Those pesky ridges ruining your lush lawn? Yup, you’ve got moles. While they do help with soil aeration and pest control, their tunnels can damage grass and leave your yard looking patchy. Don’t worry—you don’t need to go full action-hero mode to get rid of them. Here’s how to remove moles from your yard quickly, safely, and effectively.
Step 1: Identify Active Tunnels
Cover the nearest molehill with soil and wait 1–2 days. If the mound is disturbed, you've found an active tunnel—prime real estate for placing traps or repellents.
Step 2: Use Effective Mole Traps
Mole-specific traps are the most reliable solution. Set them up in active tunnels for the best results.
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Lure Traps: Easy to install—just step it into the tunnel.
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Rodent Traps: Good for multiple pests. Dig, place, and seal the mound with soil.
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Loop Traps: Tricky to set up but very effective once mastered.
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Step 3: Gas Them Safely
If you go this route, only use dry ice or approved mole smoke bombs (like Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs). Never use toxic chemicals that mix with water—they're dangerous to pets, kids, and you.
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Step 4: Try Bait and Mousetraps
Not all traps need bait—but it helps! Use earthworms or mole-specific poison bait. Regular mousetraps can also work. Just place one near a tunnel entrance and check it after a few hours.
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Step 5: Hire Pest Control
Still seeing mole activity? Let the pros handle it. Licensed pest control services can assess your yard and choose the safest, most effective method for mole removal.
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Home Remedies for Moles
1. Plant Mole-Repelling Flowers
Add daffodils, marigolds, alliums, or castor bean plants around the yard. (⚠ Castor beans are toxic—don’t plant if you have pets or kids.)
2. DIY Mole Repellent Spray
Mix:
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6 oz castor oil
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2 tbsp dish soap
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1 gallon of water
Spray it across your lawn. Reapply after rain.
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3. Attract Natural Predators
Install an owl nesting box high in a tree to invite mole-hunting birds. Fill it with straw and wait for nature to take over.
4. Use the Shovel Trap Method
Step on a tunnel to flatten it. Wait nearby. When you see movement, block both sides with shovels, then scoop up the mole and relocate it. Not the most efficient—but it works.
How to Prevent Moles from Coming Back
1. Know the Signs
Gophers don’t kill grass—moles do. Mounds and ridges = mole activity.
2. Keep Lawn Dry and Trimmed
Avoid overwatering. Moles love soggy soil and overgrown grass. Cut the lawn regularly and don’t let it stay too wet.
3. Add Simple Mole Deterrents
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Dry Ice: Drop it into tunnels to release carbon dioxide and suffocate moles.
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Garden Spinners: The vibrations annoy moles and encourage them to leave.
4. Fill Tunnels with Rocks
Moles hate digging through rocks. Filling old tunnels with small stones can discourage them—or future invaders—from coming back.
A well-kept lawn can still fall victim to mole invasions, but knowing the signs and using the right tools—whether it’s traps, home remedies, or pro help—can get your yard back in shape fast. With some smart prevention tactics, you can stop moles before they even move in.
