How To Get Rid of Moles

Although moles are small, they are a huge agricultural pest. Moles burrow in gardens and lawns. Not only do they leave molehills behind, but those dreadful tunnels that can be dangerous to walk on. Their tunneling can reduce the size and yield of crops, as well as promote weed growth.  A mole is about six to eight inches long and weighs between three to six ounces. Moles are very strong for their size and they are great tunnel diggers. They can tunnel about 18 feet in an hour. Moles have one litter of two to six babies every year. Moles nurse their young, which makes them mammals. Moles do not hibernate. This means they can cause damage to your lawn year round.

Contrary to what many people think, moles do not eat plants. However, their tunneling can damage or kill vegetation if they come in contact with plant roots while they are tunneling.

1. Moles eat grub worms that are in the soil. If you want to get rid of your moles, you should start by getting rid of the grub worms that are in your soil. However, moles also eat earthworms, so they may choose to stay.

2. Another way to get rid of moles is through ultrasonic devices. They will create a high pitched sound that will make a mole think there is another mole in the area. Moles are very territorial. If another mole is in the area, moles will leave.
3. Mole repellents are another option. You can spray the ground with a repellent. The repellent will change the taste of the grubs and the mole will move along to find a tastier yard.
4. Mole poison in a spray or pellet form can be applied to the mole tunnels. However, if you see the mole carcass, you should place it in a plastic bag and throw it away. If your cats or dogs chew or eat a poisoned mole, they could become ill and die.
5. Trapping is by far the most effective way to get rid of moles. However, you cannot use gopher traps. You should use the proper equipment to trap a mole, such as Nomol, Nash or scissor traps. These traps will only cause minimal damage to your lawn.
6. You can make a homemade solution to kill moles if you do not want to go to the trouble of traps. Mix one-cup of Murphy's Oil Soap with one ounce of castor oil and a quarter cup cayenne pepper. Mix these three ingredients with water to make a two to one mixture. Use a garden sprayer and spray the area where the mole travels. You can also pour this mixutre into the mole's tunnel. Be careful when working with this homemade mole killer. Do not allow it to get into your eyes.