To start, moles actually play a beneficial role in the management of soil and the control of undesirable grubs and insects by tunneling and shifting soil particles. Moles provide better aeration of the soil, to help dry out sod and enable organic matter to travel deeper into soil. However, moles can also play a big role in harming your lawn. Moles create easily noticeable trails of dead grass throughout the yard. When moles burrow close to the surface, this can cause harm to grass roots, which leaves behind brown patches. Moles can also play a part in the disruption of roots of vegetables, plants and other turf.
Moles are something of an unseen pest in American yards and it’s not because the animals alone are rare…there are actually seven different species of mole found throughout North America. Rarely identified by sight, these pesty creatures can cause damage to our lawns and gardens. Most of the time the only way to distinguish a mole problem is to thoroughly investigate their mounds and tunnels. Once you know you have a problem…do you know how to get rid of moles in your yard without hurting them?
Killing or otherwise harming moles in attempt to get rid of them is not recommended because like mentioned earlier, moles can be beneficial to gardeners. Here are some non-harmful ways to get rid of your mole problem:
- Rid Your Yard of Grubs: Moles love grubs. When you eliminate the grubs and other insects in your yard, the moles will relocate in search of better food sources. It is recommended to use controlling grub populations by using beneficial nematodes or milky spore to kill grubs. If you’re looking for quicker results, try a natural insecticide instead.
- Apply a Repellent: In some cases, a mole repellent is an effective solution for an infestation. Make your own homemade mole repellent with three parts castor oil and one part dish soap. You can also purchase repellants in liquid or granule form and apply them to your yard via a spreader.
- Use Plants as A Barrier: Moles tend to dislike plants with strong smells, such as marigolds, daffodils and anything in the allium family. So, plant these plants around the edges of your garden to form a natural barrier or plant in raised beds to protect your root systems.
- Dig A Trench: To form a human-made boundary around your lawn and garden, digging a trench that is roughly 2 feet deep and six inches wide around the space you’d like to protect will definitely be time-consuming, but this process is effective and invisible once finished.
- Keep A Tidy Lawn: As moles feel safest under cover, eliminating their shelter is a great way to encourage them to go elsewhere. Keep your grass mowed and your garden beds manicured. Try to avoid any thick layers of mulch to cover beds and remove all stacks of wood or piles of organic debris. You may also consider cutting back on watering since excess moisture attracts insects and creates an ideal habitat for moles.