Tips for Mole Control in Your Garden

Moles are ground-dwelling creatures that dig into and tunnel beneath the soil in search of grubs, slugs and snails, earthworms, crickets, centipedes, termites, millipedes, beetles, ants, spiders, insect larvae and sowbugs. This tunneling into garden areas can destroy flowers, crops other garden plants even beautifully maintained lawns. The destruction caused by these little critters can be frustrating as hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damages to lawns, crops, and plant material must be replaced.

The damage is caused by their tunneling destroying plants’ roots or separating them from plants and lawns. If the battle rages on in your garden with these pesky creatures then here is what to do to bring an end to their destructive behavior so you can once again have a beautiful lawn and garden or reap a bountiful harvest from your crop.

Signs of Moles

If you see these signs, you may have a mole issue.

• Physically seeing them.
• Molehills- Molehills are cone-shaped piles of dirt or shaped like a volcano excavated by moles as they dig tunnels around their dens.
• Raised swelled areas.
• Areas of grass that are discolored or dead.
• Lawn areas where the soil is squishy or loose.
• Raise ridges that crisscross across your yard.
• Areas with an abundance of weeds, this happens because as the moles tunnels or burrows, they detach the roots of plants and grass causing weeds to take over.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Moles

1. The Use of Mole Repellent Stakes

The use of mole-repellent stakes around your garden area and yard has proven to be effective with mole control, these ultrasonic mole-repellent stakes are solar-powered creating electronic sounds beneath the soil that moles hate and will keep them away.

2. Install Mole Repellent Flowers

Certain plants will deter moles from your garden because they hate the scent these plants give off, and the great part about installing these plant species is that they will not only deter moles but will produce beautiful flower blooms. Here are a few to plant, Marigold, Castor Beans, Alllium, Siberian squill, Daffodil, Shallots, garlic, Fritillarias, Chives, Radishes, etc…

3. Beetles and  Grub Control

Mole’s favorites are grubs, beetles, and worms, although worms are considered beneficial to garden soil by producing worm cast that will enrich garden soil their presence will attract moles. Here is what to do.

• Allowing birds or chickens in your garden from time to time to feed will remove grubs and worms.
• Steep garlic bulbs overnight in water and add the water to a 32 oz spray bottle. Spray around the garden in different areas to deter grubs.
• Nematodes are worm-like tiny organisms that seek out pests that dwell in the soil, the addition of beneficial nematodes will control beetles and grubs.
• The removal of Japanese beetles from your garden manually will bring control, once the grubs are removed place them into a container of soapy water.

4. Using Fish Material

The smell of fish will cause moles to stay away, place fish scraps inside of the mole tunnel as the fish scraps decompose the odor will move through the soil and will send moles packing. The other benefit of adding fish scraps to the tunnel is that as this natural organic breaks down will release trace minerals along with nitrogen into the soil.

5. Apply an Organic Mole Repellent

Organic mole repellent makes a great choice to deter moles and voles, these pest controls are formulated to keep moles and voles on the run.

6. Using Coffee Grounds to Deter Moles

Save your coffee ground and use it to deter moles by spreading a sufficient amount in mole holes and over their tunnels. The benefits of coffee grounds also include.

• Coffee will enrich the soil.
• Keep weeds down.
• Repel cats.
• Kills slugs.
• Deter insects.
• Can be added to your compost bin.
• Will help in the prevention of pathogenic fungi.

7.  The Use of Castor Oil in Mole Control

Castor oil is ideal to deter moles, mix three-part castor oil and one-part dish soap per one gallon of water and Apply to mole tunnels and holes. Moles hates the smell and the taste of castor oil.

8. Create Garden Barriers

Creating barriers has proven to keep moles away from plants’ roots providing protection. This will hinder moles from damaging your flower beds, bulbs, and vegetables. Here is what to do.

• When planting use gopher baskets.
• Build a raised bed with legs and make sure that the bottom is closed.
• Bury fencing with hardware cloth to deter moles and other pests.
• Place hardware cloth under the raised bed.

9. Dig a Trench

Dig a trench about three feet deep around the perimeter and fill it with rocks or wire mesh extending to the bottom of the trench. This works well and will keep moles out of garden beds.

10. Use Repellent Granules

The use of commercially made mole and gopher control repellents releases castor oil into the soil driving moles and gophers away. The granules that are nontoxic can be simply sprinkled over your entire lawn or garden area providing good results.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What attracts moles to my garden in the first place?

Moles love soft, moist soil that’s full of worms, grubs, and insects. If your garden is healthy and thriving, it might be a mole’s version of an all-you-can-eat buffet. They’re not after your plants—they’re after what’s under them.

2. Do moles actually damage plants directly?

Not usually! Moles don’t eat plants, but they tunnel under them, which can disturb roots and cause stress to your greenery. So while they’re not plant predators, their digging can definitely lead to droopy flowers and struggling veggies.

3. What signs are there that moles are in my garden?

Yes! The clearest signs are raised molehills and shallow tunnels running just below the surface. You might also notice softer soil in certain spots or collapsed roots where tunnels pass under plants.

4. What’s the quickest way to get rid of moles?

The fastest (and most effective) method is usually trapping. Humane or lethal mole traps placed near active tunnels can significantly reduce the population within days. Just make sure you’re placing them correctly—following the tunnel path is key.

5. Can I use natural remedies instead of traps or poisons?

Absolutely! Castor oil-based repellents are widely used and a eco-friendly choice. Moles hate the smell and taste of castor oil in the soil. You can also try planting mole-repelling plants like marigolds or alliums as a natural deterrent.

6. Do those vibrating mole spikes really work?

They can, depending on the brand and your soil type. Sonic spikes emit vibrations that irritate moles, encouraging them to move elsewhere. They’re more effective in open soil with minimal rocks or clay that can block the sound.

7. Will getting rid of grubs help control moles?

Sometimes! Reducing their food source—like grubs and beetle larvae—can make your garden less appealing. However, moles also eat earthworms (which you don’t want to eliminate), so this strategy may only partially work.

8. Are moles active year-round?

Mostly, yes! Moles don’t hibernate, but they may dig deeper during colder months. You’ll typically notice more activity in spring and fall when the soil is moist and food is abundant near the surface.

9. Is it safe to use poison mole bait in a garden?

It’s not the best option, especially if you grow fruits or vegetables or have pets. Many mole baits are toxic and can harm other wildlife too. If you go this route, extreme caution and label-following are a must.

10. How do I keep moles out for good once they’re gone?

Prevention is key! Use castor oil granules as a barrier, keep your lawn well-drained, and avoid overwatering (moles love moist soil). Some gardeners even install underground wire mesh or gravel barriers to block tunneling.

Conclusion

Controlling moles and voles with these proven methods will work wonders for you, why let these critters rob you of your (crops) harvest or destroy that beautiful lawn or flower garden when you can strike back protecting your lawn and garden plants from these destructive critters?