How to Get Rid of Mole Problems in Yards

The cliche "don't make a mountain out of a molehill" may apply to many situations in life, but when it comes to getting rid of moles in your yard, it's important to take the problem seriously. Not only do you need to protect the beauty of your lawn, but mole holes can also become a safety issue for your family. Moles are small, furry creatures that burrow their way through yards, feeding on grubs, earthworms and ants. They leave tunnels, trenches, torn up grass, and ruined vegetable gardens and flower beds in their wake. You will know you have moles if you see mounds of dirt and soil in piles across your yard. They can cause extensive damage to the root system of plants and grasses as they dig for food. This digging and burrowing can ruin the appearance of your lawn and expose holes in which people can fall or twist ankles. While moles can be a problem, there are humane ways to rid your yard of these pests.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Unrefined castor oil (The oil can be purchased at any drug store.)
• Tablespoon
• Dishwashing liquid
• Blender
• Water
• Gallon spray container. The container can be found in home and garden sections of a store. Purchase the kind used for spraying pesticides.
• Airtight container
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Add 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid into ¼ cup castor oil. Castro oil acts as a natural repellent to moles. The smell of the oil is offensive to the moles, coats the insects they eat and causes them to move out of your yard.

2. Pour oil and dishwashing liquid mixture into a blender. Blend well

3. Add 6 tablespoons of water to the oil and dishwashing liquid mixture. Blend well.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of blended mixture into the one-gallon spray container. Put remaining mixture in airtight container for later use. Store in cool, dry place.

5. Fill the rest of the gallon spray container with water.

6. Use garden hose to water molehills area before applying mixture.

7. Spray oil/dishwashing liquid/water mixture over molehill area. Spray to saturation but do not flood.

Tips & Warnings

• Reapply every 30-60 days for maintenance.

• Reapply mixture after a heavy rainfall.

• Moles are most active in the spring and early summer.

• Moles can become displaced by heavy construction and excavation and move into your yard during such activity in your neighborhood.

• Always make sure top is secure on blender. Turn blender off and unplug it before pouring mixture into container.

• Avoid handling moles as they can bite, causing injury or disease.

References

• Hume Seeds
• Garden Web
• Free Library

Resources

• Planet Michigan