Moles

Managing Moles in Your Garden or Lawn

Moles are burrowing animals that can disrupt lawns and gardens with their extensive tunnel systems, leading to unsightly soil mounds and potential plant damage. While they primarily feed on insects, earthworms, and grubs, their tunneling can harm plant roots and the overall aesthetic of your yard.

Steps for Effective Mole Management

1. Reduce Food Sources
   Control grub populations using appropriate insecticides or beneficial nematodes to make your lawn less attractive to moles.
2. Trapping
   Trapping is one of the most effective direct control methods. Options include scissor-jaw, harpoon, and choker loop traps, which should be placed in active tunnels. To find active tunnels, press down a section of the tunnel and check if it’s raised again within 24–48 hours.
3. Repellents
   Castor oil-based repellents can help deter moles, though regular reapplication may be necessary for continued effectiveness.
4. Non-Lethal Options
   Install barriers, such as buried hardware cloth, around garden beds to prevent moles from entering specific areas.

By combining habitat modification, exclusion methods, and trapping, you can successfully manage mole activity and protect your lawn and garden.