As soon as you sow a beautiful lawn, you notice that protruding tunnels form which ruin your work and the appearance of your garden. Although moles can be beneficial for the soil, as they aerate the soil and eat harmful insect larvae, they can actually kill the grass around the bumps as well. Know that you don't have to limit yourself to constantly rearranging the herb every day; there is a multitude of solutions and remedies you can put in place before giving up your lawn.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Moles
Step 1. Find an active tunnel
If you want to get rid of these garden animals, you need to locate the gallery they are using. Cover the mound closest to you and wait for a day or two. If you find it discovered, it means that the connected tunnel is normally used by moles.
Step 2. Use a specific trap
This is the most effective way to get rid of this problem. You can buy one online or at your nearest garden center. Typically, these are spring-operated traps that you need to mount and place in an active tunnel. Read up on these popular models:
- Trap with bait, which is simple and easy to set up. Activate it by placing it in the center of a tunnel, making sure it cannot move. You don't have to dig up anything, just crush it in the tunnel with your foot.
- Round rodent trap, which is a cheaper model, also works against rats and other types of rodents. Generally, it should be placed after digging very carefully into the mound of the mole. Afterwards, you can insert the trap and seal any opening that allows the passage of light with soil.
- The choke trap is the model that requires the most work, but experts believe it is very effective once you learn how to manage it. You will need to dig two crevices in an active tunnel. Afterward, you need to insert the trap into the tunnel so that the noose is ready to catch the pesky moles.
Step 3. Asphyxiate the moles
You have to be very careful when deciding to use poisonous gases. If you can gass the main nest or enter the gas multiple times, you will get positive results. You can use different substances; do some research online to find the one that best suits your situation, but don't forget to inquire at your municipality's environmental office, as there may be ordinances that prohibit this practice.
If you have children, take preventative measures to prevent them from becoming intoxicated by the gas you are using
Step 4. Lure moles with bait
Most traps don't require bait, but having it improves your chances of getting rid of the animals by luring them. Some foods are poisonous to moles, while others are easier to find, such as earthworms. You can catch the worms yourself by flipping sod in the garden or by purchasing them online.
Step 5. Use a mousetrap
Moles are roughly the same size, so mouse traps are also effective against these animals. Prepare a bait when you decide to use this technique; then, he places the trap near an opening in the tunnel; after several hours, go back to check the trap to see if you have caught a mole.
If you haven't caught anything, the trap may not be well hidden or the moles may have moved into a new tunnel
Step 6. Call an exterminator
Sometimes, the best way to put an end to a moles problem is to let a professional do the work. He will be able to clear your lawn without having to worry about which method is the safest. Check the yellow pages, there are certainly many such businesses in your area.
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Plant the plant barriers
Some plants can act as deterrents and prevent moles from occupying your garden. For this purpose, you can evaluate yellow daffodil, marigold, garlic, and fritillary. Castor is another plant known to ward off moles, but it is also a poisonous vegetable.
Step 2. Make a homemade repellent
You can make your own by mixing castor oil, available in most supermarkets, with dish soap. Mix 180ml of oil with 60ml of dish soap and dissolve the mixture in 4 liters of water. Apply this "concoction" to the grass periodically, especially after rains.
Step 3. Attract predatory animals of moles
This is also a convenient and effective solution. Owls feed on moles and you can invite them to your property by building or buying a nest for them. The nests resemble large birdhouses, which must be hung from a tall tree, away from the ground. It is just a matter of waiting for an owl to feel like taking possession of it.
Step 4. Trap the mole with a shovel
This technique requires a long stakeout. First, destroy a tunnel by walking over it. By doing this, you can understand if it is an active tunnel. Wait nearby until a mole starts to move. As soon as you see the ground move, close a tunnel segment between two shovels; in this way, you can trap the animal. Place a large bucket or garbage can on top of the mole and then pick it up off the ground by tucking a flat material under the bucket. At this point, you just have to take it away from your garden.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing and Preventing a Mole Infestation
Step 1. Identify the signs of their presence
Sometimes, people mistake a rodent or mouse for a mole. The biggest difference is that rodents don't destroy grass.
Step 2. Keep your lawn in perfect condition
If you mow the grass regularly, you will be able to notice the traces of moles without difficulty; in addition, it prevents the soil from becoming too wet. This could be a difficult step to do, especially if the type of soil tends to become very saturated. However, remember that moles are attracted to humid environments, so avoid overwatering the garden.
Step 3. Add some simple elements to the lawn
Put dry ice in the tunnels of the moles - the released dioxide should asphyxiate them. Thread pinwheels along the tunnels and at the entrance to the tunnels; these toys make the ground vibrate, which moles do not like, and will force them to "move" to a quieter place.
Step 4. Fill an abandoned tunnel with rocks
Moles don't like to dig in the presence of rocks, so this method could prove to be a perfect technique for preventing infestations. Other moles may occupy the disused tunnels, but they will be less likely to do so if there are stones.
Advice
- Moles typically make more than one tunnel to hide the area they're actually digging in.
- These animals feed on grass from late spring to late autumn.
- If you move carefully without making a noise, they will not notice your presence and will not run back into the tunnel.
- To prevent them from damaging your garden, bury wire mesh in the ground before planting. In this way, you prevent moles from reaching the plants, without however preventing underground root development. However, this method is only feasible before planting.
Warnings
- If moles retreat into their tunnels, you won't be able to catch them.
- If you don't want to risk injuring yourself, do quick, backward strokes to your body when using tools to try to get rid of moles.
- If you don't move slowly and quietly, you will scare away the moles.
- Moles are a protected species in some countries, so be aware of local regulations before taking action.
