How to Prevent Yard Moles

Planting a border provides a natural mole deterrent.

Throughout the United States, seven species of moles exist. The mole rarely exceeds 7 inches in length. A mammal, it lives a solitary life exclusively in underground burrows. Considered a beneficial animal, the mole consumes a diverse array of insects and its tunnel system aerates the soil. It rarely damages plant life. Unfortunately, the mole pushes the soil from its tunnel system to the surface and creates mounds in the lawn or garden. Ridges of dirt can also appear. Early prevention of moles can help maintain a pristine lawn and also make it unnecessary to resort to lethal mole control options. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Insecticide granules or sprays: oftanol or diazinon
• Marigolds, fritillaria, Euphorbia or castor beans
• Bulb dust with 20 percent thiram
• Vibrating mole repellent device

Instructions

1. Reduce or eliminate the food supply that attracts the mole. The mole's diet consists of insect larvae, invertebrates, earthworms, centipedes and other small insects. Spreading insecticide granules on a lawn or spraying the area will reduce the food supply that draws a mole. Insecticides containing oftanol or diazinon help control lawn insects. Follow the directions on the label for application instructions.

2. Spray the area with a mole repellent that contains castor oil, according to Michigan State University. Numerous mole repellent products are available. Follow the directions on the label for application instructions.

3. Plant groups or borders of marigolds, fritillaria, Euphorbia or castor beans around the yard or garden. These plants offer a natural repellent method, because moles avoid the plants and do not burrow under them.

4. Dust plant bulbs prior to planting with a bulb dust that contains 20 percent thiram. The thiram will help to repel moles for approximately three weeks.

5. Install a vibrating mole repellent device. The device is designed specifically to vibrate and repel moles from small garden areas. Follow the directions on the label for installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Repellents often take 3 to 7 days before they become effective, and they remain effective for 30 to 75 days, Michigan State University states.

• Avoid spraying repellents if a heavy rain is predicted.

• Commercial mole repellents that contain castor oil are not always effective against star-nosed moles, according to Michigan State University.

References

• Michigan State University: Mole Damage Control
• University of Missouri: Controlling Nuisance Moles
• Kansas State University: Moles
• Rutgers University: Wildlife Damage Prevention and Control Strategies

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of California: Moles