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Moles are vital to the natural ecosystem, but they can wreak havoc in our yards and gardens! If you’re constantly frustrated at the sight of molehills on your lawns and gardens, try one of these natural ways to get rid of moles today.
Mole-Repelling Plants
Plants like marigolds, daffodils, and alliums release odors that moles find unpleasant, driving them away from the area. Grow these species around the perimeter of your garden or yard and near mole activity areas.
Castor Oil Repellent
Castor oil’s strong smell and unpleasant taste make the soil unappealing to moles. To help it disperse, mix three tablespoons of castor oil with one gallon of water and a few drops of dish soap. Use a garden sprayer to distribute the mixture evenly over areas of high mole activity, reapplying every few weeks or after heavy rain.
Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are disturbing to moles, encouraging them to move away. Place ultrasonic repellent devices at regular intervals across your yard, ensuring they are positioned to cover the entire area where mole activity is present.
Flooding
Flooding mole tunnels creates an inhospitable environment, prompting moles to seek drier habitats elsewhere. Insert your garden hose into an active mole tunnel and turn on the water for several minutes. This method may need to be repeated regularly to be effective, so is not a good option in regions where water is scarce.
Remove Food Sources
Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on grubs, worms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Regularly aerating your lawn will disrupt the habitat of these insects, reducing the food available for moles to eat.
Lawn Rollers
Moles prefer loose, soft soil for digging, so using a lawn roller to compact the soil can make it less appealing. Roll your lawn regularly, especially after watering or rain when the soil is softer. Be careful not to over-compact the soil, which can harm grass and other plants.
Reduce Soil Moisture
Moles thrive in moist soil, which is easier to dig through and rich in their food sources. Water your lawn less frequently, focusing on deep, infrequent watering to promote deep root growth. Aerating the lawn and adding organic matter can also help to improve soil structure.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can repel moles due to their strong smell, and also add beneficial nutrients to the soil. Spread used coffee grounds around mole hills and active tunnels, reapplying every few days or after rain to maintain their effectiveness.
Related: 14 Incredible Ways to Repurpose Used Coffee Grounds
Pet Hair
The scent of predators can discourage moles from inhabiting an area. Collect dog and cat hair when grooming and spread it around mole tunnels and active areas in your yard. If you don’t own any pets, your local pet groomer is a good source of pet hair.
Mothballs
Mothballs release a strong odor that moles find highly unpleasant. Place mothballs at the entrance of any active mole tunnels, making sure only to use them in areas inaccessible to children and animals.
Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray
A pungent mixture of garlic and hot pepper can create an unpleasant environment for moles, encouraging them to move elsewhere. Blend several cloves of garlic and hot peppers with water, strain the mixture, and spray it around mole tunnels and active areas. Reapply every few days or after rain to maintain effectiveness.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a strong scent that moles find repulsive. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in mole tunnels and entry points. Alternatively, mix peppermint oil with water and spray it around the yard, reapplying regularly to keep the scent strong and maintain its effectiveness.
Predator Urine
Moles are prey animals and will avoid areas where they think predators are present. Products that mimic the odor of foxes or coyotes can be bought from garden stores in the form of spray or granules. To use, apply predator urine around mole tunnels and active areas.
Vinegar
The potent smell of vinegar can deter moles from your yard. Mix vinegar with water and spray it around mole tunnels and active areas. Be cautious when using vinegar near plants, as it can affect soil pH and harm vegetation.
Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion, a type of organic fertilizer, has a strong smell that can deter moles. Dilute fish emulsion with water according to the package instructions and sprinkle it around mole tunnels and active areas. Reapply regularly to maintain the scent barrier.
Create Vibrations
Vibrations in the soil disturb moles and make their habitat uncomfortable, encouraging them to leave. Wind-powered mole chasers or battery-operated stakes should be inserted into the ground near mole tunnels and activity areas.
Build A Barrier
Creating physical barriers is a good long-term solution to prevent moles from entering your garden or yard. Bury underground barriers, such as wire mesh or hardware cloth, around the perimeter of the area you want to protect. To be effective, the barrier needs to extend at least two feet under and six inches above the ground.
Apply Lime
Moles prefer slightly acidic soils, and raising the soil pH with lime can make your yard less attractive to them. First, conduct a soil test to determine the current pH level and follow the recommended application rate for lime. Be aware that changing soil pH can affect other plants, so monitor their health and adjust care as needed.
Blood Meal
Blood meal, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, has a strong smell that can deter moles. Sprinkle blood meal around the perimeter of your yard and near mole tunnels. This method not only helps to repel moles but also enriches the soil and boosts plant growth.
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Corsican mint forms a dense mat of tiny, aromatic leaves and small purple flowers and is an excellent alternative to grass in shady or partially shaded areas. When walked on, the leaves produce a pleasant minty fragrance that helps to repel biting insects. Grow Corsican mint plants 6 inches apart, watering well until well-established. This low-growing plant needs little maintenance apart from pruning the outer edges to control unwanted spread.
