Moles in the Garden: Friends, Foes, and How to Deter Them

How to Humanely Deter Moles

If mole activity becomes disruptive, try these safe, nonlethal strategies:

• Castor oil spray (humane deterrent): Mix 3 parts castor oil with 1 part dish detergent, then dilute 4 tablespoons of that mixture per gallon of water and soak mole tunnels. This doesn’t harm the animals; it simply makes the soil and tunnels unappealing, encouraging them to move elsewhere. University extension sources note that castor oil–based repellents are generally safe for people, pets, and wildlife when used properly (University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension
  ). Results can vary, so it may need to be reapplied periodically.
• Soil vibrations: Moles dislike disturbance. Pinwheels, wind spinners, or homemade “thumpers” (plastic bottles with fins set on stakes) create vibrations that can drive them off.
• Natural deterrents: Coffee grounds, dried blood, or red pepper sprinkled near tunnel entrances may help (reapply after rain).
• Pets in the garden: A cat or dog patrolling the yard is often enough to discourage visitors.
• Plant protection: Use mesh cages around bulbs or line planting holes with hardware cloth so roots grow out but moles can’t tunnel in. Hardware cloth with ¼-inch mesh is effective for this purpose.

Humane Trapping (Last Resort)

If moles persist despite deterrents, live trapping is an option. Trapping is considered a last resort because even humane traps stress the animal and relocation can be risky. Whenever possible, try deterrents first, letting moles move naturally away from your garden.

• Identify active runs by pressing down on a ridge—if it pops back up the next day, it’s active.
• Place a humane trap along the run.
• Relocate the mole several miles away in a rural spot (never near someone else’s garden).

NOTE: Avoid poisons or chemical baits. These can harm pets, wildlife, and soil life, and they don’t align with humane gardening.

Prevent Mole Problems

• Improve soil balance: Lots of moles often means lots of grubs. Beneficial nematodes can reduce grub populations.
• Use barriers for prized plants: Line beds or holes with ½-inch mesh hardware cloth to block tunnels.
• Expect some balance: Remember, moles also aerate the soil and eat pests. A little mole activity can actually benefit the garden.

Almanac Wit & Wisdom

Some gardeners call moles “nature’s tillers” for the way they loosen and aerate the soil. If only they could learn to plow in straight rows!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moles in the Garden

Q: Do moles eat plants?

A: No, moles are insectivores. They primarily eat grubs, worms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Any plant damage is usually caused by the tunnels themselves or by rodents that use those tunnels.

Q: Are moles good or bad for my garden?

A: Both! Moles help aerate soil and control insect pests, but their tunneling can disrupt lawns and garden beds. Small numbers are often beneficial, while larger numbers may require deterrents.

Q: Are castor oil repellents safe for pets and wildlife?

A: Yes. University extension sources indicate that castor oil–based repellents are generally safe for people, pets, and wildlife when used properly. They simply make the soil unappealing to moles, encouraging them to move elsewhere (extensionpubs.unl.edu).

Q: How can I protect my bulbs and young plants?

A: Line planting holes or beds with hardware cloth or mesh cages so roots grow out but moles cannot tunnel through. Hardware cloth with ¼-inch mesh is effective (homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu).

Q: Is trapping a good first solution?

A: Trapping is effective but considered a last resort because even humane traps stress the animal and relocation carries risks. Try deterrents first, allowing moles to leave naturally.

Q: Will reducing grubs and insects get rid of moles completely?

A: Not necessarily. Grubs make up a portion of their diet, but moles will also eat earthworms and other insects. Reducing grubs may lessen mole activity, but it won’t always eliminate them.

Learn more about moles and what they do in your yard. Do you have comments or questions about moles? Let us know below!