How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard
Nothing can make a homeowner more proud than the exterior beauty of a perfectly landscaped yard. However, all your dedication to beautifying your outdoor space can be tainted when you have underground guests come to visit.
When you start to notice a series of small holes in your yard that seem to emerge out of nowhere, it is time to be concerned. These 3-to-5-inch holes, shaped like miniature volcanoes, are tell-tale signs that you have a mole who has set up housekeeping. If you don’t deal with the problem swiftly and efficiently, you’re in for a world of damage.
In a very short amount of time, they can burrow tunnels under your yard, destroying the roots of your plants and creating all sorts of havoc on your beautiful landscape. If this has become a problem in your yard, here are a few things you can try to send them packing.
Poisons
The most common reaction is to spread chemicals that can be poisonous to moles. While this may seem like an easy solution, the method has a few problems.
- Moles usually live 12-18 inches beneath the surface. These tunnels they dig are not visible, and it may not be easy to get the poison to where the mole will find it.
- The holes they create are often used only once before moving on to another location.
- Leaving any poisonous chemicals in your yard may put other animals at risk.
Eliminate the Source of Food
Moles are in your yard because there is plenty of food there for them. They usually dine on grubs and other insects that live in your soil. Eliminate their food source, and they will move on to another location. An effective way to do this is by using
nematodes, microscopic insects that attack the grubs that moles like to feed on.
This method is less risky than using chemicals, and with the right nematodes to target specific pests, they won’t be harmful to any beneficial insects you want to keep in your garden.
Traps
Traps are an effective and humane means of getting rid of moles. The key to success with traps is knowing how and when to use them.
- Make sure that the tunnel you choose is active.
- Place the trap in an area where you see evidence of mole activity.
- Always wear gloves when handling trapped moles.
Once a mole is trapped, release them in a rural location at least five miles from your home to ensure that these determined little guys do not find their way back to your home.
If you are having an ongoing problem with these pesky rodents, it may be necessary to get help from
professional exterminators to get rid of them. They can do the job quickly without damaging your property, life, or the environment in the process.
Getting rid of moles is not always an easy thing to do. It takes time and patience to deal with the situation, but if you do, you can be confident that your lawn will keep its beauty and continue to enhance the curb appeal of your home.