Controlling Moles Effectively

Scalopus aquaticus aquaticus

Identify the Damage

Home Damage-

Landscape Damage-

Mole damage occurs in two forms, push ups and boils. Push ups are the raised portions of the grass that sort of snake through your soil. These push ups are formed when the mole is close to the ground surface. As he digs, the soil is simply pushed up above him.Boils result from the mole's deep digging activity (see mound of dirt in the photo on the right, (photo by Stephen Vantassel)). Normally these occur in the fall or early spring. In these circumstances the the mole is digging so deep in the soil that he cannot push the soil above him. Thus he must actually carry the soil to the surface. The locations where the soil is brought to the surface are called boils.

The lower photo was the damage caused by moles as they dug underneath the snow. Notice how in the spring, the surface of the lawn exhibited the tunneling activity. (photo by Stephen Vantassel)

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Diseases-

Myths

The following techniques either do not work or are not effective in controlling moles.

• Gas bombs, Car exhaust etc. The problem with these techniques is that the tunnel system is too large to accept the gas properly. It is like breathing through a straw that is 100 feet long. It just won't work. Plus the gas keeps getting siphoned off into the surrounding soil reducing the chances that the gas has reached a level toxic enough to kill a mole.
• Flooding with a garden hose: This technique has the same problem as gas bombing. While river like floods, do kill a lot of moles, it is not efficient to do that much flooding with a garden hose

MOLE CONTROL

Poison Free Mole Control

Contrary to popular belief, the best way to control moles is to trap them. The trap shown at left is the ever popular Harpoon style mole trap. We here at Wildlife Damage Control prefer the Victor Out of Site trap which is more versatile than the harpoon. (see image on right) We do however sell both. Just click  Mole Traps for prices and descriptions. For an instructional information, click Mole Control Video or Mole Control Booklet. Other methods that rely on poison fail to work because moles are insectivores. They just won’t eat a grain based poison. Gas bombs fail because the tunnels are too small and too extensive to permit the gas to effectively flow. And the yard thumpers that supposedly rely on the mole’s fear of vibrations? Well, they do what they are supposed to. In our opinion, that is to separate you from your money. We have not seen any evidence to suggest that these techniques work. (However, we are always willing to learn). The reason stories about their effectiveness persist is because people don't understand mole biology. Just because the property owner doesn't see any more damage doesn't mean the problem is actually solved (at least in the short run). The problem is that people forget that a mole will stop digging up a lawn if it is no longer profitable to do so. After all would you keep driving to work if it cost you more to drive there than what you earned in a day? Situations that would cause a mole to stop damaging the lawn would include, it died, the food source is gone, or the food source has moved deeper in the ground which occurs in dry weather.

.Poison Mole Control

http://www.scimetricsltd.com/ Kaput Mole Control Gel.

NON-LETHAL MOLE CONTROL

    CHEMICAL REPELLENTS

If you must try a chemical to rid your lawn of moles, then you might want to try a new product on the market that actually has some scientific, albeit disputed, research behind it. It is called Mole Med®. Its primary chemical is castor oil which seems to be a very repulsive odor to moles. Understand that the study of this product's efficacy is disputed. It may not stop a determined mole who is hungry.

        RELOCATING MOLES

Some people think that moles can be box trapped and relocated to better areas. The problem is that I have not found ANYONE who can efficiently box trap moles. Although a lot of people state that it can be done. I have not anyone who can do it on a regular basis. If you know of such a person, please let me know at info@aallanimalcontrol.com

For the record: I am always looking for ways to catch animals in different ways. I have yet to find one person who can box trap moles in an efficient manner. Yes, I have already heard about the coffee can in the ground trick. The issue is the separate accidental catches from consistent trapping techniques. If you have such great experience and success in box trapping moles, then please let me know. I can help you make money.

Given that this technology may not be developed for some time,  animal rights fanatics, who oppose trapping moles should do one or more of the following:

a. spend some time improving the present state of technology.

b. convince the world that they don't need a landscaped lawn.

c. recognize that My website provides the best available information on effective and responsible animal damage control. I for one think that we have too many chemicals in our soils as it is. Trapping  moles, to my way of thinking, is better for the environment than putting down more diazanon.

I hope you have learned a little more about moles. And remember to marvel at their ability to mine your yard for worms and grubs before you decide how to get rid of them.

Exclusion

View the page on woodchucks on my website. The only difference is that you will need to dig down into the ground below the frost line and lay mesh. Moles are active year round in the winter they go deep. I would guess the depth should be at least four feet. Use 1/4 inch hardware cloth or cement. Remember there is no guarantee that it will not be dug under. 

Repairing the Damage Caused By Moles

Moles kill the grass by separating the soil from the grass roots. The easiest way to save your grass is to roll the grass. Rolling the soil, will help push the grass roots closer to the soil. If you don't have a lawn roller, then simply walk on the push ups. You should also water the grass well to prevent dehydration.

For the mole boils, simply scrape the soil down to the grass and place the soil elsewhere. This will prevent the soil from damaging the grass. 

Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others. WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is governed by this understanding. We welcome potential users of the information and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes e-mail but understand that all e-mails become property of Wildlife Damage Control.

1/2/04