How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard: 7 Proven Methods

Many homeowners search for how to get rid of moles after waking up to raised tunnels across the lawn. Moles do not eat grass or plant roots. Instead, they dig through soil in search of earthworms and grubs. Even so, their tunnels damage turf and make mowing difficult. This guide covers seven proven ways to remove them.

How to Tell You Have Moles

Moles leave clear signs. Look for raised ridges of soil that follow winding paths. You may also see volcano-shaped mounds of dirt. Those mounds are different from gopher mounds, which have a plugged hole off to one side.

Most yards host only one to three moles at a time. A single mole can tunnel up to 100 feet per day, which explains why damage appears so fast.

How to Get Rid of Moles: 7 Methods

1. Reduce Their Food Supply

Moles come for grubs and earthworms. Treat your lawn for grubs in late summer, when young grubs are easiest to control. Without food, moles move on to another yard.

2. Set Mole Traps

Trapping is the most reliable method. First, find an active tunnel by pressing down a section of the ridge. Check the next day. If the ridge is raised again, the tunnel is active. Then set a scissor-jaw or harpoon trap directly over it, following the package directions. Check traps daily.

3. Use Castor Oil Repellents

Castor oil granules or sprays make the soil unpleasant for moles. Apply the product according to the label, and water it in. Repeat after heavy rain, because the effect fades.

4. Try Underground Fencing

For small garden beds, bury hardware cloth about two feet deep. Bend the bottom edge outward in an L shape. This barrier stops tunneling into protected areas.

5. Flatten Tunnels and Watch

Press down surface ridges with your foot. Then watch which ones reappear. This shows you where to place traps and treatments.

6. Remove Dense Cover

Moles like soft, moist soil near mulch, woodpiles and thick groundcover. Clear debris and keep mulch thin near the lawn edge.

7. Hire a Wildlife Professional

If you have a large property or the damage continues, hire a licensed professional. Local rules vary, so check regulations before you trap.

Methods That Rarely Work

Many popular remedies fail. Ultrasonic stakes, chewing gum, mothballs and car exhaust show little proof of success. Some also harm pets or soil. Avoid poisons, because they can injure other wildlife.

Repair Mole Damage

After the moles leave, repair the lawn.

1. Flatten the tunnels with a roller or foot.
2. Fill low spots with a soil and sand mix.
3. Sprinkle grass seed and keep it moist.

See our guide on when to plant grass seed for the best timing.

Keep Your Lawn Healthy

A thick lawn recovers quickly from tunneling. Water deeply, mow high and feed grass on schedule. The EPA shares helpful tips for smart outdoor watering on its WaterSense outdoor page.

Final Thoughts

You can get rid of moles by cutting their food supply, trapping active tunnels and repairing the lawn afterward. Be patient and consistent. Within a few weeks, your yard can look smooth and healthy again.