What should you do if moles have made molehills in your yard?
If you have ever seen a mole’s handiwork, you would know they can destroy a lawn in a matter of hours. Stepping outside, you see little mounds of pushed up dirt zig-zagging your yard. Instantly you know what makes those messy mounds. And you know the molehills and the moles must go!
Those pesky moles in your lawn or garden are no welcome sight. You are not going to start playing Whack-A-Mole here. So, what are you to do when moles have made molehills in your lawn?
First, let’s discover a bit about moles.
What is a mole?
Moles are small, carnivorous mammals approximately 5 inches in length. Moles have tiny eyes, ears tucked under their fur, short hind legs, and large front paws for digging. They live in tunnel systems they create located about 10 inches underground, leaving visible molehill mounds. Moles dine on insects, grubs, and earthworms.
A mole infestation recognizable by the dirt molehills they push up along the path.
What is the Danger of Having Moles in Your Yard?
After spending time aerating and fertilizing your lawn to achieve that lush, thick grass you desire, little dirt mounds continually popping up is a real nuisance. The tunnels destroy the root systems of the lawn, leaving unsightly brown spots.
In a garden, the roots of the crops will not only wither, but the tunnels leave a clear path for veggie eating critters to get at an easy meal. Not to mention, you don’t want the moles to eat away all the beneficial insects such as ladybugs and earthworms.
The tunnels are also a trip hazard. Since you can only see the molehills and not the tunnels themselves, walking along in your yard, you can trip into the tunnel hole underground and twist an ankle. No one wants that.
So how do you get rid of moles when you spot the mounds and tunnels?
Preventing Moles from Entering Your Yard.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent moles from ever entering your yard and digging those unsightly tunnels.
- Be careful not to over-water your lawn. The moist soil encourages worms and grubs to the surface, attracting the moles to the yard. So, water, but don’t over-water. Check for areas of the yard retaining water, as well.
- Using safe pesticides for the yard will help eliminate the food source for the moles.
- Castor oil is a scent the moles cannot tolerate. Putting castor oil in and around the garden will effectively keep the moles away.
- Another scent the moles cannot stand is that of marigolds, daffodils, and alliums. Planting these flowers in and around your garden and lawn make the area less attractive to the moles.
- You can find a vibrating device that sits in the ground sending out a sonic pulse to keep the moles away. They are inexpensive and will help to create a barrier for the yard.
- There are live, humane traps you can set for the moles if you know what you are doing with them. However, moles are not easy to catch in the act.
What if it is too late, and they are already moving into your yard, digging those tunnels and molehills?
Getting Rid of the Moles in Your Yard.
Blast it all; they are already making a molehill of a mess of your lawn. What are you going to do?
The first task is to locate the moles’ active tunnel system. Individual tunnels may be inactive, so locating the active mounds is the goal. If you flatten the hills and they pop back up, that is the active zone. So, find the live tunnel system and flatten the mounds, then set the live trap. Once caught, you will need a company specializing in Wildlife relocation to transport and re-home the animals.
We suggest you call a professional to come out and trap the moles. Once you have discovered the active tunnels and mounds, call a company like Covenant Wildlife Removal to come out, set the traps and properly relocate the animals.
No More Tunneling Moles to Make Molehills.
Let’s not “make a mountain out of a molehill” here! There is an easy solution. The professionals at Covenant Wildlife are trained and ready to take on any pest in your home or yard. They are licensed and insured, and their work is guaranteed. Their experience will make your predicament a memory and restore your lawn and garden to its original beauty.
