Effective Ways to Get Rid of Moles in Your Garden
Moles in your garden can be a nuisance. They not only cause damage to your plants but also ruin the overall aesthetic value of your garden. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of moles in your garden.
Why Do Moles Infest Your Garden?
- Moles infest your garden because of the presence of grubs, earthworms, and other insects which are their primary source of food.
- They tend to make burrows underground which can cause damage to the roots of your plants.
- Moles are more likely to infest gardens with sandy soil because it is easier for them to dig through.
20 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Moles in Your Garden
1. Use Repellants
One way to get rid of moles in your garden is to use repellants. There are several types of repellants available in the market such as castor oil, garlic, and predator urine. Repellants work by making the moles uncomfortable and leaving the area.
Types of Repellants
- Castor Oil: Castor oil is effective at repelling moles because of its taste and the strong smell it produces. Apply castor oil to the soil in your garden to discourage moles from coming.
- Garlic: Garlic is also an effective repellant against moles. Crush garlic and mix with water then apply to the soil in your garden.
- Predator Urine: This is an effective repellant as it scares off moles. It is best to use urine from predators such as coyotes and foxes. Simply pour some predator urine on the soil in your garden where moles are present.
2. Use Traps
Another effective way to get rid of moles in your garden is by using traps. There are various types of traps available in the market such as spring traps, harpoon traps, and scissor-jaw traps. Before using a trap, make sure to find the mole’s main tunnel and set up the trap there.
Types of Traps
- Spring Traps: These are the most common type of mole traps. They consist of a metal bar that is triggered when the mole passes over it. The trap then kills the mole instantly.
- Harpoon Traps: These traps work by impaling the mole with a harpoon-like device when it passes over the trap.
- Scissor-jaw Traps: These traps work by using two spring-loaded jaws that trap and kill the mole.
3. Use Underground Fences
Underground fences can be used to keep moles out of your garden. This method is most effective when used with other methods such as repellants.
4. Use Vibrating Devices
Vibrating devices are also effective at repelling moles. These devices work by producing vibrations that are annoying to moles which makes them leave the area.
Types of Vibrating Devices
- Sonic Mole Repellers: These devices produce a high-pitched sound that is annoying to moles.
- Vibrating Mole Repellers: These devices produce vibrations in the soil that moles find uncomfortable.
5. Use Mothballs
Mothballs can also be used to repel moles. Simply place mothballs around the perimeter of your garden to keep moles away.
6. Flood the Mole Tunnels
Flooding the mole tunnels can be an effective way to get rid of moles. This method is most effective during the rainy season when the soil is already saturated with water.
7. Use Electric Shock Devices
Electric shock devices can also be used to kill moles. These devices work by sending a shock through the soil when a mole comes in contact with it.
8. Use Natural Predators
Natural predators such as snakes, owls, and dogs can be used to keep moles away from your garden. Simply introduce these predators into your garden to keep moles away.
Types of Predators
- Snakes: Snakes are natural predators of moles. They prey on moles by entering their burrows.
- Owls: Owls prey on moles by flying over their burrows and swooping down to catch them.
- Dogs: Dogs can be trained to hunt moles. Simply introduce your dog to your garden and train them to hunt moles.
9. Use Nitrogen Gas
Nitrogen gas can be used to kill moles. Simply insert a hose into the mole’s burrow and pump nitrogen gas into it. This will suffocate the mole and kill it.
10. Kill the Mole’s Food Source
Killing the mole’s food source can also be an effective way to get rid of moles. This can be done by using pesticides or other chemical treatments to kill the insects in your garden.
Types of Chemical Treatments
- Pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill the insects in your garden that moles feed on.
- Chemical Soil Treatments: These treatments can be applied to the soil in your garden to kill the insects that moles feed on.
11. Use Lawn Rollers
Lawn rollers can be used to flatten the mole’s tunnels and make it difficult for them to dig. This method is not effective on its own and should be used with other methods such as repellants or traps.
12. Use Scented Oils
Scented oils can be used to repel moles. There are several types of scented oils available such as peppermint oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil. Apply the oil to the soil in your garden to repel moles.
13. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices can be used to repel moles. These devices emit ultrasonic sound waves that are annoying to moles which makes them leave the area.
Types of Ultrasonic Devices
- Solar-Powered Ultrasonic Devices: These devices are powered by solar energy and emit ultrasonic sound waves.
- Battery-Powered Ultrasonic Devices: These devices are powered by batteries and emit ultrasonic sound waves.
14. Use Blood Meal
Blood meal can be used to repel moles. Simply apply blood meal to the soil in your garden to repel moles.
15. Use Water
Water can be used to flush out moles from their burrows. Simply pour water into the mole’s burrow to flush them out.
16. Use Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground penetrating radar can be used to locate the moles in your garden. This method is most effective when used with other methods such as traps or repellants.
17. Use Poison Baits
Poison baits can be used to kill moles. These baits are usually placed in the mole’s burrow and contain chemicals that are toxic to moles.
18. Use Ground Glass
Ground glass can be used to kill moles. Simply sprinkle the ground glass around the mole’s burrow. When the mole ingests the glass, it will cause internal bleeding and death.
19. Use Homemade Repellants
Homemade repellants can be made using household items such as cayenne pepper, vinegar, and tobacco. These repellants work by making the moles uncomfortable and leaving the area.
Types of Homemade Repellants
- Cayenne Pepper: Mix cayenne pepper with water and apply to the soil in your garden.
- Vinegar: Mix vinegar with water and apply to the soil in your garden.
- Tobacco: Spread tobacco around the perimeter of your garden to repel moles.
20. Hire a Professional
If all else fails, hire a professional pest control company to get rid of the moles in your garden. They have the experience and equipment needed to effectively control the mole population in your garden.
FAQ
Q: What are moles?
A: Moles are small, burrowing mammals that are found all over the world. They have a cylindrical body, short legs, and sharp claws which make them excellent diggers.
Q: What do moles eat?
A: Moles primarily feed on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects.
Q: How do moles damage your garden?
A: Moles can damage your garden by making burrows underground which can cause damage to the roots of your plants. They also leave unsightly mounds of soil on the surface of your garden.
Q: How do I know if moles are present in my garden?
A: Signs of moles in your garden include mounds of soil on the surface, raised ridges in your lawn, and tunnels or burrows in your garden.
Q: How do repellants work?
A: Repellants work by making the moles uncomfortable and leaving the area. They do this by emitting scents or vibrations that are annoying to moles.
Q: Are traps humane?
A: Yes, traps can be humane if used correctly. Make sure to check the traps often and release any live moles back into the wild.
Q: Can natural predators be harmful to my garden?
A: No, natural predators will not harm your garden if they are properly introduced and trained.
Conclusion
Getting rid of moles in your garden can be a frustrating experience. However, by using the methods described in this article, you can effectively control the mole population in your garden. Remember to always be humane and conscious of the environment when using any pest control method.
| Method | Effectiveness | Humane |
|---|---|---|
| Repellants | Intermediate | Yes |
| Traps | High | Yes |
| Underground Fences | Low | Yes |
| Vibrating Devices | Intermediate | Yes |
| Mothballs | Low | Yes |
| Flood the Mole Tunnels | Low | Yes |
| Electric Shock Devices | High | No |
| Natural Predators | Intermediate | Yes |
| Nitrogen Gas | High | No |
| Kill the Mole’s Food Source | High | No |