As cute as they are, moles can be a total nuisance in the garden, leaving unsightly muddy hills in their wake (which isn’t ideal when you’ve spent months on your Garden design).
While moles aren’t dangerous and don’t tend to eat plants, their digging can make a big old mess on your lawn, so we don’t blame you if you’re looking for ways to get rid of them.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that moles are protected against cruelty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1996, so extra care needs to be taken when handling them (which we’d recommend anyway). To find out how to stop them from tearing up your garden, keep reading.
How do I get rid of moles in my lawn?
When it comes to stopping moles in your garden, it all boils down to making the environment as unpleasant as possible so they don’t want to stick around for long. You can do this in three ways:
1. Keep the soil dry
Moles prefer wet or damp soil because it is easier to dig through. If possible, Tony King, founder Pied PiperRecommends reducing excessive irrigation. Not only will this make the environment more difficult for them to tunnel through, but it will also reduce their food source (worms).
2. Install the Sonic device
You may also want to install ultrasonic repellers, which emit low-frequency sounds and vibrations that make moles uncomfortable (it won’t hurt or kill them). These devices are commonly used around the home to prevent other unwanted pests, such as Rats And Rat.
3. Have a cat or dog
If you’re thinking about adopting a new furry friend, we’ve got some good news – it can even help keep moles out of your garden, says Darren Backhouse, partner MJ Bakehouse Pest Control. While we wouldn’t encourage you to get a pet for this reason alone, it’s a little bonus!
Ultrasonic spikes
These solar-powered spikes will help ward off moles, emitting three to four sonic pulses every 30 seconds.
Darren is a partner in a family-run pest control company based in Yorkshire, which has been operating since 1988. He has extensive experience working on both domestic and commercial properties and has seen almost every pest control problem over the years.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in business for over 25 years.
Why did moles suddenly appear in my garden?
Wondering why moles suddenly started appearing in your garden?
Darren Backhouse explains, “Most people only notice they have moles when they see molehills, so moles can be there a lot longer than you realise. They’re attracted to moist soil where there’s a good food source for them.”
How long will moles live in the garden?
Unless the ground dries out too much or their food source is reduced, Darren Backhouse says moles don’t move on their own and can live for about two to five years, (depending on the presence of predators).
Should you take down a mole tunnel?
You might think that stomping down the tunnel would help moles get the memo, but according to Tony King, it won’t get rid of it.
However, it will help you determine which tunnel was used recently. “(If they) rebuild the tunnel within days of the collapse, that tells you there’s activity at that location,” he says.
While there is no quick fix to eliminate moles from your garden, these preventative measures will help reduce and eliminate them over time.
For more pest control advice, read our guide How to get rid of ants in the garden And How to Get Rid of Shaffer Grubs in Your Garden.
