How to Deal With Moles

Moles can turn a neat lawn into a minefield of molehills seemingly overnight. While they are actually beneficial for soil health, most gardeners want them gone. Here are your options.

Understanding moles

• Moles are solitary – usually just one or two cause all the damage.
• They eat earthworms and insect larvae, not plants.
• They tunnel constantly, creating new molehills as they go.
• Most active in spring and autumn when soil is moist.
• Removing one mole may just make space for another to move in.

Deterrents

Various products claim to deter moles, with mixed results:

• Sonic devices: Battery or solar-powered stakes that emit vibrations. Some people swear by them, others see no effect.
• Smelly substances: Garlic, castor oil, or commercial repellents placed in tunnels. Moles may just dig around them.
• Plants: Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is said to deter moles, but evidence is weak.

Deterrents rarely solve the problem completely but may encourage moles to move to a different area.

Trapping

Trapping is the most effective method but requires skill:

• Scissor traps, half-barrel traps and Duffus traps are commonly used.
• Traps must be set in active tunnels, not under molehills.
• Find active tunnels by flattening a section and checking if it is raised again within 24 hours.
• Handle traps with gloves to avoid leaving human scent.

DIY trapping has a steep learning curve. Many people give up after unsuccessful attempts.

Professional mole catchers

For persistent problems, a professional mole catcher is often the best solution:

• They have experience and the right equipment.
• Most offer a guarantee or return visits.
• Costs vary but are often reasonable for the results achieved.

What does not work

• Flooding tunnels: Moles simply dig new ones.
• Smoke bombs: Tunnels are too extensive for smoke to be effective.
• Poison: Illegal in the UK for moles.
• Chewing gum: An internet myth with no basis in fact.

Living with moles

If you cannot eliminate moles, you can minimise the impact:

• Flatten molehills promptly before the soil kills the grass beneath.
• Use the soil from molehills for potting – it is fine and weed-free.
• Roll the lawn in spring to firm up tunnels.
• Accept that moles aerate the soil and eat lawn pests.