Are there mounds of dirt appearing in your yard? Have you run across a few grey, furry creatures with large paws? 

You are experiencing a take-over by the common grey ground mole. This mammal, which feeds mainly on insects and grubs, will burrow tunnels under the ground to construct a nesting and feeding space. The excess dirt they dig up is left above ground in mounds, which is an eyesore in an otherwise lovely lawn.

To rid yourself of these particular pests for good, you will need to trap them. To learn about the best mole traps and how to use them, read on.

Best of the Mole Traps

Professional pest control companies rely on one of the most effective, time-tested mole trapping methods—the spring-loaded prong trap. These metal traps are activated to snap and kill the mole when it pushes against the metal which sits inside their tunnel.

To use these types of traps, locate the tunnel that the moles are digging. Tunnels usually can be found between the mounds of dirt on your yard. Use a stick or probe to poke in the soil between mounds until you feel the ground give out. Step on the tunnels you see in one or two spots to collapse them, then check those spots later. If the tunnel has been dug out again, it’s an active one, and a good spot to set a trap. 

To set the trap, flatten an area of the tunnel a bit bigger than the base of the trap and set the trap over it. Each manufacturer will have different arming instructions, so make sure to follow those. To keep kids and pets away from the traps, cover them with a large bucket. Remove the mole once it has been caught. If you don’t catch anything, move your trap to a different spot.

Scissor Trap

Like the prong trap, the scissor trap will kill a mole instantly and sits inside the mole tunnel, camouflaged by grass and dirt. This trap allows you to determine from a distance if it has been set off, which makes it easy to use.

To set this scissor trap, locate a mole tunnel with a probe and then dig a small section around that spot using a trowel. Place the trap scissors down inside the hole, and cover it with soil and grass. When you trap the mole, you can reuse the traps in case you sight more mole signs after trapping the first one.

Choker Loop Trap

A choker loop trap catches the mole around the neck. 

Dig a hole and make sure the loop portions of the trap can sit upright in the hole. Remove any loose soil or small stones from the hole. Follow the trap’s directions to set the trap, taking care not to get your fingers caught in the process.

The choker loop trap, as all the traps mentioned so far, kills moles instantly, which some people feel is a more effective and humane way of ridding your yard of moles. 

But there are methods for trapping moles that keep them alive so that they can be relocated to a place other than your yard.

Humane Trapping Methods

For those who do not like the idea of killing moles with traps, here are some traps labeled as “humane” methods of capturing moles for relocation.

Bucket Method

An easy, cheap method of trapping and relocating moles is with a large bucket.

Dig a hole at the mole tunnel deep enough to place a 2- to 5-gallon bucket below the level of the tunnel. Pack dirt around the edge of the bucket, then cover the hole with sod or plywood so you can remove and check the hole daily. The mole will fall in, and then you can take it to a new location.

If this method is not effective enough for your mole problem, there are plastic mole tube traps available that will keep moles alive.

Plastic Tube Mole Traps

Each of these traps consists of two short plastic tubes that fit together to produce one long tube. There is a swing door at either end allowing the moles to enter at either side, but hinges keep the moles from going out in the opposite direction.

To set them, place them underground in the same way you would set a spring trap. Add cut-up earthworms as bait before you set the trap in the ground. Cover the trap well, allowing no outside light into the tunnel. When a mole is caught, place it in a covered bucket and take it to a relocation site far from your yard.

Repellants and Poisons

There are natural and artificial mole repellants, such as certain plants, castor oil, granulated pellets, and vibrating stakes. But these will only drive the moles away from your property and into the next one, which could mean trouble for your neighbors. Not everyone finds these methods effective, as well. 

A final option is to lay down mole poison which comes in many forms. Keep in mind,  that moles only eat insects, so they may turn their noses up at a granular poison like that used for other pests. There are some poisons meant to look like grubs or worms that might be more effective. 

While these methods may have some benefit, to get rid of moles completely, trapping with instant kill is the most effective method.

Use Professionals to Set Mole Traps

While you can buy and set up all the mole traps you need as a DYI project, you might benefit in the long run by hiring a professional animal trapping company that specializes in mole elimination. 

While hiring a pro will cost you more money, you will save enough time and hassle to make up for the initial expense. You will know the job will be done right, and that safety for your pets and family will be respected. Most importantly, you will be rid of your mole problem.

If you are in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area, contact us for mole control. We handle both residential and commercial properties, and can help you regain control of your lawn!

If a mole is in your yard, they can dig a hole that is about 2 inches in diameter and up to 12 inches below the surface. 

Once they’ve started digging holes in your yard, it’ll be very hard to get rid of them as your yard just keeps getting torn up more and more.

So how do you get rid of them? We have some of the best tips on how to get rid of ground moles, so make sure you keep reading!

1. Don’t Give Them a Great Environment to Thrive

One of the main reasons that moles get into your yard in the first place is because you created an environment that they love. 

To avoid that, you’ll need to make sure you don’t have a lot of bugs in your yard. Moles love insects and grubs, and it’s their main source of food. But if there are no bugs, they aren’t likely to want to go into your yard in the first place. 

You should also try and not to overwater your lawn. Earthworms love saturated water, which can also draw in one of the mole’s favorite meals. 

2. Use a Repellent

If those preventative measures don’t work, you can always use a repellant to deter them as well. 

Castor oil is a great repellant, and it won’t harm them. If they eat it, it will give them an upset stomach, so it will make them not want to live in your yard. 

To use this as an effective strategy, mix castor oil with some dish soap, and add it to a gallon of water. You can pour this over your yard, but if you already have moles, you can pour it in their home as well to help evict them. 

There are also pellets or sprays that you can buy at your local home goods store that will help keep them out. However, these can sometimes be harmful to the moles and your family or yard. 

3. Set Out Mole Traps

If you do have moles despite the preventative measure, you can set out some mole traps. Some of the best traps are the spring-loaded snares. You can buy some of these on Amazon, and they’re pretty easy to use.

If you get them, you can put them directly into the mole’s tunnel. Make sure that it’s a tunnel they often go into so that they don’t go around it. It can be hard to check if the trap caught them, but normally if the top of the tunnel isn’t fresh, the trap worked. 

While you might catch one mole, there could be a few more that are still hiding in the tunnels. To fully get rid of your mole problem, you’ll have to catch and trap them all. This can be a long process, but if you keep up with it, it can be effective.

However, before you start laying traps, make sure you check with your state’s laws. Some states make it illegal to trap them, which means that you’ll have to find another way to remove them. 

4. Call an Exterminator

If you don’t feel comfortable getting rid of the mole yourself, you can always call a professional come help you.

They have experience in getting rid of moles, and they’ll know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Plus, you’ll be able to rest easy and devote your time and energy elsewhere. 

5. Remove the Mole Yourself

If you don’t want to pay for a professional, you can always try and remove the mole on your own. Besides the traps, there are a few ways to remove the mole without killing it. 

If you have a bunch of mole holes out in your yard, you’ll need three shovels when you go out to investigate them. You’ll also need a lot of patience.

First, you’ll have to take the back of a shovel and flatten out one of the hills that you’ve found. The mole will be able to smell or hear you, so make sure you step away from the shovel after you’ve placed it over the hill. This will make the mole comfortable enough to show itself.

Wait patiently until you see it start to move the soil. It will try to repair the hill that you covered and move your shovel. Once you see it start to move, you can run to the area and put the shovels in the ground to try and grab the mole. 

Once you have the mole, put it into a cardboard box and take it somewhere far away from your property. 

6. Use Natural Barriers

Lastly, you could try and use natural barriers as well to help deter them.

For example, a lot of them don’t like the smell of marigolds, daffodils, or other flowers in the allium family. This makes it a safe barrier to keep moles out, but it also won’t harm your children or pets. 

Plus, it can make your landscape look really great and colorful!

If you don’t want those flowers, there are also barriers you can purchase that are made to keep moles out. They are like a basket, and you can place them around your other plants to stop them from being eaten by the moles.

Discover More on How to Get Rid of Ground Moles

If you’re still wondering how to get rid of ground moles, there are still a few more methods that you could try.

However, if none of these have worked, it might be time to call a professional. Thankfully, we’re here to help you!

If you’re having problems with ground moles, make sure you contact us today!

Once a mole finds a new home in your yard, they often choose to stay there. In many cases, moles won’t simply find a new home. They have to be removed.

If your yard provides them with the atmosphere and food they need, then they’ll make themselves comfortable. 

Mole damage in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can create more problems for you other than a damaged yard. Mole damage can also result in collapsed above-ground pools, driveways, and more. 

As the years pass by, the moles will reproduce, creating even more problems for your yard. This is why it’s essential for you to address and treat the problem before it gets worse. The best way to rid yourself of ground moles is to know the signs of moles in your yard.

What does mole damage look like? 

In the guide below, you’ll find out about a few different signs that there’s a mole problem in your yard. Continue reading below to learn more!

1. Dying and Dead Patches of Grass or Plants

Have you walked outside recently and noticed dead patches of grass or dying plants? This could be a sign of moles!

Moles make their way around your yard by digging tunnels under the top layer of grass and dirt. As the moles dig, they begin to remove the roots of plants and grass in their paths. Because of this, dying and dead patches of grass or plants in your yard is a common sign of moles. 

If not treated quickly, the moles will continue to dig their way around your yard, killing more plants and grass in their path.

2. Molehills or Mounds of Dirt

Although molehills or mounds of dirt aren’t as common as some other signs of a mole problem, you should still be on the lookout for them. Molehills appear when a mole forces dirt and other debris up to the yard’s surface as they dig in a deep tunnel. When searching for molehills, however, don’t be on the lookout for tall hills of soil.

Instead, look for volcano-shaped mounds about six inches tall. The mounds will most likely be connected to a tunnel system visible on the surface of your lawn. 

3. Tunnels Visible on the Surface

How do you know if there are mole tunnels in your yard? You should be able to see them on the surface. Because moles uproot all grass and plants in their way, they’ll leave paths on the surface of your yard with brown, dead, or no grass. Your lawn will look a bit raised in these areas as well, giving it a bumpy appearance. 

You can also use the tunnels to give you a good idea of how bad the mole problem is. Unfortunately, moles won’t normally use the same tunnel more than once. Because of this, there will be new tunnels throughout your yard each day. 

Once more moles inhabit your yard, there will be even more tunnels than before. 

4. An Increase in Weeds

Have you noticed an increase in the number of weeds in your yard as well? Tying a weed problem with a mole problem might not seem sensible, but here’s why it is: uprooting plants and grass gives weeds a chance to sprout. 

As the moles tear up your yard and uproot all your plants and grass, weeds will then try to take over. If not caught in the early stages, the majority of your yard can quickly become covered in weeds.

5. Visual Spotting of a Mole

Other than looking for signs of mole damage, you should also look for the moles themselves. Spotting a mole in your yard is a sure sign of a mole problem. What do you need to look for, though?

Moles are small mammals with dark brown fur. Their bodies are shaped almost like a potato, and they have small beady eyes. Their muzzles are pointed, and they have wide front flippers for feet. 

These flippers help them create a swim-like motion to get them through the soil. The best time to catch them in your yard is during the spring or fall and during the evenings or early mornings. These are the times when they’re most active. 

You should also try to catch them moving about after a rainstorm on a warm day. They tend to make their way to the surface afterward. You should also note that moles are only about seven inches long and only weigh about four ounces. 

6. Soft and Damp Dirt 

It’s important to know what type of environment moles like in order to determine if your yard is the perfect home for moles or not. If your yard contains soft and damp soil, then there’s a good chance there are some moles nearby. Moles like this type of soil because it’s easier for them to dig through.

You should avoid overwatering your lawn to prevent the ideal mole environment. Moles also feed on grubs and other insects. They don’t feed on actual plants in your garden. 

Grubs and earthworms will attract moles into your yard. If you can control the moisture level and the number of grubs or earthworms in your yard, then you might have a better chance of encouraging them to leave. Unfortunately more times than not, the moles will find another food source to eat and will need to be physically removed from the yard. 

How Can You Prevent Mole Damage?

After reading through these signs listed above, are you convinced you have mole damage in your yard? If so, then you’ll want to remove them as quickly as possible to prevent more damage from occurring. 

Let the mole professionals in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky help you. 

Click here for a free quote and to schedule an appointment!

You’ve put a lot of work into your yard and it’s paid off. The garden is in full bloom, your lawn is healthy and green, and there are little hills of dirt poking out of the ground. Wait, little hills of dirt?

Those aren’t supposed to be there. Upon further inspection, you realize that you’re dealing with moles. They’re drawn to your yard for a variety of reasons but the main one is the food source.

It can be dangerous to deal with ground mole removal by yourself but if you don’t have a choice, we can tell you how to do it the right way. Keep reading to learn more.  

What Are Moles? 

Moles are carnivores that burrow themselves in the ground and feed on insects. You would think the fact that they eat the harmful insects in your yard would make moles helpful but this isn’t the case. They can ruin the roots in your plants and if you have any germinating plants, the moles might eat them if that’s their only food option. 

During the winter, the moles may decide to dig closer to your home to seek out warmth. As you can imagine, this won’t do your foundation any favors. They’ll also destroy that expensive sprinkler system you had installed. 

Most of the time, they travel by themselves. The only exception is for the mating season. 

So, rest assured there’s most likely only one in your yard. That makes it a little less daunting to deal with, right? 

Why They’re on Your Property

Moles will enter your property for two reasons. The main one is for the food source. Moles eat grubs, warms, and many other things that lurk in the ground. 

Moles use up so much energy with their digging that they have to literally consume their weight in insects each day to stay alive. The more they eat, the deeper they have to plummet to find their food source. 

Moles may also enter your property so they can give birth. They’ll build nests in your yard to hold and raise their young. 

Identifying Moles

The first step in getting rid of moles is to identify them. They’ll leave obvious volcano-shaped mounds all over your yard.  You may see them pop their heads out after it rains. 

They have a hairless snout that extends outward. From far away, it doesn’t look like they have eyes because they’re covered by the mole’s fur.

Their forefeet are large and webbed. Their hind feet are skinny with long, slender claws. 

Getting Rid of Moles 

Now that you’re sure you have moles, it’s time to discuss getting rid of them. There are several ground mole removal methods that will work. Some of them are more effective than others. 

Shovel Method

The shovel method is the most difficult of mole removal techniques. It’s also one of the more humane options available to you. Use the back of a shovel to flatten the entry mounds. 

After you do that, you’ll want to stand back and look for a place to do a stakeout. Every movement you make causes vibrations in the ground that will discourage the mole from surfacing. They’ll also be able to smell you if you stand too close to them. 

Watch the soil. As soon as you see movement, that’s your queue to strike. Plunge two shovels in the ground to trap the mole. 

Dig the mole out of its home and carefully transfer it over to some sort of container or box. Carry the box well away from your home and release it back into the wild. 

Traps 

Traps can be humane depending on which one you get. First, we’ll go over the not so humane option. Take a shovel and flatten one of their entry mounds. 

Wait a few days. If the mound has been uncovered, you know that’s where you should place your trap. Check the trap every so often to see if you’ve got your little pest. 

Keep in mind that killing one mole might not be the end of your issue. It’s rare but you could have multiple house guests. Set your trap again and check it for further activity. 

Another thing to note is that not all states allow you to kill moles. If this is the case, you’ll need to go with the more humane trapping method. Catch and release traps will allow you to capture the mole and relocate it to another location. 

Call a Professional 

Dealing with moles yourself might be a little dangerous. Moles can transmit diseases and they can get aggressive. It’s much safer to call ground mole removal companies in your area. 

They are equipped with all the knowledge and tools needed to get rid of your mole problem the right way. 

Preventing Moles 

The best way to get moles out of your yard is with prevention. Rodents won’t want anything to do with your garden if you own a cat. If you coat their food source with castor oil, it might discourage them from sticking around to snack. 

Create a solution by mixing together castor oil, dish detergent, and water. Spray any tunnels and entrances that you’ve noticed.

Moles don’t like vibrations or loud noises. So, Ultrasonic noisemakers might drive them away. 

The Secret to Ground Mole Removal 

You’ve worked hard on your yard. You don’t want to see it get destroyed by moles. While letting them stay can prove beneficial, they may also eat your germinating plants and destroy the roots with their digging. 

Don’t let it get that far. Contact us today to tell us about your issue and set up an appointment for ground mole removal.