Moles can transform your beautiful lawn into an unsightly maze of tunnels and molehills practically overnight. These subterranean creatures may be small, but they can cause significant damage to your carefully maintained landscape. This comprehensive guide will help you understand mole behavior, identify signs of infestation, and ultimately how to get rid of moles from your property once and for all.
Quick Picks: Best Mole Control Solutions
Best Trap
Best Poison
Humane Option
- Understanding Moles: Know Your Enemy
- Identifying Mole Damage in Your Yard
- The Most Effective Mole Control Methods
- Mechanical Traps: How to Get Rid of Moles Most Effectively
- Mole Poison Baits: An Effective Alternative
- Humane Control Options: Live Traps and Repellents
- Common Myths and Ineffective Methods
- Expert Strategies for Successful Mole Control
- Preventing Future Mole Problems
- When to Call a Professional
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Understanding Moles: Know Your Enemy
Before you can effectively control moles, it’s important to understand what these creatures are, how they behave, and why they’ve chosen your yard as their home.
What Are Moles?
Moles are small mammals that belong to the family Talpidae. Despite common belief, they are not rodents but insectivores, primarily feeding on earthworms, grubs, and other soil invertebrates.
Physical Characteristics
Moles measure about 15cm (6 inches) long and weigh approximately 120g. They have cylindrical bodies with powerful front limbs designed for digging, velvety fur, tiny eyes, and pointed snouts.
Activity Patterns
Moles are active year-round and can dig at any time, day or night. They typically sleep in four-hour intervals and are most active at dawn and dusk when hunting for food.
Mole Diet and Feeding Habits
Understanding what moles eat is crucial when planning your control strategy, as many ineffective methods rely on misconceptions about their diet.
Moles are voracious eaters with extremely high metabolisms, requiring them to consume 70-80% of their body weight daily. They often create food storage chambers where they keep earthworms for later consumption. Before eating worms, moles carefully clean off soil particles to prevent digestive issues.
Mole Tunneling Behavior
Moles are extraordinary diggers, capable of excavating up to 150 feet of new tunnels daily. They create two distinct types of tunnel systems:
- Surface Tunnels: These shallow pathways appear as raised ridges across your lawn. They’re typically 1-2 inches below the surface and are often temporary feeding tunnels that may be abandoned after a short time.
- Deep Tunnels: These permanent passageways are 8-12 inches below the surface and connect to nesting chambers and main travel routes. Molehills (conical soil mounds) typically form at the entrances to these deep tunnels.
Moles can dig at a rate of up to 15 feet per hour or 12 inches per minute in favorable soil conditions. They use their powerful front limbs to excavate soil and their hind limbs to push forward through the tunnels.
Identifying Mole Damage in Your Yard
The first step in controlling moles is confirming their presence and understanding the extent of the infestation. Here are the telltale signs of mole activity:
Molehills: Conical mounds of excavated soil
Surface tunnels: Raised ridges across lawn
Vegetation damage: Dying grass along tunnel paths
The Most Effective Mole Control Methods
When it comes to eliminating moles, not all approaches are equally effective. According to Purdue Extension research, trapping is considered the most reliable method of control, while many home remedies have proven inconsistent or ineffective.
| Control Method | Effectiveness | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Traps | High | Targeted elimination of specific moles | Requires proper placement and patience |
| Poison Baits | Moderate to High | Areas with multiple moles or recurring problems | Must be kept away from pets and children |
| Live Traps | Moderate | Those preferring humane removal | Requires proper relocation techniques |
| Repellents (Castor Oil) | Low to Moderate | Prevention rather than elimination | Temporary solution; may need reapplication |
| Home Remedies | Very Low | Not recommended | Largely ineffective and waste of time |
Finding Active Tunnels: The Critical First Step
Before deploying any control method, you need to identify which tunnels are actively being used by moles. According to University of Minnesota Extension, focusing on the network of surface tunnels rather than molehills is most effective, as some surface tunnels are used and renewed repeatedly.
Mechanical Traps: How to Get Rid of Moles Most Effectively
Mechanical trapping remains the most consistently effective method for eliminating moles. There are several types of traps available, each with its own advantages and proper setup technique.
EasySet Mole Eliminator Trap
Most User-Friendly
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Locate an active tunnel using the stomp test described above.
- Press down gently on the tunnel to create a depression where the trigger plate will rest.
- Position the trap over this depression, ensuring the trigger plate makes contact with the runway.
- Step on the setting lever to arm the trap - this eliminates the need for hand strength.
- Check the trap daily and reset as needed.
- When a mole is caught, dispose of it properly according to local regulations.
- Simple foot-press setting mechanism
- No chemicals or poisons required
- Durable construction for multiple uses
- Works in all soil types
- Made in USA
- More expensive than some other options
- May be less effective in very rocky or clay soils
- Requires careful placement for success
Victor Out O'Sight Mole Trap
Most Durable
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Find an active tunnel and dig out a section approximately the size of the trap.
- Create a channel inside the dirt hole using the trap jaws to ensure they can close properly.
- Use the provided tongs to open the trap and set the safety hook.
- Set the trigger latch on the trigger pan.
- Place the trap in the tunnel with its jaws in the middle of the passageway.
- Backfill with loose soil, leaving part of the trap exposed for easy removal.
- Remove the safety hook once everything is in place.
- Extremely durable construction
- Weather-resistant for year-round use
- Works in all soil types
- Very powerful spring mechanism for reliable triggering
- Includes safety features for handling
- More complex to set up than some newer models
- Requires more excavation during installation
- Strong spring requires careful handling
Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap
Best for Shallow Tunnels
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Find an active surface runway where moles are traveling.
- Press down slightly on the runway to create a small depression.
- Position the trap over this depression with the spears aligned with the tunnel.
- Push the legs firmly into the ground for stability.
- Set the trigger mechanism according to the included instructions.
- Use the safety clip during setup, and remove it once the trap is properly positioned.
- Check the trap daily and reset as needed.
- Easy to see when triggered
- Simple to set compared to scissor traps
- Effective for surface runways
- Includes safety features
- Weather-resistant construction
- Less effective for deep tunnels
- More visible in landscapes
- May be less suitable for areas with children or pets
According to Purdue University Turfgrass Science, straight runs following structural guidelines like curbs or gutters are the best places to set traps, as these are used regularly by moles traveling from their nest to foraging areas. To determine if a run is active, stomp it down flat then check the following day to see if it’s been pushed back up.
Mole Poison Baits: An Effective Alternative
When trapping isn’t practical or has been unsuccessful, poison baits specifically designed for moles can be highly effective. Modern mole baits are formulated to mimic the appearance, texture, and scent of earthworms or grubs – the mole’s natural food sources.
Talpirid Mole Bait Worms
Most Effective BaitHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Locate active mole tunnels using the probe method.
- Open a small section of the tunnel roof.
- Place one bait worm in the tunnel.
- Cover the opening to prevent light from entering.
- Check tunnels after 24-48 hours to see if the bait has been taken.
- Replace consumed bait as needed.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Highly effective formula
- Mimics natural mole food
- Works quickly (usually within 24 hours)
- No mechanical parts to set
- Can be used alongside traps for enhanced effectiveness
- Contains poison that requires careful handling
- Should be kept away from children and pets
- May be less effective in areas with abundant natural food
- More expensive than some mechanical options
Tomcat Mole Killer Grubs
Best Grub Formula
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Wear gloves to avoid transferring human scent to the bait.
- Find active mole tunnels using the probe or stomp test method.
- Open a small section of the tunnel roof.
- Place one grub bait into the tunnel.
- Gently cover the opening to keep light out while maintaining tunnel integrity.
- Check after 1-2 days and replace consumed bait as needed.
- Keep away from children and pets at all times.
- Realistic grub appearance and texture
- Scientifically tested formula
- Easy to place in tunnels
- Effective against established mole populations
- Works in most soil types
- Contains poison that requires careful handling
- Must be kept away from children and pets
- Works best when natural food sources are scarce
- Package contains fewer baits than some competitors
How Mole Poisons Work
Most effective mole poisons contain one of these active ingredients:
- Bromethalin (0.025%): The most common active ingredient in modern mole baits. It affects the central nervous system, causing paralysis and death, typically within 24 hours of consumption.
- Zinc Phosphide: Creates a chemical reaction in the mole’s stomach, forming toxic phosphine gas. Can eliminate moles within 3 hours of ingestion.
- Warfarin: An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting, causing internal bleeding. Typically takes 2-3 days to be effective.
According to NC State Extension, while toxic baits offer an alternative approach for dealing with mole problems, their effectiveness can vary depending on factors like soil conditions, availability of natural food sources, and proper placement.
Humane Control Options: Live Traps and Repellents
For those who prefer non-lethal methods of mole control, there are several humane options available, though they generally require more patience and consistent application.
Live Tunnel Trap
Most Humane OptionHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Locate an active mole tunnel using the methods described earlier.
- Carefully dig down to expose the tunnel runway.
- Position the trap so it aligns perfectly with the tunnel direction.
- Cover the trap and surrounding area to block light from entering the tunnel.
- Check the trap regularly throughout the day.
- When a mole is captured, transport the trap to a suitable relocation site at least 5 miles away.
- Split the trap according to the instructions to release the mole without direct handling.
- Completely humane solution
- No chemicals or killing mechanisms
- Easy release mechanism
- Reusable for multiple captures
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Requires more frequent checking than lethal traps
- May be less effective than lethal options
- Necessitates finding appropriate relocation areas
- Moles may return if not relocated far enough away
DIY Live Trap Option
If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, you can create your own live mole trap with these common household items:
- A 2-5 gallon bucket
- A shovel
- Protective gloves
- Plywood or sod for covering
- Locate an active tunnel and remove a section of the roof.
- Dig a hole beneath the tunnel deep enough to accommodate your bucket.
- Place the bucket in the hole and pack soil around its edge to block the runway.
- Cover the tunnel with sod or plywood to block light while leaving the bucket opening accessible to the mole.
- Check the bucket daily for captured moles.
- Relocate any captured moles at least 5 miles from your property in a suitable habitat.
Repellents: Limited Effectiveness
Various repellents claim to drive moles away from your property. While most show limited effectiveness, castor oil-based repellents have shown some promise in certain situations.
According to University of Missouri Extension, research has not confirmed the effectiveness of many common repellent methods, including electromagnetic devices, sonic repellers, and certain plants like castor beans or “mole plant” (Euphorbia latharis).
Common Myths and Ineffective Methods
Many traditional and home remedy approaches to mole control persist despite little evidence of their effectiveness. Understanding what doesn’t work can save you time and frustration.
| Method | The Myth | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Chewing Gum | Placing chewing gum in tunnels will cause moles to eat it and die from digestive issues | Moles rarely consume the gum, and there’s no scientific evidence this method works |
| Rodent Poison | Rat or mouse poison will kill moles | Moles are insectivores and typically won’t consume rodent baits |
| Grub Control | Eliminating grubs will remove the mole’s food source | Moles primarily feed on earthworms, so grub control is rarely effective |
| Ultrasonic Repellers | Electronic devices drive moles away with sound | Scientific testing has shown these devices are largely ineffective |
| Home Remedies | Mothballs, human hair, razor blades, etc., in tunnels will deter moles | These methods have no scientific backing and are typically ineffective |
| Flooding Tunnels | Flooding tunnels with water will drown or drive away moles | Moles can quickly escape to deeper tunnels and will return once water subsides |
According to University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management program, while moles do feed on white grubs, they primarily feed on earthworms. Many grub insecticides applied in spring can reduce beneficial earthworm populations by up to 70%. This may temporarily reduce mole activity due to food depletion, but both earthworms and moles will eventually return.
Expert Strategies for Successful Mole Control
Combining the knowledge of mole behavior with proper control techniques will significantly increase your chances of success. Here are comprehensive strategies from wildlife management experts:
Best Practices for Effective Mole Control
- Choose the right season: Spring and fall are the most effective times for trapping, as moles are most active near the surface during these periods.
- Identify travel runways: Focus on straight tunnels that connect feeding areas, as these are used regularly and provide the best trap placement locations.
- Use multiple methods: For stubborn infestations, combine trapping with baiting for maximum effectiveness.
- Be patient and persistent: Successful mole control often requires multiple attempts and adjustments to trap placement.
- Check traps daily: Regular monitoring allows you to reset triggered traps or relocate ineffective ones.
- Wear gloves: Always handle traps and work around tunnels with gloves to minimize human scent.
- Consider a professional: If DIY methods are unsuccessful after several attempts, consider hiring a wildlife control professional.
Preventing Future Mole Problems
Once you’ve successfully controlled the current mole population, take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future invasions:
Reduce Soil Moisture
Improve drainage in your yard to make the soil less appealing to earthworms and moles. Avoid overwatering, as moist soil attracts their prey and makes tunneling easier.
Manage Food Sources
While controlling grubs won’t eliminate moles completely, reducing their food supply may make your yard less attractive. Consider beneficial nematodes as an eco-friendly option.
Install Barriers
For valuable garden areas, consider installing underground barriers made of mesh or metal sheeting that extend at least 24 inches deep and 6 inches above ground.
Natural Deterrents
Some plants like daffodils, marigolds, and alliums contain compounds that may deter moles. While not foolproof, incorporating these plants around your property borders can help.
Consider using gravel or rock borders around garden beds as these create difficult tunneling conditions for moles. You can also use raised beds with wire mesh bottoms for vegetable gardens to prevent moles from accessing the soil from below.
When to Call a Professional
If your DIY efforts haven’t produced results after several weeks, it may be time to consult a professional wildlife control specialist. Professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to tackle even stubborn mole problems effectively.
When hiring a professional, look for a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator with specific experience in mole management. Ask about their methods, success rates, and whether they offer any guarantees for their services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many moles typically inhabit a residential yard?
Most residential properties only have 1-3 moles at any given time. Moles are solitary animals that require large territories (1/4 to 2 acres) for feeding. What appears to be a large infestation is typically the extensive tunnel system created by just one or two moles.
Will grub control products eliminate moles?
No, grub control is largely ineffective for mole control. While moles do eat grubs, earthworms make up the majority of their diet. Even in grub-free lawns, moles will continue to thrive on earthworms and other soil invertebrates.
Are moles beneficial in any way?
Yes, moles provide some ecological benefits. They aerate the soil, allowing deeper air and water penetration. They also consume many pest insects including grubs, termites, and slugs. However, these benefits rarely outweigh the damage they cause to lawns and gardens.
How deep do mole tunnels go?
Mole tunnel systems typically have two types: surface tunnels (1-2 inches deep) and deep tunnels (8-12 inches below ground). During extreme weather conditions like drought or freezing temperatures, moles may dig even deeper, sometimes 24-36 inches below the surface.
Do moles hibernate in winter?
Moles don’t truly hibernate, but they become less active near the surface during winter as they follow their food sources deeper underground. Their activity may seem to decrease, but they remain active year-round, just at deeper levels during cold months.
Will coffee grounds repel moles?
There is no scientific evidence that coffee grounds effectively repel moles. While some gardeners report limited success, this method is generally unreliable. Coffee grounds may temporarily alter soil pH, but they won’t create a lasting deterrent effect.
Can I use chewing gum to kill moles?
No, the myth that moles will eat chewing gum and die from digestive problems has no scientific backing. Moles are unlikely to consume the gum, and even if they did, it wouldn’t cause fatal digestive issues. This is one of many ineffective home remedies.
How quickly do mole traps work?
When properly placed in active tunnels, quality mole traps can work within 24-48 hours. However, success depends on correct placement and the mole’s activity patterns. It’s recommended to leave traps in place for at least 3 days before repositioning them if no results are seen.
Conclusion
Successfully controlling moles requires understanding their behavior, properly identifying active tunnels, and implementing effective control methods. While many home remedies and commercial products claim to solve mole problems, research consistently shows that mechanical trapping and specialized poison baits are the most reliable solutions.
Remember that patience and persistence are key to mole control success. It may take several attempts with different trap placements before you achieve results. For properties that border natural areas, complete elimination may not be realistic, and ongoing management may be necessary.
By combining the techniques and products outlined in this guide with preventative measures, you can reclaim your lawn and garden from these subterranean invaders and maintain a beautiful, mole-free landscape for years to come.
Someone told me moth balls in the tunnels! Bought 3 boxes, very large yard,, very sandy soil! Walked all over the yard and liked balls in tunnels! Came home from work and the yard was covered with moth balls! They actually pushed them up out of the hole! Moved before we got rid of them, but after 10 years and using juicy fruit gum in the holes, only would find a tunnel every now and then. I tried everything!!! Good luck to you all!
I saw a solution not listed here that I have tried in the past and am using again now. It is a device that attaches to your exhaust on your car and then you attach a garden hose to it, run it to a mound and push it in. Run exhaust fumes into the mound for 10-20+ minutes and gas them out. I have so many this year compared to years past but when I used it, it seemed to work for that season. Problem I have is they come from the neighborhood and the pastures around me.
It won’t post a pic I took of it but I wanna say I got it at Home Depot.
I was looking on here to see if there is any pesticide I can apply to the yard which will take them all out with an application but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
I took a small speaker [about 6 in] put it in a bucket with a lid on it buried it 18 inches in the ground hooked it up to a cd player play music with a very heavy bass [doesn’t need to be real loud] 24/7. the noise keeps them away.
I have bermuda grass and a flat yard so this method works pretty well in North MS in the early spring before the grass starts turning green. Cut the grass very short, down to the soil level (this will not hurt it, but actually help when new growth starts!). Stomp down all the runs you see then go inside and wait 20-30 minutes. When you return, if you see one of the runs are active, get 2 shovels and very slowly put one in the run several feet behind where you see the mole digging. Then go to the end where the mole is and when you see the ground moving, use the other shovel to quickly kill the mole. I don’t believe in capturing and relocating. There are plenty more where these come from.
Did anyone try the garlic and it worked? I’m in desperate need of mole control they have torn up my yard but now are working into my flower bed!! Please help I have other pets so I can’t use traps or poison
have you tried the garlic and did it work?
Dora did it work,the garlic and the amount of garlic to use for 1 acre
I think THE MOLES have more followers that any famous person in the world…..if I could find a sure way of long term extermination, I WOULD BE A MILLIONARE
Don’t listen to ANYONE who says the tailpipe method does not work! It works perfectly. I even used aluminum tape and an old garden hose and just rigged it up. Cheap and looked ridiculous! Let it run for at least 10-15min. They will “DRT”…. Die Right There…
Had a wild female cat on my 2 acres and she did a GREAT job! Especially when she had kittens to feed. Amazing little hunters! However, she’s gone and now the moles are taking over!! Think I’ll try the mouse traps and peanut butter first, since I already have them. If I get one, I’ll bury it back in their tunnel…. maybe that will send a message?
I killed 4 moles in two days. I used 3 mouse traps, and peanut butter.
set them around a active air hole. Cover them with a bucket and put weight on top to keep other animals out. you should see results in a day or two. If the butter is gone and the traps are not tripped, you have ants. move to a different local. This may be a little tricky but it will work.
Note: it may take a long time to get them all.
Wouldn’t it take a trap larger than for a mouse to kill a mole? Like maybe a rat trap?
Dora did the garlic work on getting rid of the Moses in your yard
Does the garlic just repel the moles? I’m looking to kill them!
I’m definitely trying that garlic recipe and you can count on an update. I’ve already boiled a whole garlic flower or whatever they call it. There’s approximately 12-13 lg. soft cloves ready for the blender and I put the garlic water aside to mix with.
Until next time!
“Dora the Explorer”
Dora- Did it work? You were supposed to report back!
Did Dora try and succeed?
yes did it work? I might try it anyway lol
Dora did it work?
Moles are a nuisance garden pest, and can quickly damage your lawn and cause other problems. Decades ago we had a pesky mole who ravaged our front lawn at our former 7acre home, and we stuck a garden hose down the hole and blasted the tunnels to flood it. The trick worked, but if there is local city watering restrictions check with your municipal bylaw first. These nuisance animals need to be destroyed and can tunnel hundreds of feet a day and can frustrate the best of us. Gas mole bombs work too, but are costly and be careful not to inhale the fumes as they are wicked. Happy Trails…..
New house last fall, new sod last fall. The moles from hell this summer. This is, far and away, the best all around advice. I have done all of the above on the first post. I will give you my results. Heck, I’m going to try it all. The best thought is blasting them to their greater reward. However, I think my neighbors would frown. Hence, I’ll start with the pellet gun and move on from there. Oh, I hate garlic though my wife loves it. I cannot imagine my house wreaking of garlic so will probably cook it outside. Gonna try the poison too. Beautiful home and once beautiful yard. Stay tuned…
How deep is their burrows, so I can get rid of these little bastard.
I’ve been fighting these stupid moles for two years now. The best thing so far that I found is the poisonous worms. But it doesn’t help much when your neighbor just sits on there butt and does nothing to help out in any way…Guess I’ll try the garlic method now since we don’t have a silencer for the Glock… Darn
It actually sounds as if there are a lot of people having fun trying to shoot moles etc. Well now that my yard is a mess I will try the poisons.Unless someone wants to come to my house and have fun shooting them here in South Lyon MI. As a reward I will even cook you dinner and sleep with you.
That is what I call total commitment and graditude , My friends here in Cambria California one the edge of the Pacific ocean told me I must learn to ” become one with the moles ” , I have not been able to make that leap of faith ……… I just want them GONE ……………..Good luck with yours , hope you find like a Brad Pitt mole killer !!
ha ha ha ha. You are really hurting, aren’t you!
I currently have moles in my yard near the house where there is actually dirt. The rest of my yard is clay and rock, so no problem. I was reading on here to decide if I wanted to get into a fight with them. When I had a problem with gophers eating vegetables (cabbage) in my garden in California years ago, we got into a range war. I gassed them with the exhaust from my lawn mower till the yard looked like the English moors at morning; I flooded their tunnels and when they would stick their heads up to see what the hell was going on,I would shoot their little heads right off; I would wildly take a shovel and hoe and dig to their burrows (which were filled with my cabbage) and chop them up; and my dog would occasionally dig one out and kill it. I never did eradicate all of them, but I brought much entertainment to myself and my neighbors. They would gather each evening on their patios with cocktails in hand and watch the show. When I finally grew tired of the contest, I compromised by planting a larger garden and sharing with the gophers. Moles? Well, if they are only eating bugs and worms, maybe I will tolerate them till summer heat runs the off.
Very entertaining answer about the mole show. I saved it for reference. (smile)
Just wonder the gum that kills moles maybe it’s the xylitol in some gum that is also vital to dogs and cats that kills moles.
How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Lawn. Just when you have planted a beautiful lawn, you notice mole trails of grass and dirt pushed up into mounds that ruin the picturesque setting.
Jean, Ace Hardware stores carry the hose that attaches to your tailpipe, I am sure you can order it from them on line, an of course Amazon has it, its called the “Underground Exterminator”
Anyone who values the life of a mole is enotionally out to lunch. Moles hhave cost my wife and I wayyyyyyy too much money. The only good mole is a dead one. All these solutions may sound appealing, even the Garlic one. That one may be the only one I’ve yet to try.
As for the ” Carbon Monoxide ” one it definitely does work. When I lived on my grandads farf we had an old WW II Willy’s jeep which blewvcopious blue smoke out the tail pipe. We found as old rubber hose and tried several methods of attaching the apparatus, we killed ground hogs, moles by the dozen, that is until the hose melted. You got to find a metal covering for the hose. If you can locate a short, say two feet mtal covered short hose that you can jury rid and attach a synthetic hose yo get it far enough from the end of the tail pipe where the heat is far less your in the game. An old stand by is to use aluminum foil, heavy duty, and wrap it around the hose, and the tail pipe, this works, but it takes a lot of foil nd you essentially destroy the set up when you take it oiff the pipe.
Here’s to all the souls who have reached their wits end in the on going battle to destroy, kill, mutilate, water board this Bastard of an animal.
You have the Lord’s permission to kill, with Extreme Prejudice, any mole your lucky enough to have succeeded in TERMINATING.
best of Luck
I’m right there with you on the emotional detachment to these critters however I must say your system does not work. One, moles have far less need for O2 than even gophers. Two, yes the CO (carbon monoxide) molecule will displace the O2 molecule on hemoglobin (aka, asphyxiation)but not at sufficient concentrations to cause death to moles. Three, they tunnel extensively; it is not unheard of that they can dig at least 1 foot per hour. That adds up in a hurry. That will require every increasing amounts of CO day after day. A single application is not enough. Even here it is assumed everything working perfectly (no leaks to open air, etc) Four, such method is most effective in dry soil, wet or damp soil will lessen the effectiveness of an already questionable method because the moisture tends to absorb the CO at a higher rate. Since the context here is lawn and garden, ie, highly watered, what you propose will not achieve the CO concentration sufficient to achieve the intended result. Five, a by product of your method is that it also negatively affects the plants you intend to save. At that point the moles will have vacated on their own as you survey the garden which died by your own hand.
last year I read about an item that you hooked up to your cars exhaust pipe and a garden hose to kill moles. Anyone know anything about this? Does it work? Where do I get one? Can’t seem to find it again. Tha ks, Jean
Doesn’t work. The reason is moles have much lower need for oxygen than even gophers. You’re more likely to kill your plants or asphyxiate yourself before exterminating moles by this method.
Flooding with copious amounts of water intending to drown them also doesn’t work probably due to mole’s lower O2 requirement plus structure of tunnel system.
I like the percussion method using the Winchester delivery system or similar. But that requires round the clock vigilance and heaps of patience. Who has time for that? Plus, the law man might have something to say about shooting within range of buildings.
Destroying the tunnels by digging would cause the varmints to retreat but they will be back. You would have the happy occasion to celebrate but only until they return…right about when you replanted your garden.
Simply, the only good varmint is a dead varmint. When did people become so touchy feely about the dreaded mole and gopher?
My dogs have been digging up my yard and killed 4 moles in 2 days. I dont mind they dug holes as long as they ridded my yard of them.
less damage than the moles would have done over time
bought these mole removers at Walmart you put batteries in them and put they into the ground, they put off a beeping sound every few seconds and no more mole ta Dah so happy
My mother bought those. I laughed. Basically these devices are the electronic equivalence of “Get off my lawn!” There supposed usefulness are to a limited range and one would need several to create a ‘wall of sound’ to fend from the Still Alive Mole (SAM). SAM will return even more so than McArthur’s promise to the Philippines. This method simply renders the problem somewhere else. Your neighbor will thank you. No lie, I have even witnessed gophers crossing an asphalt paved street in the wee hours afore sunup. And the enemy is still alive and intact after your application of expensive electronic countermeasures. Anyone who buys these devices proves that P.T. Barnum was correct.
those electronic things sure have not worked for us, we have four in the yard and I think they attrack the moles, we have more then ever. I just put some very hot chili water in the holes and I hope that works, it sure does for ground squirrels
I don’t know what to do now it seems as this yard is controled by moles.I have lost interest of planting any thing, any help please
PHOSTOXIN is your best and only way…I HATE the fact about taking an animals life, but when you have been through what i have and the amount of damage from paving, to indigenous plants to rock features…this was the only way….H I G H L Y P O I S O N O U S !!!TO ANIMALS AND HUMANS THO, saw more the morning and never again…
where do you get this stuff
MY FRONT AND BACKYARD IS LIKE WALKING ON A SPONGE.THERE MUST BE MORE THAN A HUNDRED MOLES IN THE YARD.OTHER THAN MOVING,IS THERE A GOOD WAY TO GET RID OF THEM?
Gas CO carbon monoxide. Call exterminators who deal with such gas treatments.
Where can I get Phostoxin and how is it applied?
Thank you!
I’ve been waiting for years to tell this..
Three moles were climbing out of a mole tunnel. The first one said “I smell food”, the second said ” I smell food” and the the third one said
I smell mole*asses.
thanks for your patience.. Jay
That’s Funny!
HARDEHARHARRR!! That wore a gooder, Jay
I always love a good joke…thanks
I had black spots on the ceiling.which I was told it was moles so I sprayed with bleach an it left holes in the ceiling. This is in my basement which I see .moves. I don’t know if that is molds or not
I appreciate if you will send me some Info asap.
we are discussing moles in the yard. You seem to be talking about mold. But you must have a leak above the mold spot, and the backside of your drywall may be active,live mold as well. If the ceiling is damp, find and fix the leak first. Then get something from a hardware store to kill the mold, without needing to be rinsed.Use a stain blocking primer to cover before repainting. If the area on the ceiling is large, and has been wet for an extended amount of tiime, you may need to cut out that portion of drywall and replace
Looking again at your posting, if you sprayed with clorox, and got holes in your ceiling ,find and fix leak first. Drwall will assuredly need to be cut out till you have solid drywall, wipe drywall area on top of cut-out around on existing drywall with some diluted bleach, as last resort(the stuff you can buy that doesn’t need to be rinsed is ideal). Slap in a new piece of drywall, tape and texture to match existing ceiling . Beware of dried mold (white powder). It is very bad for respiratory system
I agree 100% with the article. This spring my yard was totally destroyed by moles. It is quite unusual to have 3 moles in such a small area.
They blow dirt several times in the early morning and early evening.
A freind of mine has a shotgun so we waited for the moment when the dirt on the mound was moving and that is the signal to shoot. In ten minutes we shot two moles. The third one seemed a little smarter so I had to use traps. I put 4 traps in different “active” areas and two days later I got the third one. Now I have a clean yard.
Daniel, Your solution sounds not only effective,but also a heck of a lot of FUN! I unfortunately live in a suburban Northern Virginia neighborhood where discharge of a firearm is prohibited,BUT,it’s now completely legal to use a pellet gun in your own backyard! I have been quite successful with a Benjamin PCP air rifle(2 moles this year) but still, a 20 ga.or .410 would be a real hoot! Good hunting!
I’m going to try this cause I can!
How to get rid of moles for years at a time without killing them.
Our yard was being ravaged by moles 3 years ago. I went to a local Ace Hardware store to get something to rid our yard of the moles. I read the list of chemicals that were included and to my surprise, a large part of the content was garlic. I did not buy the product. Instead I purchased and used 2 bulbs of garlic ( peeled) and cooked them in 3 or 4 cups of water until they were very soft. I drained the water from the pan, let it cool and put most of it in the blender along with the very soft garlic. I made a liquid solution and used it with a sprayer bottle attached to the hose. I covered the entire front and side yard. A few days later I noticed that my neighbor who was on vacation had moles hills and trails in his yard. So while he was gone, I used the remaining home made solution to spray his yard, too. That was three years ago. We have not had a mole in either of our yards since. I expect to someday have to do it again. But it only cost me a little time and about 75 cents for the package of garlic bulbs. The product I would have bought was much more expensive.
wow, I am so trying this, nothing else works and trapping seems to extreme for me. Thanks for the great tip! Hope I have the success you had.
I am having the same problem you had in 2014. I hired an exterminating service he used the traps, no success.. then sprayed some castor oil and told me to do the same. Didn’t work. Anyone who has anything to do with lawns, are amazed at how bad my front and back yard looks. I am ready to do a Chevy Chase in Caddy Shack.
My question, you did the garlic process in 2014 have you had to do it again this year and did you have to repeat the process and how often if you did.
distraught and furious
Gerri Voss
Hi! Yes moles can drive anyone crazy. Note that moles blow dirt around seven in the morning and seven in the evening. It blows three or four times but once every 5 minutes. So when you see the dirt move on a fresh mound, ask someone with a shotgun to wait a few minutes in front of the mound and when the dirt moves again, shoot ! My neighbor is a hunter and killed two moles in my yard in 10 minutes. Good luck.
Watch Caddyshack and you’ll see that reference makes no sense.
Yes, because Caddyshack is a documentary artfully disguised as comedy.
I also have to wonder on the efficacy of the garlic lawn tonic as mentioned above. The poster and their neighbor must have awfully small lawns as it seems 3 or 4 cups of the stuff was enough to successfully cover front and back of two adjacent properties. Nonetheless I will try it but I will go big. Like mushroom cloud big. Garlic cloud big!
I am out to try this idea hope it ne successful.
I’m so glad I came across this site! We live in the country, and this is the first time in 19 year’s, that we are seeing a huge problem with moles! I will try your solution and see what happens! Thank you!
I am going to Verizon they are eating my flower beds you making me mad my husband said only way to get roses with a trap and a trap don’t work I’m going to try this thank you
thanks for the garlic recipe. I happened to have a while flower of cloves and I immediately boiled them to the very soft stage. I’m very excited about trying this because everything else I’ve tried has failed. I even tried putting a long thin funnel in their hiles and poured ammonia into them because someone told me that was the trick but it failed as well so what do I have to lose. lol …the inexpensive cost of garlic cloves. After everything I’ve tried along with the cost…this is worth a shot. Wish me luck! For those of you who are skeptical about trying this let me tell you. ..I will come back and post my results.
Until next time…
Aurevoir!
“Dora the Explorer”
Hello
I am making the formula to get rid of the moles in our yard. Do you have to wait until it is cool to apply the solution? I live in MS it is about 95 degrees all week, How much area does four cups cover?
What setting did you set your liquid lawn sprayer at ? { how many ounces}
Garlic! I’m going to try it. I’ve got the little beggars in the front yard, first time since I’ve been here, and they’re really starting to piss me off. Now, to the store to buy some garlic!
I like your solution. Anyone else with success?
It’s now 2018 is it still working?
I have a maze of mole traffic & dogs that make my yard look like a bombing range. I need something dog safe.
This is great information, but can I just go into a hardware store to purchase traps? Do they kill the beasts of just trap them?
They are in my front and back yards and all in my vegetable garden
traps impale/kill them
We have tried traps can’t catch them tore up my flower beds. Garden what do I do have 5 traps
Lets’ make a deal … send me a photo of the traps you have and how much you want for them.
They sell em on Amazon.