Learn How To Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard
Moles can create enormous problems for your yard. They can damage plants, destroy your lawn, and they make your grass unsightly to look at. If you want to get rid of moles fast, there are a few methods that you can use. In this blog, we'll discuss the fastest way to get rid of moles. We will start by discussing how to inspect for moles and identify them. Then we will move on to how to get rid of them fast. Finally, we will explore ways to prevent moles from coming back into your yard!
How To Inspect Your Yard For Moles
Moles are curious little critters who develop a complex system of tunnels for themselves. The most vital step in detecting if you have moles in your yard is to search for the main mole tunnel, also known as a runway.
This is a long, raised, and ridged tunnel generally about two to four inches in diameter. It is brown in color and can be found running through your lawn or garden.
You can see here how the main tunnel connects to the nesting area and additional tunnels.
Main mole runways usually follow a relatively long straight course and often connect between two mounds or runways systems. You may be able to locate the main runway by searching along concrete paths, fence rows, or the woody perimeter.
One of the most common places to detect the main runway is near hedgerows and other protected areas like fences. If you see a runway, this is a sure sign that you have moles in your yard!
Moles have long noses and spade or shovel-like hands.
How To Identify Moles
Moles are small, furry animals that have dark fur and black eyes. They have short legs, and their bodies are cylindrical in shape. Contrary to popular belief, moles are actually not rodents. They belong to a species of mammals known as insectivores. Moles typically grow to be about six to eight inches long. In some cases, they grow up to a whopping 12 inches! When trying to identify moles, it is essential to look for the following characteristics:
- Short legs
- Pointed, long noises that extend a good distance in front of their mouth
- Dark fur, usually black or gray
- Black eyes
- Wide, shovel-like feet
- Cylindrical body shape
As the name aptly suggests, if you see a mole in the eastern U.S., you are likely dealing with an Eastern Mole. You can spot these from the Atlantic all the way to the Rocky Mountains. They are by far the most widespread variety of moles in the United States.
Townsend's moles are often found in the coastal region of Oregon and Washington, while in California, you may be dealing with Broad-footed moles.
Mole traps are one of the fastest ways to get rid of moles in your yard. You’ll want to place them directly over one of their tunnel holes, preferably the main tunnel entrance.
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Moles?
If you want to get rid of moles fast, the best method is to use a trap. However, suppose your moles prove to be elusive and good at evading traps. In that case, there are other terrific options, such as mole baits, gassers, mole repellents, and even insecticides to control their food source. Let's look at a few in more detail below.
Mole Traps
The Talpirid Mole trap is an excellent "hands-free" option designed with the professional pest control market in mind. It's heavy-duty and easy to place and set up. Once tripped by the mole, it quickly clamps down and eliminates the pest with its powerful jaws.
Mole Baits
Talparid mole baits contain a lethal dose of bromethalin in a realistic bait. Each piece of bait is designed to perfectly mimic an earthworm's shape, size, and texture - the mole's primary food source.
Mole Gassers
For stubborn moles, some people may prefer to gas the primary nests. For best results, we recommend multiple applications with Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs.
Mole Repellents
There are quite a few mole repellents available, and some come in granules while others come in liquid form. A few of the granulated repellents we recommend include Mole Scram Professional, Mole Scram Granular Repellent, Bonide MoleMax Mole Repellent, and Sweeney's Mole and Gopher Repellent.
Liquid repellents include Sweeney Mole and Gopher Repellent Spray and Bonide Repels All Concentrate.
Mole Control With Insecticides
The last method is a more indirect approach. You can use Imidacloprid .5G Granular Insecticide or Merit .5G Insecticide Granules. These granules are excellent at controlling the grub worms living in the soil. Because these grub worms are a common source of food for moles, you’ll be essentially depriving them of that nourishment. When your lawn lacks food availability, the area will become undesirable, and the moles may leave your property. Generally speaking, granules tend to work better than liquids for mole control.
How To Prevent Moles In Your Lawn
The best way to prevent moles is to take away their food source. Moles primarily eat earthworms and grubs, so reducing or eliminating these from your lawn will go a long way in deterring moles.
There are a few different ways to achieve this:
- Use an insecticide like Merit or Imidacloprid to kill grubs in your lawn.
- Use traps and baits regularly to keep the mole population under control.
- Be vigilant about maintaining your lawn. Keep it well-groomed and free of debris.
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Can Help You Get Rid Of Moles Fast
By following the tips above, you can get rid of moles fast and prevent them from coming back in the future. If you have any questions or need help, our pest control experts are happy to assist you. Contact us today for more information!
