How To Keep Moles Off Your Louisville Lawn

Moles look cute in fairytales and children’s stories, but unfortunately, the damage they cause to lawns is anything but. They can uproot flowers and create characteristic trends in the grass. As if that wasn’t bad enough, these tunnels can be utilized by other vermin, like mice and rats, once the moles have moved on to greener pastures. And on top of that, moles a common host for fleas and ticks. If you’ve got moles, or suspect that you do, here are some mole control strategies.

How To Get Rid Of Moles

First things first: let’s talk about what you absolutely should NOT do. If you’ve done any Googling, you’ve probably stumbled across anecdotes about things like mothballs or chewing gum. These remedies will not work. And some suggestions are outright dangerous.

When it comes to moles, DO NOT try any of the following:

• Mothballs
• Cayenne pepper
• Tea tree oil
• Broken glass
• Chewing gum
• Gasoline

While some are merely a waste of time, like using mothballs, using gasoline or broken glass is hazardous. You’re more likely to harm yourself, your family, or your pets. Here are strategies that actually work to rid your lawn of moles:

Get Rid Of Their Food

If you didn’t know, moles like grubs. Grubs are merely the larval stage of several species of beetles – specifically Japanese beetles and June bugs. Grubs begin their life below ground, where they can nourish themselves on the roots of the grass. If you’ve ever been digging around and stumbled across a c-shaped white worm with a brown head, it wasn’t a worm at all but a grub. If moles weren’t so destructive, they would actually be beneficial. You wouldn’t have to pay for grub control as part of your lawn care services! Unfortunately, that’s not how life works. As such, you can request a grub control application to eliminate this popular food source of moles. When moles can’t find food in your yard, they’ll leave.

Castor Oil And Dish Soap

One remedy from Farmer’s Almanac suggests mixing three parts castor oil to one part dish soap. Add four tablespoons of this solution to one gallon of water. Spray this diluted mixture on tunnels and any visible entry mounds. This solution won’t harm your plants, but it will irritate the digestive tract of moles and inspire them to leave. Unlike the other so-called “DIY” methods we’ve warned you about, this one is non-toxic and won’t harm you or your pets.

Stick To A Regular Yard Work Routine

When you mow and water regularly, you will be less likely to attract moles because they don’t like being bothered. When you get behind on yard work, and your yard is undisturbed for a long time, you’re more likely to attract moles.

Use Lethal Traps

Many people aren’t comfortable with this, and we understand. However, if you are comfortable with this, you can use two types of lethal traps to get rid of moles—one: poison traps. Manufacturers have cleverly designed the poison to resemble the grubs and other bugs that moles love to eat. The catch to this method: you’ll need to place them inside a tunnel, which can be tricky. If you can’t see a visible entry mound, you may have to dig into a tunnel, which is more work. The other option is to buy a mechanical trap. You’ll want to place these over the mole volcano. It will kill the mole when it surfaces. If you choose the lethal method, this is the more humane of the two. It kills the animal instantly.

Put Up A Fence

If moles make a penny and keep turning up, you may need to consider putting up a fence with a sub-terranean barrier. By installing this about two feet down, and connecting it with the fence above, you’ll be able to stop moles from digging in your yard.

Trap And Release

You can purchase live traps so you can release the mole without harming it. However, you’ll need to check the traps at least once a day, or the animal will suffer without access to food and water. You’ll also need to find a suitable location to release it. Since they are considered agricultural pests, you need to be sure you don’t release them near a farmer’s property or near another residence. You’ll also need to go at least 5 miles from your home, or the mole could find its way back.

Call Your Local Pest Control Service

The problem with moles is that they actually are two problems in one. On the other hand, you have to deal with removing the moles in some fashion. Once they’re gone, you have to deal with the damage they’ve left behind. This damage not only looks unsightly, but it can also make using and caring for your yard difficult. As you’ve probably experienced, mowing over an uneven surface can lock up the blades. Restoring damaged flowers cost money. While the above solutions will help, it’s best to just leave it to the professionals at Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions.

Get Professional Mole Removal In Louisville

Have you noticed tunnels or “mole volcanoes” popping up in your yard? Don’t wait until your yard is totally ruined. Call the professionals at Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions. Our mole control service will locate and eradicate those pesky critters. We also offer lawn treatment services to green up and restore lawns that may have been damaged by moles – or lawns that just need a boost. If you’d like to read more about lawn care tips and best practices, be sure to check out our monthly blog.