What Works for Mole Extermination?

Moles emerge as a serious enemy in the battle against lawn pests, creating destruction by digging and disturbing the beauty of your yard. Moles, in their never-ending search for nourishment, endanger the grass. While they do not consume plants directly, the collateral damage they do to root systems can result in plant damage or even death. This Mole Control guide is here to help homeowners fight mole outbreaks and reclaim their lawns from these underground pests by providing practical methods and introducing high-quality products.

What are Moles?

Moles, members of the Talpidae family, are little burrowing creatures that cause damage to lawns. Moles are 4 to 8 inches long and have unusual traits such as sharp snouts and huge front paws with digging claws. Their tunnels or runways, created in search of insects, cause yard damage. Practical methods for mole extermination include mole traps for direct removal, granular repellents to prevent intrusion, and mechanical mole control items for hands-on intervention. Recognizing mole activity, carefully putting kill traps, and understanding mole behavior all contribute to successful mole control. A direct and proactive strategy provides not just mole removal but also prevention, resulting in a mole-free and healthy lawn.

What Attracts Moles?

Understanding what attracts moles is vital for effective mole control. Below are some of the major reasons that a mole would be drawn to a particular lawn: 

• • Soil Moisture and Lawn Conditions:
    • • Moles thrive in moist soil.
    • • Overwatered lawns with grubs and earthworms attract moles.

• • Landscaping Features:
    • • Mole activity follows manmade borders like fence rows and paths.
    • • Clusters of trees and shrubs become mole hotspots.
    • • Burrow in these locations to seek insects in root systems.

• • Manmade Borders and Pathways:
    • • Moles are drawn to defined borders created by fences and paths.
    • • Runways align with these manmade features.

Identifying Moles in Your Yard: 3 Key Signs

1. Dead Grass: Patches of dead grass in your yard signal a potential mole problem. Moles, in their tunneling activities, disrupt the root systems of nearby grass, leading to noticeable damage at the surface level. If you’ve noticed areas with dead grass, it’s time to investigate for mole activity.

2. Molehills: Spotting molehills in your yard is a clear indicator of mole activity. These molehills are formed as moles push up loose dirt at the entrance of their tunnels, causing visible damage to the lawn. If you observe a row of molehills, it’s a strong sign that moles are at work beneath the surface.

3. Mounds Spaced Apart: While mounds are a common sign of burrowing pests like moles and gophers, the key distinguishing factor is the spacing. Molehills are typically spaced about six feet apart, setting them apart from the closer-together mounds created by gophers. Paying attention to the distance between mounds helps differentiate mole activity from other pests.

Get Rid of Moles: 7 Effective Methods

If you find yourself dealing with a mole infestation, there are numerous methods available to assist. Let’s explore these remedies and see how they can be helpful.

1. Trapping Moles

Trapping proves to be a reliable solution for permanent mole removal, with kill traps being the most effective method. These traps, available in various styles like scissors, choker, and harpoon traps, are designed specifically for eliminating moles. While live traps offer an alternative for those averse to killing, they can be challenging to use, and releasing captured moles may pose legal concerns in some states. Strategic placement of traps in active tunnels, especially during early spring, is crucial for success. Harpoon traps, known for their effectiveness, involve compressing soil over a tunnel, positioning the trap, and setting it to instantly kill moles attempting to reopen the tunnel. Regular monitoring ensures prompt disposal, providing a humane and efficient solution to mole infestations.

2. Removing Mole’s Food Source

Moles have their preferences when it comes to food, and targeting their primary sources is key to effective control. Grubs, the larvae of beetles like the Japanese beetle and June bugs, are a major mole delight. By identifying and eliminating grubs, you reduce a significant part of the mole’s food supply. Combatting adult beetles additionally curtails future grub populations, making your lawn less appealing to moles.

However, if earthworms are the attraction, a more cautious approach is necessary. While moles may be drawn to lawns rich in earthworms, these creatures are beneficial to your lawn and garden. Instead of eliminating them outright, consider alternative measures that make your lawn less enticing to moles, ensuring a practical and effective approach to mole control without compromising the overall health of your outdoor space.

3. Baiting

Baiting is another efficient mole elimination method that uses poison to remove moles within their burrows. Mole baits, which usually look like worms or grubs, act as a tempting lure for these pests. The procedure is simple: moles are drawn to the bait and often succumb to the poison within 12-24 hours after consumption.

While baiting might be an effective strategy, it is not without drawbacks. The procedure poses a danger of poisoning pets who may swallow the baits accidentally. Furthermore, if you have small children, it is not the safest option because they may encounter the baits. As a result, while baiting is efficient, it necessitates a careful evaluation of your circumstances as well as a clear knowledge of the potential risks involved with the use of poison in mole management. When choosing baiting as a mole elimination strategy, always emphasize the protection of your family and pets.

4. Using Natural Repellents

For a natural and effective mole control strategy, applying repellents is a practical choice. Natural castor oil serves as an excellent repellent, disrupting the digestive tracts of burrowing animals, including moles. This makes your lawn less inviting for them to inhabit. Apply castor oil when you observe tunnels or cone-shaped mounds in the soil, from early spring to late fall. Additionally, household items like red pepper, cayenne pepper, tobacco, or coffee grounds can serve as alternative natural repellents. These readily available items can be strategically applied to discourage moles from your lawn and garden. Choosing repellents offers a safe and eco-friendly solution, creating an environment that moles find unappealing, ensuring a mole-free and thriving outdoor space.

5. Keeping Your Lawn Neat and Clean

Maintaining a neat lawn, which lowers the shelter moles seek, is an effective mole management approach. Regular lawn care is essential for reducing hiding places and providing an environment that is less appealing to these pests. In addition, well-kept garden beds help with this effort by removing overgrown plants and potential hiding spots for moles. Clearing waste like wood stacks and piles reduces potential shelter, discouraging moles from settling on your land. By implementing these basic yet effective lawn care methods, you not only ensure a neat and beautiful outdoor space, but you also make it less desirable to moles.

6. Digging a Trench Barrier

Creating a strong physical barrier is a direct and successful mole control approach, and digging a trench is an achievable solution. The procedure involves making a trench 6 inches broad and two feet deep, creating a significant barrier for burrowing pests such as moles. You can improve its effectiveness by filling the trench with rocks or lining it with wire. While it is true that digging a trench takes time and effort, the results are significant. This procedure not only stops current mole problems but also functions as a preventative precaution against future attacks into your yard, making it a valuable investment in guaranteeing a mole-free and well-protected outdoor space.

7. Creating Drought Conditions

A practical strategy for mole control involves creating conditions that moles find less appealing, and one effective method is stimulating drought conditions. Moles prefer moist and soft soil, so the key is to avoid overwatering. According to popular opinion, lawns require only approximately an inch of water per week to be healthy and lush. By following this recommended watering amount, you effectively create a ‘drought’ environment for moles, making your lawn less appealing to them. While this strategy may not provide an instant answer to present mole problems, it does act as a long-term, sustainable method to avoid future infestations. Changing your watering habits not only discourages mole activity but also reduces the earthworm population, which is a major source of food for moles, resulting in a mole-free yard over time.

Contact Got Moles for Quick and Effective Mole Removal

At Got Moles, we’re ready to tackle your mole woes with expertise and care. Our highly trained technicians prioritize effective mole removal while ensuring a safe environment for your pets and kids. Customer satisfaction is our pride, and it’s reflected in our excellent reviews. Don’t let moles ruin your lawn—choose Got Moles for reliable and guaranteed mole control services.

Why Choose Us?

• • Veteran-owned and operated, we bring over 15 years of experience in mole removal.

• • Unlike other pest control services, we specialize exclusively in mole control, ensuring effective solutions.

• • Count on us to be at your home or business within 2 business days, swiftly addressing your mole problems.

Say goodbye to moles and get in touch for a mole-free lawn! Contact us or call us at (253) 321-1024 for a free mole inspection. Or you can always check by yourself to calculate the estimated price! Enjoy your yard without the mole menace.