Moles may be cute little critters to some, but they can wreak havoc on your yard, causing significant damage to your landscaping and lawn. If you've found your yard turned into a labyrinth of mole tunnels and mounds, it's time to take action. Understanding what attracts moles in the first place is important when it comes to learning how to get rid of moles in your yard. Moles are insectivores that love to feast on earthworms, grubs, beetles, and larvae. They find spaces with these abundant food sources highly appealing.
Favorable environmental conditions include cool soil temperatures and landscapes that offer ample shelters, like hedges and fence lines. By understanding what lures them, we can devise effective strategies to make our yards less inviting to these unwelcome guests. This guide will equip you with the best strategies on how to keep moles out of your yard with ease.
At first glance, you can mistake mole activity for that of voles, mice, or other rodents. However, several signs can provide clarity and indicate that you have a mole problem in your yard. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward figuring out how to get rid of moles in your yard.
Moles can cause substantial damage to the root systems of your grass. This usually results in patches of dead grass left behind as they dig their intricate network of tunnels. These spots of decaying vegetation often stand out against the rest of your lawn, indicating a problem beneath the surface.
Another common sign of mole activity is the presence of molehills or unusual mounds on your property. These are distinctive mounds created by moles when they dig and push up the soil to the surface. Molehills are usually easy to spot and can disrupt the otherwise smooth landscape of your yard.
While identifying molehills is essential to understanding how to get rid of moles in your yard, it's equally important to notice the spacing of these mounds. Unlike gophers, whose mounds are generally clustered together, molehills are usually about six feet apart. This unique pattern is a tell-tale sign that moles, not other creatures, are causing the disruption.
One of the more overlooked signs of mole activity is the presence of large clumps or chunks of dirt. Moles leave behind these clumps as they burrow and are distinctly different from gophers that pulverize the soil into a smooth powder. These can confirm their presence and prompt actions on how to keep moles out of your yard.
The existence of surface runways can indicate mole presence. These are feeding tunnels just below the soil's surface, appearing as raised ridges in lawn areas and usually lacking attached mounds. The creation of these runways shows active feeding and dwelling.
After identifying mole activity in your yard, the next crucial step is to implement strategies on how to get rid of moles in your yard. Here are some experts tips to keep in mind:
Moles primarily feed on grubs and insects. One way to discourage them is to control their food access in your yard. Beneficial nematodes or milky spores can be effectively used to achieve this. These biological controls target the larvae of soil-dwelling pests, reducing the food availability for moles, therefore making your yard less appealing to them.
Trapping is another effective strategy for figuring out how to keep moles out of your yard. This method involves placing traps in the active runways that the mole frequently uses. However, it's essential to remember that trapping requires patience, precision, and an understanding of mole behavior. Choosing the right trap and placing it correctly within the main runways are crucial elements for this method to work effectively.
While it can be time-consuming, trapping provides immediate results and effectively reduces mole populations when executed correctly. Traps are generally considered a safe option as they pose minimal risk to other wildlife or pets.
Mole repellents are another valuable DIY strategy. Substances like castor oil can cause digestive discomfort in moles, making them reluctant to reside in your yard. You can create a homemade repellent using a mixture of three parts castor oil and one part dish soap diluted in a gallon of water. Apply the mixture to drench the tunnels and entrances used by the moles to serve as a deterrent. This is mostly a temporary solution.
Creating a physical barrier can also help control mole activity. Dig a trench around your yard and fill it with rocks or line it with wire mesh. This barrier can prevent moles from burrowing into your yard from neighboring areas. Exclusion trenches can be an efficient and eco-friendly solution for how to get rid of moles in your yard.
Maintaining your lawn by regular mowing and removal of debris or wood stacks can make your yard less inviting for moles. These pests often seek shelter and breeding spots in unkempt yards. Keeping your lawn clean and well-maintained can discourage moles from settling in.
Moles are attracted to damp soil as it is a conducive environment for their favorite food - earthworms. By avoiding overwatering your lawn, you can create an artificial drought, making your yard less hospitable for moles. Learning how to get rid of moles in your yard with these tips should be straightforward.
If you find trapping to be a bit daunting, you may consider baiting as an alternative as you learn how to get rid of moles in your yard. Baiting uses poison to kill moles within their burrows. There are various types of mole baits, such as grain baits, gel baits, and synthetic worm baits. Among these, synthetic worm baits resembling earthworms are usually the most effective. These baits often contain a potent rodenticide like bromethalin, which can kill moles after a single feeding.
Despite its effectiveness, the downside to baiting is the risk of secondary poisoning. This issue arises when other animals, such as pets or beneficial wildlife, ingest the poisoned moles or the bait directly, leading to unwanted harm to non-target animals. Therefore, baiting requires careful consideration and cautious execution to ensure it's safe and beneficial for your mole problem.
Now that you know how to get rid of moles in your yard, remember that prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent a mole infestation in your yard:
Understanding how to keep moles out of your yard requires an understanding of what attracts them, recognizing their signs, and applying effective strategies to eliminate them. With diligence and patience, you can reclaim your yard from these subterranean invaders and enjoy a healthy, beautiful outdoor space once more. At DIY Pest Warehouse, we make it easy for you to find DIY lawn and garden care products that are affordable and effective.
Save up to 80% on professional extermination costs with our proven DIY solutions for any pest. Read our guides to learn how to get rid of moles in your yard and other common pests.
