Introduction
Moles are small, underground mammals that tunnel through soil in search of food, such as earthworms and grubs. While moles are beneficial for aerating the soil, their tunneling can damage the roots of plants and create unsightly mounds in your yard. If left unchecked, moles can quickly multiply and cause extensive damage to your lawn and garden. It's important to take action to remove moles from your yard before the problem worsens.
Identifying Moles in Your Yard
Before you can effectively get rid of moles, it's important to properly identify their presence in your yard. Moles are typically gray or brown in color with small eyes and ears. They have velvety fur and strong forelimbs for digging. Signs of mole activity in your yard include raised ridges or tunnels in the soil, as well as mounds of dirt (molehills) scattered throughout your lawn. By recognizing these signs, you can confirm the presence of moles and determine the extent of the infestation.
Natural Remedies for Repelling Moles
There are several natural remedies that can help deter moles from invading your yard. Planting daffodils, marigolds, or alliums around the perimeter of your garden can repel moles due to their strong scents. Additionally, creating vibrations in the ground by installing a vibrating mole repellent or using a vibrating solar-powered stake can disrupt mole activity and encourage them to relocate.
Trapping Moles for Removal
Trapping is a common and effective method for removing moles from your yard. Live traps, such as humane mole traps, can be placed in active mole tunnels to capture the pests unharmed. Ensure that you place traps in areas of high mole activity, such as near molehills or raised ridges. Check traps regularly and release captured moles in a suitable location far away from your property.
Preventing Moles from Returning
Once you have successfully removed moles from your yard, it's important to take steps to prevent them from returning. Regularly inspect your lawn for new mole activity and promptly address any signs of infestation. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn, minimizing watering, and reducing the presence of earthworms and grubs can help deter moles from returning to your yard. Consider installing physical barriers, such as underground fences, to prevent moles from tunneling back into your property.