How to Get Rid of Moles

If you’ve noticed little tunnels forming under the surface of your lawn, you likely have moles. You may wonder, “are moles bad?”. Unfortunately, the answer is yes! If you are unlucky enough to have become a host lawn for moles, lots of bad things are often happening. A significant invasion of moles and/or similar pests most often signifies a high population soil pests. That can’t be good.

Additionally, as they tunnel throughout the soil, they’re all disturbing roots and in turn damaging your lawn and garden.

How to stop moles

The best and most effective way to keep your lawn and garden mole-free is to prevent them, which we talk about further down in this article. If you already have a mole issue, read on for a few ways to get rid of them.

How do I control moles in my yard

1. Start by eliminating their food source. Moles are likely in your yard because they’re feeding on insects like grub worms and mole crickets—which often reap disaster in your landscape.

Consider using some of the products listed below:

2. Try to humanely repel them away from your lawn with the use of ultrasonic repellers OR, use Dawn soap to get rid of them.

How to get rid of moles with dawn soap

• Mix 3 parts castor oil and 1 part Dawn dish soap together
• Pour the solution over the tunnels located throughout your yard

Do mothballs get rid of moles?

In short, sometimes. Mothballs give off a smell that drives moles away from them. You can place them strategically around different areas of your lawn. However, this strategy doesn’t always work and will sometimes just make the moles dig around in other locations in your lawn.

How to get rid of consistent moles

Completely eliminating them from your lawn if they have a consistent presence may require an outside professional. Humane trapping is by far the most effective. There are remedies to eliminate the effectiveness of their tunnels should they best be ‘passing through.’

Moles vs. Voles – What’s the difference?

Unlike vegetarian voles, moles love insect pests, grubs and soil organisms, even beneficial varieties like earthworms. Such an appetite as well as a desire to find a mate requires they dig deep into your lawn. If they have welcomed themselves, volcano-shaped mounds often sit on top of your lawn next to their almost foot-long tunnels.

What does a ground mole look like?

Identifying them is not that challenging of a task…if you ever get to actually spot this sly pest. The Old Farmers Almanac describes them as feisty little mammals that boast hairless snouts, tiny eyes and Idaho-potato shaped bodies. Weighing in around 4 ounces, most average 7 inches in length.

They love moist, loamy soil as they actually swim along underground, using their wide front flippers to traverse the soil. The wetter the better, which is why they are most active early morning or evening, in the spring and fall.

Do moles have eyes?

Yes! Although they’re poorly developed, moles do in fact have eyes. However, they use their feet, claws and nose to navigate around in the soil.

Are moles rodents?

Moles are actually considered small, burrowing mammals. They are not related to rodents and are more closely related to shrews 

Do moles have tails?

Yes, moles have tails. They’re short and covered in fur.

How big are moles?

Fully grown moles are about 4–7 inches in length and generally weigh between 1.5–2 oz.

What time of day are moles active?

You can often find most moles in the spring and fall seasons when temperatures aren’t too warm or too hot. Additionally, they’re typically active in the mornings or evenings.

How long do moles live?

Depending on where you’re located, moles will live less than two years.

How do moles dig?

Moles have large front feet with long claws they use to dig and navigate around the soil with. 

What do moles eat?

Moles are ground-dwelling carnivores that can cause your lawn and garden major havoc. These feisty pests are carnivores interested in feasting on insects, not grass and plants. They will still damage your plants by disturbing their roots as the moles tunnel around the lawn.

Do moles eat ants?

Yes, moles have been known to eat ants alongside other types of insects.

Are moles nocturnal?

No. Moles are most active in the mornings and evenings.

Do moles hibernate in winter?

No, moles do not hibernate in the winter. They’ll simply dig deeper into the soil to stay warm when really cold temperatures ensue or when there’s a freeze.

What do moles eat in the winter?

They continue to feed on any present insects like grubs, mole crickets or other types of insects and worms.

How to prevent molees?

By far, the best strategy against mole infestation is to prevent their arrival in the first place. Work diligently to keep their food supply…grubs and bugs…away. That should ensure that moles make their home in someone else’s lawn.  

Do sonic mouse repellers work?

These ultrasonic tools create a low vibration that only they can hear. The sound is designed to make them think there’s another mole in the area, but it doesn’t always work. Occasionally, they’ll disregard the sound.

Castor oil is a great tool for detouring moles as the smell drives moles and other smaller digging pests away. Follow label instructions when applying.