Learning Center / Lawn problems
How do you get rid of moles in your yard?
Trapping, done by someone who knows how, is the method that reliably works. Moles mostly eat earthworms, so grub control alone rarely gets rid of them, and most repellents have mixed results at best.
- By David Obeid, founder
- Reviewed
- 4 min read
The short answer
Why are moles in your lawn?
Because they are hunting for food, mostly earthworms, with grubs and other insects on the side. Healthy, moist soil full of earthworms is exactly what attracts them, so a mole in your yard doesn't mean the lawn is in bad shape.
The damage is mostly what they leave behind: raised tunnels that crisscross the lawn, volcano-shaped mounds of soil, and patches that dry out where tunnels lift the roots.
Your options
What works for moles, and what doesn't?
An honest look at the common options.
| Option | Does it work? |
|---|---|
| Trapping | The most reliable method, when the traps are set in active tunnels. Often best left to a wildlife control specialist. |
| Grub control | Helps your lawn, but rarely stops moles on its own because they mostly eat earthworms. |
| Repellents | Mixed results. They may push moles to another part of the yard for a while. |
| Sonic spikes and home remedies | Little evidence they work. |
Repairs
How do you fix mole damage?
Press the raised tunnels back down, rake out the mounds, and reseed any dead patches in the fall. Tunnels that lift the grass off the soil dry out the roots, so stepping them down quickly helps.
Larger damaged areas fill back in best with early fall aeration and overseeding.
Related questions
What people also ask
Will grub control get rid of moles?
Rarely on its own. Grubs are one of the things moles eat, but earthworms make up most of their diet. Grub control is still worth having for the lawn itself.
Are moles and voles the same thing?
No. Moles tunnel underground for insects and worms. Voles are small rodents that make shallow runways on the surface and eat roots and plants, often under leaves, snow or heavy mulch.
Keep reading
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