How to deal with Moles in your yard
This page provides information about moles. It includes tips on how to identify, manage, and keep them away from your property.
If you need help with mole identification or removal, give us a call and we can assist!
How to tell if it’s a mole causing the damage in your yard
So, you think you’ve got moles in your yard… the bad news is that they can cause a lot of damage. The good news is that there are several effective strategies you can try to discourage or remove them. The even better news is that Piedmont Wildlife Control is here to help when and if you need it! Let’s start by figuring out if you’ve actually got moles.
Raised Tunnels
Start by looking for the classic signs of a mole like raised tunnels snaking through your lawn, or small round mounds of loose soil (called molehills), or just a spongy ground feeling where you step on your lawn.
Molehills
Molehills are one of the clearest signs that a mole is active in your yard. These small, round mounds of dirt, usually about the size of a baseball, are created when moles push soil to the surface while tunneling underground.
Spongy Ground
Spongy ground is another telltale sign that moles may be at work in your yard. As moles dig their tunnels beneath the surface, the soil becomes unsettled, causing the ground to feel soft and squishy when you walk over it.
Grass Damage
Unlike other burrowing pests, moles don’t eat plants. They’re after insects and earthworms in the ground so if your grass looks torn up but untouched by nibbling, that’s another clue that it’s a mole.
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Using our professional services vs DIY mole removal
So, if you’re confident you’ve got moles and want a professional to handle it give us a call. We can confirm if moles are the issue and come up with a game plan to get rid of them. Otherwise, you can try these strategies below to get rid of the moles in your yard. Keep in mind that these methods may take time to show results. The best way to immediately remove the mole problem is to hire a professional; like our team here at Piedmont Wildlife Control.
DIY Mole Removal
Deterring Moles by Reducing Their Food Source
That being said, the first step you can take is deterrence. Given that moles are after insects and earthworms, you can start by reducing their food source with natural repellents which may make your lawn less appealing to the moles as a source of food. Bear in mind that these tactics require patience and consistency. Their long term effectiveness is questionable and may not help at all. We do not recommend using pesticides to kill insects especially if you are on well water, as the chemicals can leach into your soil and contaminate your well.
Deterring Moles by Adding Physical Barriers
In addition to reducing their food supply you can try adding some physical barriers to block their entrance. Installing underground fencing made of hardware cloth or metal mesh around garden beds or along your property line can stop them from tunneling in. The key is to bury the barrier at least 36 inches deep and curve the bottom outward to prevent burrowing underneath. You can also use trench barriers filled with gravel to make digging more difficult.
Deterring Moles with Natural Remedies
If you prefer a more natural approach Castor oil is a popular option. You can mix it with water and dish soap to create a spray that irritates moles and drives them away. Unfortunately it is easily washed away by the rain, so consistent reapplication is necessary to maintain effectiveness.
Trapping and Removal
Experts all agree that trapping is the most effective option. As always with trapping be sure to check local regulations! Traps placed within active tunnels, can eliminate moles as they move through their burrows. Afterwards you will have to dispose of the moles you’ve trapped.
Professional Mole Removal
Hiring a professional pest control service can save you time and provide peace of mind. Experts have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately and implement effective removal strategies.
Moreover, professionals can ensure that the animals are treated ethically. They can also provide follow-up services to monitor the area and ensure that the problem is fully resolved.
Professional services are worth it if you have a tough problem or don’t know what to do next.
Piedmont Wildlife Control’s Mole Removal
In the end, choosing between DIY mole removal and hiring a pro depends on how comfortable you feel with the process. It also depends on how serious the problem is and what your budget is. If you feel confident in your ability to handle the situation, DIY methods can be effective. If you want an easy and managed solution then getting help from professionals might be the best choice. If that’s the case give us a call and we will address the issue promptly to protect your home, garden, or property from further damage.
Wildlife Experts You Can Trust For Mole Removal
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"Excellent work! The owner was professional, reasonably priced and knows his stuff. Highly recommend."
Lisa, 2024
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"Thorough, knowledgeable and committed! My farm was overrun with a vole population and nothing I was trying was working. He developed a plan and adapted until finding a solution that worked. The population is obviously greatly reduced and steadily declining and they are not longer eating my plants out by the roots. So thankful!! I had lost hope that anything would help! Totally recommend Piedmont Wildlife Control!"
Katherine, 2024
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"Showed up on time and dispatched several animals on the property that were problems"
Steve, 2024
Convinced? Let’s get started then!
How to get rid of moles and discourage their return.
Moles can be a nuisance in gardens and yards with their tunnels and digging. If you have these unwanted visitors on your property, there are ways to help them leave and deter their presence in the future.
Use Natural Repellents
Castor oil-based repellents can irritate moles and encourage them to move on without harming your yard. Repeated application is necessary for this to be effective.
Install Physical Barriers
Digging a trench and installing underground fencing or mesh around garden beds can stop moles from burrowing into certain areas of your yard.
Set Mole Traps
As with all trapping for any nuisance wildlife - be sure to check the latest legal requirements. It may require specific procedure to be followed or permits to be obtained; if you need professional help give us a call. That being said, using traps is the most effective way to get rid of the moles. You can place the trap in an active tunnel, making sure its not visible to the mole by depressing the soil around it. You will need to dispose of the mole properly afterwards.
Consult the Professionals at Piedmont
If the problem persists and you’re unsure how to proceed, it may be best to consult a wildlife control professional here at Piedmont Wildlife Control.
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