How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard and Garden: Effective Options to Try

May 30

Written By Amy .

If you've noticed raised ridges in your lawn, soft tunnels underfoot, or mounds of dirt scattered around your garden, chances are you're dealing with moles. These small, insect-eating mammals may look harmless (even cute to some), but their tunneling habits can wreak havoc on your yard by uprooting plants, damaging root systems, and creating unsightly messes.

Fortunately, there are several strategies—both natural and commercial—that you can try to discourage moles and reclaim your garden space. Here's a breakdown of the most effective options.

1. Understand Why Moles Are There

Before diving into removal methods, it’s important to understand why moles are in your yard. Unlike voles, which eat roots and plants, moles feed mainly on insects—especially earthworms, grubs, and beetle larvae. If your yard has moist, healthy soil rich in these food sources, it’s basically a buffet for moles.

2. Remove Their Food Source

One way to discourage moles is to make your yard less appealing by reducing their food supply.

Apply grub control: Products like beneficial nematodes or milky spore can reduce grub populations naturally over time.
Use insecticides carefully: If you're not concerned about going all-organic, certain lawn treatments can kill off soil-dwelling insects. Be aware this may also harm beneficial organisms like earthworms.

3. Use Mole Repellents

Mole repellents can be an easy, non-lethal first step.

Castor oil-based repellents: These irritate moles’ digestive systems and scent trails, encouraging them to move elsewhere. Available as granules or sprays.
DIY solutions: Mix water, castor oil, and a few drops of dish soap in a garden sprayer and apply it to mole tunnels and active areas.
Ultrasonic spikes: These emit vibrations meant to drive moles away, but results are mixed—some gardeners swear by them, others see no effect.

4. Install Physical Barriers

In garden beds or specific areas, barriers can help keep moles out:

Underground fencing: Bury wire mesh (hardware cloth) at least 2 feet deep with 6–12 inches above ground around flower beds or vegetable patches.
Raised beds with mesh bottoms: If you're building raised beds, consider lining the base with hardware cloth to prevent tunneling from below.

5. Try Trapping (If Legal in Your Area)

If repellents and prevention don’t work, you may consider trapping. Be sure to check your local laws first—some areas have restrictions on trapping wildlife.

Scissor-jaw traps, harpoon traps, or choker loop traps: These are designed to be placed in active tunnels and kill the mole when triggered.
Live traps: These are less common and often not very effective, as moles are tricky to capture alive.

Trapping tends to be the most reliable way to remove moles—but it requires patience and correct placement.

6. Call in a Professional

If you’ve tried multiple methods and still see new tunnels popping up, it might be time to call a wildlife or pest control expert. They can assess the situation and use advanced methods to remove the moles more efficiently.

7. Avoid Ineffective Remedies

There are a few popular DIY ideas that have little scientific backing:

Chewing gum or mothballs: These are often recommended but rarely work and may be harmful to pets or the environment.
Flooding tunnels: This usually doesn’t reach the mole or may just cause it to tunnel elsewhere.
Vibrating toys or pinwheels: These rarely deter moles long-term.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with moles can be frustrating, but a little patience and the right combination of strategies can help you regain control of your yard. Start with humane and preventative methods, and escalate to trapping or professional help if needed. And remember—moles, while annoying, also indicate a healthy lawn full of life beneath the surface.

Have you successfully removed moles from your yard? Share your experience or tips in the comments below!

Amy .