Moles are small mammals that burrow underground and eat grubs, earthworms and other insects.
They can cause damage to lawns by tunneling underneath them in search of food. Moles will leave behind raised dirt mounds on the surface of your yard, which are called molehills or “mound casts.”
As they dig through your yard they tear up grass roots and destroy bulbs and plants as well as creating unsightly holes in the lawn.
Moles spend most of their time underground so it’s difficult to see them but you may see their droppings on paths or driveways around dusk if there is no rain forecast for that day.”
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Moles can be beneficial for your lawn and garden. |
| Moles can also cause damage to your lawn and garden. |
| There are humane methods for removing moles from your yard. |
| Preventing moles from entering your yard in the first place is the best course of action. |
| Coexisting with moles can be a viable option. |
Are Moles Bad For Yard? The Answer Is Yes
Moles are bad for yards. Moles dig holes and eat the grass in your yard, causing damage to the roots of plants and creating a lot of holes to fill up with mulch or topsoil.
This can be annoying and costly if you’re trying to build up your lawn, but it’s not dangerous or life-threatening. These little critters will not harm you or your pets unless they feel threatened by them – if that happens, they may bite!
If you have moles in your yard, don’t panic! They can actually be beneficial to your lawn. Check out our guide on how moles can be good for your yard to learn more about their role in soil health and why they might not be as bad as you think.
How To Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard
Use a mole trap. These plastic traps are placed in the ground, where they’re set off by moles when they pass through them.
You can also use a mole repellant spray, which is much easier to apply than the trap and is often more effective at killing moles in your yard.
Use a mole poison bait: Mole poison is another option for homeowners who want to kill off these underground creatures that keep digging up their yards and gardens.
There’s also an active ingredient called zinc phosphide that works well as a poison bait against moles when used correctly (see below).
How To Get Rid Of Moles In My Garden
There are many products on the market that claim to be able to eradicate moles. The problem is finding one that actually works for your particular situation, as well as finding one that you feel comfortable using in your yard.
Here are some options you can consider:
Use a trap – There are a number of traps available on the market, but if you don’t know how to use them properly, they won’t work for you. Traps can be expensive, so if this method doesn’t work for you in the long run, then it might not be worth it.
Use a poison – This method may seem cruel at first glance because it involves killing the animal before disposing its carcass into your trashcan or compost heap (if there’s already an infestation).
However, if done correctly according to package directions and used sparingly throughout each year (or multiple times during one season), then this should help minimize damage caused by moles while keeping other wildlife away from your vegetable garden!
Are grubs causing damage to your yard? Learn more about these pesky insects and how to prevent them with our guide on grub control for a healthy lawn.
What To Do About Moles In The Yard
There are several options available for you to use in getting rid of moles. You can try any or all of them to see which works best for your yard. Some of these methods include:
Using traps that are specifically designed to catch moles. You can purchase these at any hardware store or from online retailers like Amazon, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
Setting up a trap is fairly straightforward you should just follow the directions on the package before using it so that you know how much bait to put inside (usually peanut butter).
When setting up a trap, be sure not to place it directly under where you see mole holes because this could be a tip-off for the mole about what kind of food has been left there!
Also keep in mind that if one doesn’t work well enough then try another–it is likely that only one out of three times will they actually kill off all moles within an area during their first attempt at doing so; however, once they’ve gotten rid of some then those won’t come back again either since they’ll have figured out what works against them!
Common Signs of Mole Activity
| Signs of Mole Activity |
|---|
| Raised ridges or mounds of soil |
| Dying or wilted plants |
| Holes in the ground |
Do I Have Moles In My Garden? What Do I Do About It?
If you have moles in your yard, there are a few ways to get rid of them.
First, you need to check if they’re actually moles and not something else like voles or shrews. Moles look like small furry rats with tiny tails.
Voles and shrews can also be mistaken for moles because they also look similar but have shorter bodies and larger ears than moles do. You’ll need some equipment to properly identify which animal is causing damage in your yard: a shovel (to dig into the ground) and a flashlight (so you can see better).
You should also bring along any pets that might help locate the animals such as dogs or cats that are good trackers because they’ll be able to sniff out where these small creatures are hiding so you can trap them without getting hurt yourself!
Groundhogs may look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your yard and garden. Check out our tips on how to keep groundhogs out of your yard to prevent damage to your property.
What Are The Symptoms Of Moles In Yard?
The most common signs of a mole infestation are small holes in your yard, usually in clusters or straight lines.
The holes may be filled with dirt, or they might be open. They can range in size from 1 to 12 inches in diameter, depending on the species of mole and their purpose (some are used as pathways while others are used for food storage).
Moles also create tunnel systems beneath your lawn that look like raised ridges of soil (called mounds) topped by green plants growing out of them.
These tunnels help provide access to various parts of the yard without having to dig up large sections at once, which would make it easier for predators like cats or dogs to spot them when they’re near the surface.
What Causes Sunken Holes In Yards?
Moles are tunneling animals. They dig tunnels under your yard to live, store food and find mates. The tunnels are up to 30 feet long and 6 inches wide.
The moles tunnel up to 2 inches deep into the soil, so they can easily cause damage to your yard’s lawn, flowerbeds and other plants if you don’t take care of them quickly.
Squirrels can be a nuisance in your yard, but they can also be helpful for seed dispersal and insect control. Learn more about these furry creatures with our guide on the benefits of squirrels in your yard.
What Causes Yard Damage From Moles?
Moles are small mammals that live in tunnels underground. They eat worms, grubs and other insects that are found under the soil.
You may notice mounds of dirt in your yard where they have dug holes with their noses and claws.
These mounds look like hills or humps on top of the ground, usually in a straight line. There are many different ways to get rid of them but if you want to keep them out entirely it’s best to start digging up the mounds once you find them so they don’t return again in future years.
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Moles In My Yard?
If you want to get rid of moles, there are several methods that you can use:
Use a mole trap. This is a device that can be purchased at your local hardware store and used to kill the moles in your yard.
They’re quite effective if placed correctly by someone who knows what they’re doing but aren’t always 100% effective. You should put out one or two traps every couple weeks until all of the moles are gone from your property.
Use a repellent spray instead of poison spray because it’s less harmful to other wildlife like birds and rabbits who might accidentally eat it by accident while trying to catch insects on their own property!
The downside is that it only works well on small areas such as gardens so won’t work as well if there’s lots of space where these animals could hide away somewhere else nearby another garden just over an hour later.
Natural Repellents for Moles
| Natural Repellents |
|---|
| Castor oil |
| Garlic |
| Spicy pepper spray |
| Vibrating mole repellents |
| Plants that moles dislike, such as daffodils and alliums |
Are Moles Dangerous To Have Around The Yard?
Moles are not dangerous to have around the yard. They do not attack people or pets, they do not carry diseases, and they do not eat your lawn or flowers.
Moles are very rarely aggressive toward people; usually all you will see is a mole scurrying away when you come near their holes in your yard.
If you are concerned about moles because of the damage they cause to your plants and landscaping, there are ways to get rid of them without killing them.
Worms may not be the most glamorous creatures in your yard, but they play a vital role in soil health and nutrient cycling. Check out our guide on why worms are good for your yard to learn more about how these wriggly critters can benefit your lawn and garden.
Can You Use A Lawnmower To Kill Moles In The Yard?
Yes, you can use a lawnmower to kill moles in the yard.
How to use a lawnmower:
Make sure the lawnmower is in good working condition and that all safety precautions are followed when using it.
Get an extension cord with at least 15 feet in length (or longer if you need it). Plug the extension cord into an outlet near where you will be using your lawnmower.
This will provide power for your electric mole killer to operate properly and safely on your surface area of choice (i.e., where you want moles removed from).
Select which type of mole killer device will work best for your needs based on its design & specifications (such as voltage output needed to deliver lethal dose through electrocution).
Note: Most electric mole killers require 110 volt or 220 volt input power source; therefore, make sure whatever model chosen meets this requirement before purchase!
Conclusion
Moles are a common problem in many yards, but they can be dealt with. If you’re looking to get rid of them, there are several ways to do so. You can try trapping them or using other methods like poison or insecticides; however, these may not work as well as others depending on the situation.
In addition, some people have concerns about harming the environment by using certain chemicals or pesticides in order to kill moles instead of just trying another method such as changing their habitat so that they no longer feel safe enough here anymore!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Forsyth Exterminating Blog: A blog that provides tips and advice on pest control, including information on dealing with moles in your yard.
Hartley Botanic: Moles Can Benefit Gardeners: An article discussing the potential benefits of having moles in your garden and how to coexist with them.
Contenders Tree & Lawn Specialists: The Dangers of Moles in Your Yard: A guide that covers the negative impact that moles can have on your lawn and garden, as well as solutions for removing them.
FAQs
What are moles and why do they live in yards?
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that live underground. They are attracted to yards because of the soil’s high moisture content, which makes it easier for them to tunnel and find food.
What damage can moles cause to my yard?
Moles can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens by tunneling underground, which can lead to soil erosion and uprooted plants. They can also damage the roots of trees and shrubs.
How can I tell if I have moles in my yard?
Signs of mole activity in your yard include raised ridges or mounds of soil, and dying or wilted plants. You may also see the moles themselves, although they are usually nocturnal and shy.
What are some humane ways to remove moles from my yard?
There are several humane methods for removing moles from your yard, including live trapping and relocating them to a nearby wooded area. You can also discourage moles from entering your yard by creating a barrier of crushed gravel or planting certain plants that they don’t like.
How can I prevent moles from returning to my yard?
To prevent moles from returning to your yard, you can take steps to make your lawn less attractive to them, such as reducing soil moisture levels and eliminating their food sources. You can also install barriers around your lawn or use natural repellents like castor oil.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.