How do you get rid of moles?

Question

We have moles all over our yard and I WANT THEM GONE!

Answer 1

Traps, flooding, and gravel, mesh or concrete barriers can be effective. Here's a site that illustrates/explains:
http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-moles.htm

Many articles say using Castor oil is effective. Even the Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife site, which nixes the noise-scaring approach & other repellents, actually gives out a Castor oil recipe & after saying "No repellents currently available will reliably protect lawns or other plantings from moles"... then says this...
"The repellent will be most effective where it can be watered into the moist soil surrounding surface tunnels made by moles. Areas that receive extensive irrigation will quickly loose the repellent to leaching. For best results, spray the entire area needing protection; moles will burrow under a perimeter treatment. The repellent may need to be reapplied before moles depart. Once moles move elsewhere, the solution usually remains effective for 30 to 60 days."
The Recipe:
Using a blender to combine 1/4 cup of unrefined castor oil (can be purchased at most pharmacies) and 2 tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid. Blend the two together, add 6 tablespoons water, and blend again. Combine the concentrated mixture with water at a rate of 2 tablespoons of solution to 1 gallon of water. Use a watering can or sprayer to liberally apply the solution to areas where moles are active. The above mixture will cover approximately 300 square feet.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/moles.htm

Besides Castor oil, some people pour cat litter or human hair clippings into molehills & refill them until signs of the mole have disappeared.

"In Cole's Art of Simpling we are told that if a garden is infested with moles, Garlic or leeks will make them 'leap out of the ground presently.' "
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/garlic06.html
Some sites say garlic deters moles, others say garlic has mixed results. This site also states that: "Planting chocolate lilies or “skunk lilies” around your yard can help keep moles away. The bulbs and flowers of this flower have a terrible, strong odor and moles find it distasteful."
http://www.essortment.com/home/gettingridofm_sxzf.htm

If you have a lot of moles, you probably have an oversupply of grubs and bugs.
http://www.english-gardening.com/green_up_your_thumb/unwanted_visitors_how_to_deter_moles.htm
Elimination the mole's food source...grubs..and bugs ... is thought to be helpful. "The idea is to kill the grubs to make your yard less like a mole fast food drive through."
http://ezinearticles.com/?Proven-Tips-for-Eliminating-Ground-Moles&id=564546

The Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife site also gives a more detailed explanation of using flooding, barriers, trapping & natural controls/predators & states:
"It is often suggested that if you eliminate grubs from an area you will get rid of moles. Grubs make up only a portion of the mole's diet. During dry periods, moles are known to frequent well-irrigated lawns just for moisture. Thus, moles often are present even in grub-free yards. If all the earthworms, grubs, and other soil animals in a lawn are eliminated by repeated insecticide application, moles may be forced to seek other areas. However, the use of soil insecticides is an expensive approach with no immediate reduction of damage and little likelihood of long-term control. In the process, soil insecticides may poison the groundwater, kill beneficial soil invertebrates, and damage songbirds and other desirable wildlife."

From Cornell U. If you need to eliminate grubs, you could use beneficial nematodes. "They attack many different types of white grubs and are an effective, natural, & safe biological control alternative to pesticides. Just as one must select the appropriate insecticide to control a target insect, so must one choose the appropriate nematode species or strain." Ask your county Agricultural Extension agent for recommended matching of insect target and nematode.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/pathogens/nematodes.html

A heavy infestation involves using many approaches which can also include using natural predators like cats, dogs, owls, etc. The Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife site states: "Predators alone won't always keep mole populations below the levels that cause conflicts in gardens and landscaped areas. However, when combined with other control techniques, including practicing tolerance, natural control can contribute to overall control."

This is Bob Villa's site with suggestions from members:
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/GETTING_RID_OF_MOLES_IN_YARD-Bugs_and_Pests-1-F117.html

Good luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

There are plenty of "get rid the moles fast" gimmicks out there, but to be honest, none of them work. The best way to
TRY to get rid of them is with the spring loaded harpoon traps. You will need at least four of them. Just use caution in setting them. You are after moles, not yourself. You will need to find an active mole run. To do this, look for the tunnels they dig and try to find one that a few others lead into. Once you find it, lightly step down on it and a few of the branches from it. Later in the day or the next day look to see where the tunnels have popped up again where you tamped them down. This will be an active run. Time to set the traps. On the main run you will want to lightly step down on it and then set the trap. As you set the trap, work the spikes up and down a few times through the soil so that when it is sprung, it will not bind up trying to get through the soil to the target/mole. Set the other 3 to 4 traps on the other runs that lead into the main one in the same fashion. Keep in mind that plenty of people will say that if you get rid of the grubs in your yard the moles will have nothing to eat, but they are also eating the earthworms that are present too, which are good for your lawn.
You might have to do this a few times to catch the culprit. Most likley it is only one, maybe two moles that are digging up your lawn. Good luck.

Answer 3

Remove Your Moles, Warts & Skin Tags in 3 Days
Easily, Naturally And Without Surgery

Answer 4

You will need to go to the farm or hard ware store a and buy something that kills grub worms because that is what moles eat. Follow directions. You just have good soil!!!

Answer 5

Go to any lawn and garden store and buy a mole trap. Works great for me.

Answer 6

Purchase a pesticide that kills Grubs. These are the moles main food source. No food, no moles.

Answer 7

If you have pets or children you might want to try milky spore. It gets rid of the grubs and bettles.

You can find it at a garden center near you.

www.milkyspore.com

Answer 8

drop a army style avalable at ur army surplus and a stink bomb first the smoke then the stink that will flush the out when the come out close up the holes goodluck with those nasty vermin

Answer 9

MOTHBALLS!!!!!!!!!!!

You'll have to open the tunnels and drop in the mothballs, then cover it over.

This is the simplest, cheapest, and least toxic method I have found.

Answer 10

There are lots of repellants that you can buy at garden and home stores.