I have a problem with moles in my yard. Any ideas?

Question

I have been told that that if you remove the food source then they will leave. I have spread insect killer, but the problem is that I have a lot of worms in the soil and it is almost impossible to get rid of earthworms, and I understand that worms are their favorite food. I have also tried the spiked traps with limited success but I’m looking for a more permanent solution.

Answer 1

Stick a hose in the hole, and turn it on full blast. Then wait around with a shovel for about half an hour.

Moles actually have very weak hearts. They have to beat so fast, that most any loud loise can give them a coronary. Cheery bombs in the holes can do the trick. Stomping on the ground sometimes works too. Don't worry about the humane society. Moles and Gophers are considered pests, and can be killed with extreme prejudice.

Once the moles are dead, fill in their holes as much as possible so new gophers have to work more to get in. Pour some dirt down the tunnel, then wash it down with water, etc. Then plug the entrance up with a plug of grass from another part of the yard.

Noisemakers that are supposed to work usually don't.

If you're using poison, get multiple brands. Different companies use different chemicals. A mole might come to recognize one poison without dying, but two or three is unlikely. Also, "mixing medications" can cause more powerful side effects that tend to kill moles easier. I've actually found that snail poison works pretty well.

Don't go after all their food supply. That would be impossible to kill. Earthworms, especially, are extremely useful in the garden. Just get all the moles, and it will be hard for them to make a comeback.

Answer 2

I have heard it all. Egg shells, chewing gum, banana peelings, flooding, peppers, human hair, Soap and bacon grease, humane urine, chemical pellets and even smoke. Sorry, but it’s all worthless. You’re going to have to get rid of them and do so aggressively. For best and quickest results, use the spring traps (I saw some at Wall-Mart last week). Place them over the "runs" that you see thought your yard. Then the moles go through, it triggers the trap and you'll have one. Be sure to re-set the trap for another.

Poison peanuts/wheat also work, but results are slower. These are made by the W. R. Sweeney Company. I have also, if you have the time, walk on the mound that is left when they dig & just wait. Soon, you will see them going through the tunnel by raising the dirt again. Quickly dig them up w/a shovel. You have to move fast to get them this way. Odds are good; you won't be able to kill them fast enough.

Until you solve the real problem, you will continue to have moles. They are in you yard because there is an abundance of Grubs there. Just like another animal, they have selected your yard for the abundance of food there. You can treat your yard with a Bayer product, Merit or a Scotts product , Grub EX. It is a granular product that spreads on the lawn much like you would spread fertilizer. A product that has Bifenthrin, sometimes called Talstar as an active ingredient in it will also work well. Another possibility is to add nematodes to your yard. The nematodes can be found at most of your Mom and Pop garden centers, and feed on Grubs. Another product many people have had success with (myself included) is Milky Spore. To treat the lawn, just put a spoon full at 3 foot by 3 foot. Milky Spore lasts for many years. Understand, it will only kill the grub in its larva stage and will not harm the existing grubs. These are much more organic approaches, but as is normally the case with organic solutions, results will be slower. Rid your yard of the Grubs and your mole problem will not be resurfacing.

Answer 3

Been there, done that. I've heard just about every home remedy under the sun. A cat is, actually, a good help. But for me, I ended up planting everything in 3-gallon pots and then planting the dad-gum pots underground.

I even had gophers to contend with. I had one year when they came in and completely wiped out three gorgeous bell pepper plants that were loaded. The maddening part.... they did it the very night before the morning I was going to pick the first bunch. And they took everything. There wasn't even a leaf or a stem left... nothing!

Answer 4

Safely & Permanently Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Blemishes

Answer 5

Someone told me, if you sink empty bottles with the tops just above the soil, when the wind blows over them it makes a sound the moles don't like. How true this is I don't have a clue, but if you don't mind digging it might be worth a try. Easier still pee down the hole or put coffee grounds down there :-) Take a look at this site http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg0514473626890.html

Answer 6

Hi, All the answers that include, Caster Beans, Cats,Juicy fruit Gum ( with sugar) not sugar free, and Moth balls are the best known cures. I still think getting rid of more grubs, do one more application NOW, will greatly improve the problem.

Answer 7

My father always put moth balls down the entrance to their tunnels. They don't seem to like them, they're fairly inexpensive and they don't seem to affect the good critters. Of course, if you have access to a cat or two that will REALLY stop the problem. Mine leave mole carcasses around my doorstep all the time. Good luck with your problem!

Answer 8

When I was a kid I remember my dad going out at night and dropping smoke bombs into their tunnels to smoke them out. I don't think it's permanent though, it will only run them out for a while.

You could always try getting a cat. Cats are great to take care of small rodent problems.

Answer 9

Rent the movie Caddy-shack for some excellent mole-reduction techniques.

Answer 10

Here's an excellent article on methods that do and don't work to remove moles from your yard. Good luck.

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/lawns/2000072740009541.html

Hope this helps and have a great day!!!