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs" or "Whole Control".
If there are children in your home, take precautions to ensure that the gas you spray does not contaminate them
Step 4. Trick moles with bait
While most traps don't use bait, you can increase your chances of getting rid of moles by baiting them. Some bait will poison moles. While some other bait you can get easily, for example earthworms. Get earthworms by prying up lumps of earth in your yard, or buy them online.
Step 5. Use a mousetrap
Mole and house mice are about the same size, so mousetrap can be an effective tool for catching moles. Prepare the bait while setting the trap. Then place the mousetrap at the exit of the mole tunnel. Check the trap a few hours later to see if any moles are trapped.
If no moles have been caught, the trap may not have been well hidden, or the moles have moved to a new tunnel
Step 6. Call a professional exterminator
Sometimes, the best way to deal with mole problems is to leave it to a professional exterminator. They will get rid of moles from the lawn, so you don't have to worry about deciding which method is the safest. Contact your local pest control service.
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Method
Step 1. Create a barrier by planting trees
Certain plants can deter moles from entering your lawn. Plant plants such as daffodils, marigolds, alliums, and fritillaria. Jatropha is also known to ward off moles, but this plant is also poisonous.
Step 2. Make your own mole repellent
You can mix castor oil and dish soap. Castor oil can be found in supermarkets in the drug section. Mix 180 ml of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of dish soap in 4 liters of water to make a concentrate. Spray on the lawn periodically, and spray again after it rains.
Step 3. Bring in the mole predator
It's an effective solution, because you don't have to intervene. Owls are natural predators of moles and you can lure them to your yard by building or purchasing a nest box. The nest box is shaped like a large birdhouse mounted on a tall tree. Once the nest box is assembled, place it on a tall tree and fill it with hay. Just wait until an owl comes and nests in the box.
Step 4. Trap the mole with the shovel
You need a long time to wait. First, track mole tracks by walking on them. This allows you to observe if any moles are actively using the tunnel. Wait near the tunnel for the moles to start moving. If you see a mole, fence off the mole with two shovels. The mole will be trapped. Place a large litter box or bucket over the trapped mole, then toss it in the bucket and remove it from your lawn.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing and Preventing Mole Arrival
Step 1. Recognize the signs of moles
Sometimes people mistake gophers for moles. The biggest difference is that the gopher doesn't kill your grass.
Step 2. Keep your lawn in good condition
Mowing the lawn regularly will make it easier for you to spot signs of moles. Also, keep your lawn not too muddy. This will require extra attention if your lawn is prone to getting muddy, as moles will come to wet soil. So don't over-water your lawn.
Step 3. Add simple components to your lawn
Put dry ice into the mole tunnel. The carbon dioxide released by this dry ice will suffocate the mole. Place wind spinners along mole tracks and in tunnel entrance holes. This makes the ground vibrate and moles don't like it, so the animal will move in search of a more "quiet" place.
Step 4. Fill the abandoned tunnel with stones
Moles don't like to dig into rocks, so filling tunnels with rock is a good precaution. Other moles can occupy an abandoned tunnel, but they won't be happy to occupy it if you use a rock.
Tips
- Moles usually make more than one trail to hide the actual place of action.
- Moles may forage on lawns from late spring to late fall.
- If you walk calmly and slowly, the mole won't know you're coming and won't flee back in the direction of its arrival.
- To prevent moles from damaging your garden again, place the wire mesh in the soil before planting. This will deter moles from invading your plants, but will allow plant roots to grow deep into the soil. However, this method can only be done before you plant.
Warning
- If the mole runs back into the old trail, you may have a hard time catching it.
- When killing moles, use quick strokes so you don't get hurt.
- If you don't move calmly and slowly, moles will freak out and run away.
