how to deal with a mole problem

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How To Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to tackle your mole problem? Our pros can help.

Elisabeth Beauchamp

Senior Staff Writer

Elisabeth Beauchamp is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner’s Lawn and Windows categories. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. When Elisabeth isn’t writing about flowers, foliage, and fertilizer, she’s researching landscaping trends and current events in the agricultural space. Elisabeth aims to educate and equip readers with the tools they need to create a home they love.

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October 16, 2023

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Mole tunnels in your yard are a sure sign that you are dealing with a pesky and reckless burrowing animal. If you do not adequately treat your mole problem, your entire lawn could end up being torn up. There are lots of remedies out there explaining how to get rid of moles in your yard. Our step-by-step guide gives you ideas for natural home remedies as well as ways to permanently handle the mole situation in your yard. Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to get rid of moles in your yard. Thing it could be gophers? When you’re done reading about getting rid of moles, check out our homeowners guide for removing gophers .

What are Moles?

Moles are small burrowing animals with very poorly developed eyesight. As hard as it is for these critters to see, they have an impressive sense of touch and sensitive snouts. They dig and claw away at the soil to find food to eat. The small cylindrical bodies are furry, but the paws are quite large, considering their overall size. Moles typically don’t bite and feed off of insects, grubs, and earthworms.

How To Know You Have a Mole Problem in Your Yard and Gardens

If you have never seen an issue with moles in your yard before, you will likely notice when it happens almost immediately. There are some tell-tale signs that you are experiencing a mole issue in your yard, and the quicker you act on it, the less damage the moles will do. As homeowners, it’s important to remember that even one or two moles in the yard can make a big impact.

Moles hills are going to look like tunnels running under the surface of your lawn. Some of these will look like raised grass, but when you step on them, they may collapse. Molehills won’t have much of a pattern to them; they can run in circles or across certain sections of the turf.

Patches of Dead Grass

Sometimes dead grass will show up in certain areas where the moles are destroying the roots of the turf. Most of the time, the molehills will also be present in and around these patches of dead grass.

Chunks of Dirt

Where the moles enter and exit their tunnels, there are often large chunks of dirt from digging. Sometimes you can see an entrance to the hole, but often times it will just be a large chunk of dirt.

Mounds of dirt across the turf will also be another sign that you have some moles hard at work. This is typically going to be seen in the early spring, but there is no specific time period for moles, and you should always be on the lookout for these signs. You won’t need to look too hard, as the garden and turf will show clear signs if you have a mole problem.

Ways to Get Rid of Moles

To get rid of and prevent moles, you will have six basic steps that can be used in conjunction with each other or on their own:

• Eliminating their food source:  if the moles have nothing to eat, they will leave
• Properly water your lawn:  overwatering the lawn will make it subject to fungus and insects, and the moles will come in to destroy
• Apply several repellents:  whether you use an insecticide to remove the food source or use top-quality mole repellents , properly treating the lawn is an important step
• Bait traps:  when the moles take over, be prepared to poison them with bait
• Kill moles with traps:  moles traps come in several different styles
• Hire a professional:  if you can’t get your landscaping back to the way it was and mole activity is not stopping, a professional pest control company can typically help

The two primary methods for taking care of a mole problem in your yard are to use natural ways or to kill moles using mole baits or mole traps.

7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Moles

Getting rid of moles following these natural methods will typically work quite well for a mild mole infestation. If this has been going on for quite some time, there is a high chance that the natural ways will be a bit more difficult to establish full mole control. This, however, can be a great place to start.

Kill Grubs and Other Food Sources

Grub control is a smart way to help move moles out of your yard. If they have nothing to feed on, they will move to another spot. These animals are insectivores and moles will eat insects and invertebrates in your turf. Grubs, on the other hand, will be eating your grassroots so the combination of the two critters is detrimental to your yard.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper will be an irritant for the moles. As we mentioned, the moles will make runways across your lawn, and if they encounter cayenne pepper along the way, it will bother their sensitive noses and send them in a different direction.

Castor oil is one of the most popular natural ways of mole removal. Take castor oil and mix it with dish soap in a ratio of 3:1 (three parts castor oil, one part dish soap). After you have your mixture, you can then take four tablespoons of it and put it into a one-gallon sprayer with water. Fill the spray completely with water and 4 tablespoons of your mixture and apply it to the area where you are noticing moles.

Natural Commercial Repellents

There are some natural mole repellents that contain castor oil and other natural repellents. These can be put in the ground around the area of the mole infestation, and they are not intended to kill the moles. Some of these are granular materials that you will leave in a flower bed or areas of your turf.

Flower Deterrents

Some flowers such as daffodils, marigolds, alliums, and castor beans are not preferred by moles, and they will stay out of your lawn because of the strong scent of the plant.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds or granules can be spread out on the turf where the moles are doing damage. Coffee is quite strong, and the smell and texture will keep moles from wanting to enter this area of your lawn. When you just start noticing the raised ridges in your lawn, try the coffee grounds and see if pushes them away.

Ultrasonic Spikes

Ultrasonic spikes are placed in the yard, emitting noise and vibration that is not pleasing to moles. Most humans cannot notice anything from the ultrasonic spikes, but it will also keep away other animals such as voles, mice, and rats.

Conventional Ways to Kill Moles in Your Yard

If you have tried the natural method, but these tiny diggers are causing more and more problems, you may need to take a more advanced method of removal and kill the moles.

Use a Kill Trap

Not all effective mole traps kill moles. A kill trap is placed in the ground in the middle of one of the tunnels. As we have mentioned, the small eyes of the mole are not very good at noticing a block in their tunnel. As they bump into the metal part of the trap that is underground, it will instantly kill the mole.

Baiting Them

Mole bait will look like a grub, but it has insecticide and poison inside the bait that will kill the moles. To bait moles, you first must identify if they have a shallow or a deep tunnel, as you will have to place this food inside their tunnels. Use a wooden dowel to push the mole bait down to the appropriate level, and then wait a few days to see if the moles are still digging.

Why Your Yard Attracts Moles

Now that you have some of the most common ways to remove moles. You will want to prevent them from now on. The main reason your yard attracts moles is that you have problems with your turf. These turf-related issues will attract things like moles, gophers, armadillos, and voles.

The main food sources for moles are earthworms, grubs, and lawn insects. If your lawn is properly treated by a professional or a DIY process, the moles will have no reason to stay on your property. Look for grub control products as well as ways to control ants and mole crickets, as these will also attract the moles.

How to Make Your Yard a Pest-Free Zone

If you are tired of dealing with moles and other pests in your yard, there are a few options you have to make your yard a pest-free zone.

• Start with proper maintenance:  if your grass, shrubs, and trees are not properly maintained, you will struggle to have a pest-free zone in your yard. Look for ways to improve overall yard maintenance.
• Fertilize and treat grass:  grass needs the proper nutrients to stay healthy and keep pests away, and the proper fertilization procedures can help.
• Use Insecticides : insecticides applied to your yard can help with a variety of things such as grubs, larvae of many insects, fleas, crickets, and more; these insecticides can be applied by homeowners or professionals.
• Monitor closely : keeping a close eye on your property can help prevent issues before they become a significant problem. Take walks around your property every few days and inspect for any problems.
• Call in the professionals:  know when to throw in the towel and hand this job over to the professionals; they can help make a big difference in the health of your yard.

Use Professional Lawn Pest Service to Get Rid of Moles

The  best professional lawn service  can help you get rid of moles in your yard. The professional service will ensure that your grass remains healthy and that no animals are interested in feeding off of your unhealthy turf.

How Professionals Get Rid of Moles

Professional lawn services will also sometimes set traps and help you kill moles; other times, they will use more natural repellents. The professionals can tell how bad a mole infestation is and what level of intervention must be taken. For many homeowners, the thought of killing moles is not pleasing, and having professionals take care of this is the better option. Many times professionals won’t need to get rid of moles as they will use proper preventative measures.

Top Recommended Lawn Pest Control Companies

The best  lawn pest control companies  can not only handle a mole problem, but they will be able to tackle any sort of animal or insect infestation in your yard or home. The best of these companies is Terminix, as they have a very strong history in the industry and impressive overall customer reviews. Terminix will come to your home with more than 90 years of industry experience and give you a free quote on how to handle your lawn pest issues.

Our top recommended pest control companies are:

• Terminix :  Best Overall
• Orkin:  Best Emergency Service
• Bulwark:  Best Customer Service
• Aptive:  Most Customizable
• TruGreen:  Best Lawn Pest Control
• Hawx Pest:  Best Localized Pest Control

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to get rid of moles. We have tried a variety of these methods, and the natural ways tend to work quite well as long as you start with them from the very beginning of the problem. Once larger populations of moles move in, the process of removing all moles from the property becomes much more advanced. Keep in mind that the mole issue is there for the food source, and if you can eliminate that, you will eliminate the moles.

FAQs About Getting Rid of Moles

How do i get rid of a mole on my own.

Yes, often you can. There are a number of different ways to get rid of a mole, including setting a bait trap, a kill trap, or using natural methods like mothballs and coffee grounds.

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles naturally?

The fastest way to get rid of moles naturally is to use a combination of dish soap, castor oil, and water in a small sprayer. Spray the area where the moles have been damaging your turf, and they should start leaving your yard alone.

How do you get rid of a mole overnight?

Getting rid of a mole overnight is possible with a kill trap or an ultrasonic spike. The natural ways to get rid of moles could take a few days or more. Mole bait will also take more than a day to eliminate the moles in your yard.

Why do I have moles in my yard?

Moles are in your yard because they feed off the insects that unknowingly destroy your turf. Although you can’t see this from above ground, you likely have grubs and other insects under the surface that are feeding the moles.

What is the best mole killer?

The best mole killer is the TomCat mole bait. This product is very easy to install, and you will not need to set a trap to remove the moles. The fake grubs look real to the moles, and they will ingest them and die; this mole killer is affordable and an easy solution for many homeowners.

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How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard (and Keep Them Away)

These little diggers can cause a lot of damage. Use these tips to stop existing moles and prevent more from moving in.

What Are Moles?

• Identifying Moles
• Getting Rid of Moles
• Keeping Moles Away

When you see 3-5 inch raised ridges running across the surface of your lawn, accompanied by small volcanoes of soil here and there, you have a mole around. These small mammals can cause damage quickly because their tunneling ruins any plants in their path. As they dig through the earth, they destroy roots, so the tell-tale ridges of their tunnels rapidly turn brown . On the positive side, moles aerate the soil and eat destructive insects while they’re at it. Learn how to get rid of moles in your yard before they do extensive damage and keep them away.

Moles are burrowing insectivores. Except for breeding season in early spring, moles tend to live alone, so the multi-tunneled pattern in your yard is likely home to only one mole.

Moles build new feeding tunnels constantly and may not use the same one twice. You may find entry and exit mounds, usually round and symmetrical, pushed up volcano-fashion by the mole. The hole usually has soil in it but remains visible. The mounds are connected to main runways. The runways are 12-18 inches underground and not typically visible.

Moles feed on insects and insect larvae, but they’re especially fond of white grubs, a common lawn pest . Given a choice, moles pick moist, sandy loam soils over dry, heavy clay soils . They are most active during warm, wet months, although they live underground year-round.

How to Identify Moles

Moles have black or gray fur and a prominent, hairless snout. Their eyes are very small and buried in fur that they are almost invisible. Their front claws are large and hairless, designed for digging. Their ears are not visible.

Difference Between Moles, Voles, and Pocket Gophers

Homeowners sometimes mistake mole tunnels for those made by voles or pocket gophers, small rodents that also tunnel underground. Whereas moles leave prominent ridges above their tunnels in your lawn, capped off with distinctive volcano-shaped soil mounds, voles leave only subtle evidence of their tunnels in the landscape, if any. Their tunnels soften the soil, though, so it feels soft when you walk on it, and the small, flat, circular entrance holes to their tunnels are much more subtle than those of moles.

Pocket gophers don’t create prominent raised ridges as they go. Instead, they eat the roots of grass and other plants, pulling them down into underground burrows, which tends to push soil out to the side. Their tunnels look more flattened than mole tunnels, with fan-shaped or semicircular mounds. Each mound may contain a visible hole, although earth clumps can camouflage the hole.

If you happen to see one of these creatures, you might be able to identify it by size. At 4–7 inches long, a mole is smaller than a pocket gopher but larger than a vole.

How to Get Rid of Moles

Spring and fall, when the ground is not frozen , are the best times of the year for getting rid of moles because that’s when they’re most active. You likely have only one or two moles to trap to solve the problem because they don’t live in groups.

Humane Solutions

Remove the food source . The most humane way to get rid of moles is to use beneficial nematodes that dine on the grubs that form much of the mole diet. Without their favorite food source, moles tend to move on. This organic pesticide can be used safely around children and pets.

Put out a live trap . You’ll need to find an active tunnel for the trap. To identify an active tunnel, flatten it by stepping on it and checking it the next day to see if it is no longer flat, meaning a mole has passed that way. Install the live trap. following the product directions. Check the trap daily, or the animal might die while confined. Take it far away from your yard and release it.

Use a repellant. A safe liquid repellent frequently contains castor oil, which disturbs the natural eating patterns of moles, causing them to leave the area. Granular repellant with castor oil works the same way.

Not all repellants are child- and pet-safe. Confirm a repellent or deterrent is safe to be around your family and animals before buying it.

Lethal Solutions

Figuring out how to get rid of moles can be tricky because they live underground. Poisons and fumigants are options but should be avoided if you have pets or children that may be exposed.

The only sure way to eliminate a mole is to use a mole-specific trap that kills the animal . You can find below- and above-ground traps in several designs to do the job. Follow the package directions for correct placement, and move the tunnel traps daily while you still notice activity to increase your chances of eliminating the mole.

How to Keep Moles Away

After you get rid of moles, use one or more of these methods to keep them away.

Plant flowers moles hate: Moles dislike the scents of marigolds , daffodils , and alliums , so planting these in a garden bed discourages moles while providing a colorful addition to your yard.

Go techy with ultrasound: Install ultrasonic mole-repellent devices. These devices emit an ultrasound that drives moles away without any chemicals. They are low-maintenance (some are solar-powered) and safe to use around people and pets.

Spread a deterrent: Make your yard inhospitable by sprinkling a child- and pet-safe granular deterrent around the yard.

Improve yard drainage: Because moles prefer to live in areas where the soil stays moist, improving the drainage on your property might discourage them.

Use barriers: If you frequently have moles around and don’t mind a few tunnels around your property, try the barrier method to protect small spaces, like a veggie garden or a colorful flower bed in your front yard. Create an underground fence by burying a 24-inch metal or hardware cloth barrier at least a foot below the surface. If a mole tunnels into this barrier, it usually moves on and digs elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moles will leave on their own only when their food source runs out. Otherwise, they’re likely to stick around unless the homeowner takes some action.

If you still have moles, flatten the runways they create underground using a lawn roller or stomping them with your feet. You can also rake out their tunnels. After they’re gone, fill the holes with topsoil and add sod or seed for new growth.

Some homeowners have had success applying a mixture of one part  vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle to the holes and tunnels and reapplying it every few days. Be careful using vinegar because it can kill surrounding plants.

Although they leave unattractive tunnels and weak spots in the yard, they also provide some benefits. They eat grubs, beetles, ants, snails, and termites. They also aerate and fertilize the soil.

Related Articles

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Identify signs that moles are in your yard, and get rid of them for good

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Amanda Rose Newton is a pest specialist and horticulture expert, reviewing pest control and gardening content for The Spruce's Cleaning and Gardening Review Board. Her passion for pest control and sustainable gardening allows her to review plant and pest content for best practices and accuracy. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. She is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and a pest specialist.

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

• Elimination

In some circumstances, moles serve a valuable function by offering deep aeration of soil as they feed on grubs, earthworms, and other subterranean insects. Thus, they can be valuable in prairie areas and other natural grasslands. But for homeowners seeking a beautiful lawn, moles can be annoying.

The raised ridges and small volcano-shaped heaps of dug-up earth caused by mole tunneling can spoil your perfect lawn. While moles do not eat plant roots and do eat potential root pests, they can disrupt root systems in their search for insects.

What Are Moles?

Moles are small burrowing mammals from the Talpidae family. In North America, the common species are the common mole ( Scalopus aquaticus ), star-nosed mole ( Condylura cristata ), hairy-tailed mole ( Parascalops breweri ), and shrew mole ( Neurotrichus gibbsii ).

Depending on the species, moles range from 4 to 8 inches in length and have pointed snouts, very small eyes, no ears, and large shovel-shaped front paws edged with digging claws. The damage they cause to lawns and gardens comes about as they tunnel beneath the soil in search of insects to feed upon. Moles produce two types of tunnels (runways) in your yard.

What Causes Moles

Moles are most likely to be a problem on lawns where there are lots of grubs and earthworms to feed on, and where the soil is moist. Too much watering may make your lawn very attractive to moles, especially if surrounding areas are quite dry.

Certain landscaping features may also attract moles. The runways they form tend to follow fence rows, paths, and other manmade borders. Additionally, where there are clusters of trees and shrubs, they will burrow and seek out insects living in these root systems.

Signs You Have Moles in Your Yard

There are some surefire signs that you have a mole problem in your yard.

Volcano-Like Mounds or Hills

Moles produce two types of tunnels (runways) in your yard. One runway runs just beneath the surface. These are feeding tunnels and appear as raised ridges running across your lawn. The second type of tunnel is deeper and enables the moles to unite the feeding tunnels in a network. It is the soil dug up from these deep tunnels that homeowners find on their lawns, piled up in mounds that look like little volcanoes.

Sudden patches of dead grass in your yard are a possible indication of a mole problem. As moles carve out their tunnels, they disrupt any root systems of all nearby grasses. This causes the grass blades to die at the surface. Look out for any sudden discoloring and try to treat the grass before it dies.

Moles vs. Voles

Since moles are not the only animal pests responsible for runways in the yard, they are often confused with these other pests, such as the vole ( Myodes spp. ). Moles and voles may have similar-sounding names, but it's easy to tell them apart: A vole looks like a mouse; a mole is much larger (usually about 6 to 8 inches long) and has a long, pointed snout and large paddle-like front paws with prominent claws.

Mole mounds are volcano-like in appearance, while voles  leave behind no mounds at all. Instead, voles construct well-defined, visible runways at or near the surface, about 2 inches wide. Vole runways result from the voles eating the grass blades, as well as from the constant traffic of numerous little feet over the same path.

Moles. vs. Pocket Gophers

Another creature that inflicts substantial damage on lawns and gardens is the pocket gopher, which includes about 35 different species from the Geomyidae family of rodents. Like moles, gophers often leave volcano-shaped mounds of earth piled up as the product of their tunneling, but unlike moles, gophers do not leave raised ridges in the lawn, as their tunneling activity generally occurs at a deeper level. Slightly larger than moles, gophers have similar spade-like front paws and feed primarily on plant roots. This makes the pocket gopher an even more serious pest than moles, whose damage to lawns is generally cosmetic, a byproduct of simple tunneling.

Gophers have incisor teeth that are visible, and small but clearly identifiable ears. Moles, on the other hand, have no visible ears and their teeth do not protrude. Trapping gophers requires a slightly different method, with traps that are specially designed for catching gophers; the traps are usually placed underground, within the tunnels.

4 Ways to Get Rid of Moles

1. eliminate their food source: grubs and beetles.

Moles need food to survive. Two major sources of food for moles are grubs (that is, the larvae of certain beetles) and worms. Therefore, a simple first step you can take for mole control is to eliminate grubs , thereby removing a principal food source.

If, on the other hand, moles are drawn to your lawn due to the presence of earthworms, you will have to fight them by other means. Earthworms are usually considered beneficial to your lawn and garden, and you don't want to eliminate worms simply because you have a mole problem.

Grubs are the larval form of many beetles, including the Japanese beetle and June bugs , so combatting the adult beetles will also reduce future grub populations, thereby making your lawn less attractive to moles.

2. Trap the Moles

The most reliable method of getting rid of moles permanently is to use kill traps. These traps are designed specifically for killing moles, and several styles are available, described according to their means of action: scissors traps, choker traps, and harpoon traps .

If the idea of killing moles is repugnant to you, there are also small live traps available, though they are hard to use. The problem with live-trapping is that you still have to release the live mole. In some states, the relocation of vermin animals is actually prohibited. Kill traps are generally the more recommended, and the most effective, method.

Trapping in the early spring can get rid of pregnant female moles, effectively preventing greater problems later. Where you place the trap is critical to success—it's important to set traps in active tunnels. Each type of trap has its own instructions for use, but one of the most effective is the harpoon trap. To use it:

• Compress the soil over an active tunnel, then position the trap over the compressed area with the legs of the trap pushed firmly down into the ground.
• While holding the trap in place, push the trap's trip pan into the compressed area and make sure it touches the surface of the soil.
• Pull back the harpoon tines until the spring lever snaps into place. Check again to make the legs are firmly anchored. When a mole attempts to reopen the tunnel, it will move the trip pan and cause the harpoon tines to plunge into the soil, which usually kills the mole instantly.
• Check the trap daily; if the trap has been sprung, there is a good chance you will find a dead mole when you dig up the area below the trap. On rare occasions, the trap may fail to kill the mole instantly; you may need to dispatch it with a sharp blow to the head.

3. Use Mole Poison

A last resort is to use one of the chemical poisons proven to be effective against moles. One leading product is known as Bromethalin, which is sold as a package of worm-shaped baits treated with a mixture of bromine and fluorine. When the mole eats these worms, it induces convulsions that kill the mole.

Another product is the traditional rodenticide warfarin, a chemical that causes creatures who ingest it to bleed internally. When tailored for use for moles, it is placed in a worm-flavored gel that can be injected directly into a mole tunnel, thereby reducing the likelihood that other creatures will ingest it.

Finally, there are mole baits containing zinc phosphide. When placed in the tunnel and eaten by a mole, this compound reacts to form a phosphine gas that kills the mole within a few hours.

Many homeowners don't know that moles are super sensitive to loud noises. It doesn't hurt to hang some wind chimes around your yard to help shoo the moles away if they're trying to enter your territory.

4. Use Natural Remedies

It can't hurt to implement some natural measures to help with your mole problem. Moles dislike certain plant species so filling your yard with these where it makes sense is a good strategy. Crown imperial, Narcissis, Castor bean , and Euphorbia lathyris are some plants that can deter them in your yard. Euphorbia lathyris is even sometimes called "gopher spurge" because its smell and taste is such a rodent repellent.

Many gardeners also note the effectiveness of certain materials placed over the moles' holes and inside their tunnels such as used coffee grounds or fish scraps. Scattering the grounds over their holes and covering them with soil will drive away varmints who hate the smell. Additionally, old fish scraps in the tunnels can repel moles through the smell.

Similarly, soaking tunnel areas with a solution of castor oil and dish soap can help. This is a safer alternative to a poisonous spray. Combine one gallon of dish soap with three to four tablespoons of castor oil and spray over your lawn and in tunnels.

All forms of mole bait or poison are toxic chemicals that must be used with great caution to avoid contact with humans, pets, or desirable wildlife. It is generally better to use traps, reserving chemical poisons for situations where no other mole control methods succeed.

How to Prevent Moles

There are some steps you can take to prevent moles from infiltrating your landscape.

• Limit the watering of your lawn.
• Use repellant measures (see above) around the perimeter of your yard to block them from crossing over into your property.
• Control or eliminate food offerings using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) .
• Apply an insecticide such as Merit to help prevent grubs while in the egg stage.
• Scatter a natural remedy such as used coffee grounds over their holes or fish scraps in their tunnels so the smell will deter them from returning.

Lillian King / Getty Images

If you live in a rural area, there are several natural predators with digging habits that may catch and kill moles. Foxes, coyotes, badgers, weasels, and fishers are all known hunters of moles, so don't be upset if you see one of these creatures digging in your mole-infested lawn. Some raptor birds, especially the red-tailed hawk, may also occasionally catch a mole that strays above ground. And some species of domestic dog, such as terriers, may be adept at digging holes and catching moles.

Moles are not generally considered serious vectors of disease, but they can potentially transmit infectious diseases. Take care not to touch trapped moles with your bare hands when disposing of them.

Although you can certainly flatten the tunnels and mounds all over your yard, it won't solve your mole problem. These are "professional" diggers and they will simply create more quickly.

Controlling Damage from Moles and Voles . Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Earthworms in Lawns . University of Georgia Extension.

Secondary Poisoning From Bromethalin Toxicants For Moles - Should You Be Concerned? . Purdue University.

Zinc Phosphide General Fact Sheet . National Pesticide Information Center.

How Do I Protect My Pets While Using Mole/Gopher Baits? . National Pesticide Information Center.

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How to Get Rid of Moles Effectively and Humanely

If you see signs that moles are wreaking havoc on your lawn, save yourself a headache by learning how to get rid of moles from your yard using humane and safe methods..

By Bob Vila and Evelyn Auer | Updated May 5, 2023 10:22 AM

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Photo: shutterstock.com

Although you may scratch your head over what animal is digging holes in your yard , there’s no mistaking when that animal is a mole. You’re not likely to see one above ground, but the hills and ruts a mole leaves in its burrowing wake can spoil, if not devastate, your landscaping. Beyond the eyesore of new mounds sprinkled throughout your lawn, the tunneling can separate roots from soil, killing grass and other vegetation. If you do come face to face with a mole, you probably won’t find it terribly cute. Moles are dark-brown animals that are about 8 inches long at the largest. They appear eyeless and earless (these features are actually just too small to see), but they have large teeth and claws. A star-nosed mole has a series of appendages resembling tentacles at the end of its snout. But despite their odd appearance and destructive tendencies, there are a couple of real benefits to having one or two moles in the yard. For instance, plenty of homeowners pay to have their lawns aerated annually, and a single mole can essentially provide this service for free. Moles also eat grubs and other unwanted garden pests. It’s worth considering these pros before spending too much time or money on mole control.

If you’ve been researching how to get rid of moles, then you’ve probably come across scores of reports, each touting this or that method as being the best solution to a mole problem. There are several options to try. First, you can try to get rid of moles naturally using deterrents and barriers; alternatively, you can set out a series of mechanized traps. The former is the more humane approach because it doesn’t require killing the mole. The latter is more likely to produce results, but the mole may die in the clutches of your trap. If neither of these approaches appeal, hiring a wildlife removal specialist may be your best bet. In general, it’s wise to take action at the first sign of a pest problem in the yard . According to Thomas Ward, training specialist and biologist at Critter Control , “The longer you let a problem continue the [higher the] likelihood…of additional damage, just like with any problem. If your engine light comes on in your vehicle, you could probably drive it a little bit longer, but you increase the potential risk for something to happen. It’s kind of that way with [wildlife control] as well.” Read on to find out the best way to get rid of moles on your property.

Time required: 3 to 4 days Difficulty: Intermediate Estimated cost: $5 to $50, or $50 to $500 for professional removal

• Milky spore powder
• Beneficial nematodes
• Spray bottle
• Gloves, mask, and eye protection
• See full list «
• Bird feeder
• Cardboard box or humane mole trap
• Mole repellent
• Flower plants or seeds
• Garlic or shallot plants or seeds
• Ultrasonic repellent device

Before You Begin…

If you walked outside to see dirt piles popping up around the lawn and immediately searched online for “How to get rid of moles in your yard,” you’re not alone. But before placing an order for one of the best mole repellents or best mole traps , consider whether this is absolutely necessary. Moles’ quick digging actually aerates your yard and circulates nutrients in the soil. Plus, a mole’s diet of grubs and other insects could help get rid of pests that would otherwise eat at the roots of your plants. If these benefits outweigh the cost of seeing a few mole hills here and there, you can save yourself the time and expense of getting rid of moles. However, if the lawn damage is becoming extensive or you don’t want to leave your lawn-care routine up to the moles, it’s worth taking the steps ahead to get rid of them.

It’s also a good idea to confirm that it is indeed moles that are taking up residence in the yard. Many people are confused about the difference between moles and voles because of their similar names and habits; however, voles bear a closer resemblance to mice and make shallow, narrow tunnels. Getting rid of voles has a different set of challenges. Gophers are another animal that tears up the yard with the added annoyance of chewing through your vegetable garden—they also won’t be any help in the pest control department. If you can’t figure out whether you need to get rid of gophers , moles, voles, or something else entirely, you may need to get in touch with a wildlife control specialist. These specialists are also experts at humane removal methods. According to Ward, “Just because we’re solving a wildlife problem doesn’t mean we have to hurt the animal. We’ll always look at options that don’t cause direct harm to the animal.”

Tips for How to Get Rid of Moles

• Make the yard inhospitable to moles using deterrents and repellents.
• Use the food chain to your advantage and eliminate moles’ food sources.
• Physically remove moles whenever possible.

Safety Considerations

• Moles may carry fleas, ticks, and even rabies. Avoid directly handling live moles or carcasses whenever possible.
• Use gloves, a mask, and eye protection when preparing and spreading repellents.
• Follow directions carefully when setting traps to avoid pinching or smashing your fingers.

STEP 1: Implement grub-control methods to eliminate the mole’s food source.

If there is a mole in your yard, that means that the yard is a plentiful food source for them. A mole’s diet primarily consists of bugs such as beetles, centipedes, worms, and especially grubs—a lot of them. Eliminating these food sources will encourage moles to seek refuge where food is more widely available. Grubs have their own adverse effect on a lawn, so getting rid of them can be doubly useful. Insecticides work well in a pinch, but there are more natural ways that are just as effective. One option is to sprinkle milky spore powder (which can be found online or at garden and home improvement stores) around grub-infested areas. Another method is to introduce grubs’ natural predators—beneficial nematodes eat grubs and can also be found at most garden stores. Putting up a bird feeder can draw birds into the yard who will feast on grubs and worms. Here’s a tip: if you live in the Southwest, you can use the same method to get rid of armadillos as they have a similar diet. If these options aren’t working, some of the best pest control companies such as Orkin or Terminix can also treat for grubs and beetles.

STEP 2: Apply a mole repellent on the mole’s burrow entrances.

One of the most common and effective mole and vole repellents is castor oil, which has an unpleasant taste and smell. Mixing three parts castor oil and one part dish soap with a gallon of water creates an effective repellent that can be sprayed on areas of mole activity. This is not only a repellent for moles; it’s also a good way to get rid of groundhogs , voles, and other rodents. Retailers have also caught on to using castor oil as a mole repellent and sell premade mole control products if you prefer not to mix your own. You may see coffee grounds listed as a repellent when researching how to get rid of moles and voles, but this has not been proven to be effective and can deplete the soil of nitrogen, doing more harm than good for your garden. If you do use coffee grounds, use them sparingly in areas where nothing is growing.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 3: Create a barrier using plants.

If you’re interested in learning how to get rid of moles naturally, what could be more natural than using plants? Many plants that are beautiful and pleasant-smelling to people are downright repulsive to moles. Planting certain flowers around the border of a garden can keep moles away while sprucing up the lawn’s appearance. Daffodils are known to deter moles, as are marigolds, alliums, and other flowers that have strong scents. Garlic and shallots are also unpleasant to moles, so adding them to a vegetable garden can be another deterrent. Creating plant barriers is time-consuming and requires ongoing upkeep, but it can be a worthwhile project as it yields plenty of benefits beyond just discouraging moles.

STEP 4: Dig a trench around the yard and fill it with rocks to create a boundary and discourage moles.

If you don’t mind a bit of manual labor, one of the most effective home remedies for moles in the yard is a physical barrier. In order for it to be effective, you’ll need to dig a trench that is at least 2 feet deep with a width of 6 inches that extends around the entire perimeter of the yard. Once the trench is created, it can be lined with a layer of wire mesh or simply filled in with rocks. You can also cover it back up with dirt and plant grass on top so that it blends in with the rest of the lawn.

STEP 5: Install an ultrasonic mole or rodent repellent device.

When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of a mole, ultrasonic repellents can be both easy and convenient. They keep animals out of the garden by emitting high-pitched sounds that can’t be detected by humans but will drive away rodents, snakes, and even insects. Some of the best ultrasonic pest repellers even include strobe lights and will occasionally change frequency so that pests don’t become accustomed to the sound. The biggest benefit of this approach is that the devices are relatively affordable, and for the most part you can stick them in the yard and forget about them. They can also help you get rid of chipmunks , rats, mice, and insects in addition to moles. The main drawback is that they can be irritating to pets, although some models are tuned to a frequency that supposedly cannot be heard by dogs and cats.

STEP 6: Keep up with mowing, but don’t overwater your lawn.

To discourage moles in the future, cut back on the watering in your lawn-care routine, and maybe even consider choosing a grass that can survive on less water. Moles prefer a softer, damper soil because it is easier for them to tunnel through. The drier soil will also attract fewer earthworms and thus minimize your chances of tempting a mole to move in and chow down. Many homeowners err on the side of overwatering, so the lawn will likely be able to stand a slight drought. As a rule of thumb, a lawn only needs about an inch of water a week.

STEP 7: Isolate and remove the mole from its burrow.

Here’s the prevailing wisdom on how to catch a mole and keep it alive. It turns out that mole pest control hasn’t changed much since Caddyshack , in which Bill Murray portrayed a hapless groundskeeper obsessed with getting rid of the moles terrorizing the local country-club golf course. First, use the back of a shovel to flatten out and pat down any molehills that you’ve noticed on your lawn or in your garden. Next, remove yourself to a vantage point elsewhere on the property, somewhere at a distance—and ideally downwind—from the patches of earth you’ve shoveled over. If a mole catches your scent in the air, or if your footsteps send vibrations into the ground, the mole isn’t likely to show itself. Wait patiently and be as still as you can be until you see a disturbance in the soil caused by the mole returning to repair the hill you’ve covered.

Carrying two shovels, rush to the disturbed area and plunge the shovels into the ground, one on either side of where you saw the ground move. The mole should now be trapped in the small section of its tunnel between your tools. Now that you’ve isolated the mole, dig it out from its tunnel, transfer it to a cardboard box or humane mole trap, and take it to a field far away from your property. Repeat the process until you’ve relocated all the offending moles. Some states have laws about where you can relocate nuisance wildlife, so be sure to do some research on this ahead of time.

STEP 8: Only consider a trap if there are no other options.

Trapping moles is a last resort when humane removal methods are ineffective. Trapping is not only somewhat labor-intensive, but it’s also going to bring you up close and personal with at least one mole. If you’re squeamish about such things, your best bet is to hire the job out to an experienced wildlife control professional in your area. If you’re used to dealing with animals and you’ve exhausted all of the humane removal options, then you’re ready to get to work. Purchase mole traps online or at your local home center. Mole-weary homeowners report success with spring-loaded snares like Victor gopher traps . Place yours directly into the mole’s tunnel, being sure to choose an active tunnel. If you’re not sure of a given tunnel’s status, cover over the nearest molehill. Wait a day or two, and if the molehill has been uncovered, that’s a pretty clear indication of activity.

Once you’ve set the mole trap, check it often. Also, remember that catching one mole doesn’t mean the problem is behind you. You’ll need to set the trap again and again, because additional moles may decide to occupy the initial mole’s pre-established tunnels. Indeed, several moles may need to be trapped before the tunnel goes dormant. Finally, know that it may not be legal in your state to set a trap that kills moles. Check with your local authorities or consult a local wildlife specialist to check in on the legalities with this method.

STEP 9: Contact a pest or wildlife control company to set up a humane trap and relocate the mole.

There is a reason wildlife control specialists exist—wild animals can be unpredictable, and as effective as the above steps may be, some cases are best left to a professional. If these methods aren’t working as expected or feel unmanageable, consider calling one of the best wildlife removal services for help. Not only will such a service be able to get the job done efficiently, but the employees will know the most humane and environmentally conscious approaches that won’t hurt the animal or damage your yard. Not everyone has the time or physical ability to plant mole-deterrent flowers, dig trenches, or physically remove an animal themselves. In this instance, it may be well worth the cost of wildlife removal to have someone else take care of this task for you. And while moles aren’t especially dangerous, there are always safety considerations to take into account when dealing with wildlife. “I always recommend caution when homeowners do something themselves, not because of lack of capability, but because you’re putting yourself at a bit more risk than you might want to be or not realizing the potential risk,” says Ward. “I would weigh the potential risks against calling a professional and letting them take care of it.”

The steps outlined above are some of the most tried-and-true DIY mole removal methods. With time and a bit of patience, you should have your yard back to yourself in no time. And if moles just don’t seem to be taking the hint, you can always look up “mole control near me” and your local wildlife removal company will be happy to help. But until you’re rid of the pesky critters, know that it can be OK and even beneficial to live with your underground neighbors for the time being. While you’re cohabiting, just follow a little bit of maintenance to be sure their shallow tunnels don’t completely disrupt the roots of your plants: Press any raised soil back into place with your foot, and water thoroughly so that the roots do not dry out.

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5 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Moles in Your Garden

They rarely eat plants, but moles create tunnels that give more destructive critters easier access to your garden's flowers and vegetables.

Lauren is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Although not the worst critter when it comes to pests, moles are a nuisance. The ground-dwelling mammal, which is recognizable for its hairless, pointed snout and tiny eyes, rarely eats plants but is known for tunneling and uprooting flowers and vegetables in your yard and garden. The tunnels moles create in turn make way for more problematic creatures (think voles and mice).

Determining whether your outdoor space has been infiltrated by moles, however, is as simple as looking out for raised volcano-shaped swellings in your yard, says Greg Niewold, gardening expert and president of Power Planter , a third generation auger company in rural Illinois. "They prefer moist, loamy soil and are most active in the early morning or evening in spring or fall," he adds. "They also come out after rain."

Here's exactly how to get rid of moles in your yard the right way.

Plant Flowers That Deter Moles

If you're looking for a natural way to keep moles at bay, Niewold says to choose plants that will make your yard inhospitable to these creatures. "Daffodils, marigolds, alliums, fritillaries, mole plant, and castor beans deter moles from gardens ," he says. "They grow quickly, reduce soil moisture, and reduce ground pests."

Try a Store-Bought Repellent

Additionally, you can sprinkle granular repellent products around your lawn or garden (look for natural varieties made from castor oil). With these methods, "over time, the moles will learn to find a new home," he says. "Just don't tell your neighbors!" Beware of castor beans , however, around your children and pets—they are poisonous, cautions Niewold.

Fill Tunnels With Water

And if you already have a mole problem? Niewold says you can get them to scamper away with a bit of water. "Simply poke a hose into the hole, and turn the water on for 10 to 15 minutes," he says.

Create Underground Barriers

The best defense against moles is a good offense, according to Niewold. "Dig at least 12 inches underground and burry a mesh fence ," he suggests, adding that the bottom of this fence should be bent away from your garden in the shape of an L; this will send moles scurrying in a different direction.

Try Live Trapping

At about 7 inches long and 4 ounces in weight, moles are small and live trapping is often the most successful method for controlling them, explains Niewold. "Traps are usually set in spring or fall when moles are most active, with early spring being the most favorable time—this is when females are pregnant," he says. "There are several types [of live traps] available, all of which should be placed near active tunnels and especially where they are known to feed." If you set these kinds of traps, be sure to check them daily so you can remove your unwanted visitor in a humane, timely manner.

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Moles can be a nuisance to the gardener because they dig up the soil. Here are tips for how to get rid of a mole.

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How to Identify and Get Rid of Moles

Moles are carnivorous so they are after insects, grubs, or worms—not your plants. Despite this, moles’ digging causes damage to your garden and lawn. Here are tips on how to identify, deter, and control moles.

What Are Moles?

Moles are small insectivorous mammals from the family Talpidae ; they are completely subterranean animals. Moles are expert diggers that will consume up to 60 to 100% of their body weight in insects, grubs, and earthworms each day. This equates to a 5-ounce mole eating 50 pounds of its prey in a year!

(Note that moles are completely different than voles, though both dig tunnels. Voles are rodents and vegetarian plant eaters. Learn more about voles .)

If you see a mole (which is doubtful), they have pointed muzzles, tiny eyes, and bodies shaped like Idaho potatoes. In motion, they actually swim along underground, using wide front flippers to part the soil as they go. They prefer moist, loamy soil and are most active in the early morning or evening in the spring or fall; they also come out after a warm rain.

Moles have the distinguishing characteristic of a hairless, pointed snout. Their small eyes and ear canals are concealed by fur, and they do not have external ears. They have very large and broad forefeet with webbed toes. Their hind feet or more narrow and have slender claws. They are usually about 7 inches in length and weigh about 4 ounces.

Holy Moley! Moles and Lawn Damage

How to attract earthworms to your garden, how to identify moles in your garden.

While moles are not after your plants, they end up making underground tunnels which can ruin your garden and lawn and make an easy access to your plants for other rodents. 

Unlike voles, moles dig deep. Their tunnels are usually at least 10 inches underground, unless they’re scanning the surface in search of a mate. 

These expert diggers create characteristic volcano-shaped hills in the lawn. The tunnels are dug at a rate of 18 feet per hour and can add 150 feet of new tunnels in the lawn each day. 

Moles are usually found where soil is rich in organic matter. Their presence in unusually large numbers might be due to a high population of soil pests. It therefore serves as a warning that all is not well with the soil life.

How to Deter Moles

• If you have a persistent mole problem, the best solution is trapping . Frankly, this is often the only way to get rid of moles. Use a humane trap, and release the moles at least 5 miles from your home in a rural area away from someone else’s garden. See more details below.
• Placing an ultrasonic device or noisemaker, such as a spinning daisy near the runs is often effective.
• Owning a cat that enjoys walking through your flower beds is a very effective deterrent to rodents.
• Moles are carnivores that make themselves at home in lawns rich in grubs and insects. When their food is seasoned with castor oil, they will go elsewhere for meals. (Wouldn’t you?) Mix up a spray of 3 parts castor oil to 1 part dish detergent; use 4 tablespoons of this concoction in a gallon of water, and soak the tunnels and the entrances.
• Dip an ear of corn in roofing tar and place it in one of their tunnels. Moles hate the smell of tar, and you’ll block their escape.
• Some readers say it works to sprinkle dried blood, tobacco, powdered red pepper, or coffee grounds near tunnel entrances. Remember to re-apply after a rain.
• However, many folk remedies do not control moles, such as placing gum, human air, bleach, ammonia or mothballs near the tunnels. And remember that moles will not eat peanuts or grain; they are insectivores.
• You may have luck using wind power—setting up vibrations in the ground that will bother moles and send them away. Low-tech methods include kids’ pinwheels placed here and there on the lawn, or a homemade thumper: Cut fins in the sides of a bleach bottle and place it on a stick driven into the ground near a mole entrance.
• Finally, there are mole repellents as well as baits though we do not personally use. Bromethalin is sold in the form of a worm-shaped bait; place baits in an active mole run. Correct placement is critical; read and follow all directions provided with the product.

Trapping Moles

No permit is required for trapping. Place traps so that they will be triggered as moles travel in the runs. 

Before placing a trap, make sure the run is active by pressing down with your foot; if the soil is pushed up the next day, the run is still active. 

Straight runs, especially those near the edges of a driveway or sidewalk, are preferred. If the trap does not catch a run in two days, move the trap to a different run.

Prevent Moles

• Check out your soil for the presence of pests; if you have a lot of moles, you may have an oversupply of grubs and bugs. You can try getting rid of the grubs with beneficial nematodes, however, it doesn’t necessary mean the moles will go away; grubs are only part of their diet. 
• If you want to protect specific plants, dig a 2- to 3-foot hole and line the sides and bottom of the hole with wire mesh. Fill the hole with soil and plant.
• Where you are determined to try bulbs, make a small “cage” of 1/2-inch mesh screen. Place several bulbs inside, root plate down and bury the entire cage at the proper depth. Rodents won’t be able to chew through, but roots and stems can grow out. Note: moles are often blamed for the damaged caused by field mice.

Learn more about moles and what they do in your yard . Do you have comments or questions about moles? Let us know below!

Catherine Boeckmann

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I put a Ramadan dried noodles stuffed into the hole and cover hole with the soil. The moles eats the noodles which expand in the stomach and bursts, killing the mole. Toxic free .

Don’t waste money on mole traps, bait or other methods. Find an active run and place a lit road flare in the hole and cover the hole. The smoke will travel thru the run suffocate them. Guaranteed results. Cheap and easy!

I'll try that next time I have a mole. I usually get one every spring when the juveniles go out on their own. Then I take it to the middle of the yard and bury it in one of their own tunnels and that keeps them away until the next year.

We can't trap in Washington State. Pistol grip pump is quick and painless, just rung one up today.

don't take your moles ( chipmunks raccoons etc..) to rural areas. WE DON'T WANT YOUR PROBLEMS.

Another solution to attempt is to go to Walmart/Academy Sports/Amazon online, and purchase (Red Fox Urine or Grey Wolf Urine), for approximately less than $20USD a bottle.

You take the urine bottle (Stand UP WIND!+ Wear GLOVES!), and either spray the Urine on ‘Scent Keys’ (Shaped like a “P” or a “T”) (OR) Spray the Urine on a material like a Cat Ball (cotton or fabric material that will hold the scent) (OR) Cotton Material Scraps/Rags, and THEN take those sprayed items with the Urine Scent on them and Place one at each corner of Your Yard (at each corner of Your garden+Midway/the middle of each side of your garden - creating a box barrier), and midway/middle of each side of Your Yard - basically, You are creating an invisibility Box Scent Barrier. You can ALSO place some of the Scent Keys, Scent Balls, Scent Scraps down INSIDE the tunnel(s). The ‘smell’ of the Predator is what will drive the prey away.

The Theory behind this treatment is based on the Predator vs Prey Drive. That something bigger (Predator) that might EAT ME!, has moved into the area, so I (Smaller/Prey) should MOVE OUT! It usually works almost immediately, so it is best to apply this just before Dusk at night, so the prey naturally wakes up/becomes active and immediately looks to move out+Leave!

This works especially well, if You use the urine of an animal’s natural Predator. Moles, Voles, Field Mice, Etc are ALL PREY of Red Foxes!..Also, in the comments above, where someone states they used ‘Human Urine’, it likely had a similar effect, although not sure a Mole,Vole, Chipmunk, Mouse will recognize a Human as a natural predator+cause them to relocate.

Note: Must use when NOT raining, and reapply after rain (obviously the smell washes away)..

No Guarantee this will work for You, But, at like approx.$8usd a bottle for the Red Fox Urine it’s not much of an investment to lose if it doesn’t.

Plus, I have used this successfully to treat for house mice, (spread sprayed items under the house+sprayed each corner and midway of the house’s foundation/skirting), mice moved out in 24-48hrs. Continue to apply 1xweek, then 1x every 2wks, then 1x Mthly, unless they return, if they return, then step up treatment again to weekly.

I also had a small porch and something had crawled inside it, so just before dusk, I sprayed the heck out of that porch with the Urine. I went inside and waited to see what would happen. 10-15min (max) later, and whatever it was tore its way out from under the porch and took off & never returned..(I missed seeing it, because I got bored waiting, but I’m fairly sure it was a raccoon or a opossum).

Btw, do NOT use moth balls, read the label, they are horrid for the environment & can cause breathing issues for humans & bad for pets.

Yes!, this is No Kill, Yes, it moves the pests out of your property to the woods or someone else’s area, but that’s the nature of Humans living in Suburbia. We are living in their environment. Your neighbor may not garden, may not care, or may not even notice there are moles in their yard (or) the moles may move to the woods behind your houses or the open field where no one lives. You do not necessarily need to kill the Moles, Voles, Chipmunks, Mice, as they all serve their own purpose in nature, from pest control, etc..

Good Luck!!!

Last August our area was flooded which moved moles into my yard. Tried smoke flares, poison granules, glue boards, traps, repellent, human hair, planting garlic and green onions on edge of flower beds, buzzing stakes, and even called a pest control company ( they used the wrong bait, thought I said VOLES). The gummy worm did kill one mole last fall which my old cat found.( Told they would die underground). I've been trying to push it away from going deeper into my prized flower garden with 6" boards. So far it won't dig under them. The mounds can be huge, with 4"+ wide tunnels. Nearby a mound now something is eating my Veronicas. This sure is a smart monster! To hire a good pest control guy is over $350. The mound always appear in the morning, sometimes just a little hill, other times huge.

Sounds like rats to me.

Had been digging post holes to repair a fence and found that several holes kept catching moles that would fall in and were unable to dig out. Not sure if its because the earth was packed and they couldn't break through or what, but worked fairly well.

brown big like a silver dollar screams like a mouse cant see legs black little eyes ,is it a baby mole or mouse ??? and very fast

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