As cute as they may be, moles can be an absolute nuisance in the garden, leaving unsightly muddy hills in their path (which isn't ideal when you've spent months perfecting your garden design).
While moles are not dangerous and don't tend to eat plants, their digging can cause a big old mess on your lawn, so we don't blame you if you're looking for ways to get rid of them.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that moles are protected against cruelty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1996, so extra care needs to be taken when dealing with them (which we would recommend anyway). To find out how to prevent them from tearing up your garden, keep reading.
How do I get rid of moles in my lawn?
When it comes to preventing moles in your garden, it all boils down to making the environment as unappealing as possible so they don't want to stick around for long. You can do this in three ways:
1. Keep the soil dry
Moles prefer damp or wet soil because it's easier to dig through. If possible, Tony King, Founder of The Pied Piper, recommends reducing excessive irrigation. Not only will this make the environment harder for them to tunnel through, but it will also reduce their food source (worms).
2. Install a sonic device
You may also want to install ultrasonic repellers, which emit low-frequency sounds and vibrations that moles find uncomfortable (it won't harm or kill them). These devices are also commonly used around the home to prevent other unwanted pests, such as rats and mice.
3. Have a cat or dog
If you've been thinking about adopting a new furry friend, we have some good news – they may also help deter moles from your garden, according to Darren Backhouse, Partner at MJ Backhouse Pest Control. While we wouldn't encourage you to get a pet for just this reason, it is a little bonus!
These solar-powered spikes will help keep moles at bay, emitting three to four sonic pulses every 30 seconds.
Darren is the partner of a family-run pest control company based in Yorkshire, which has been operating since 1988. He has vast experience working on both domestic and commercial property and has seen just about every pest control issue there is over the years.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years.
Why have moles suddenly appeared in my garden?
Wondering why moles have suddenly started appearing in your garden?
Darren Backhouse explains, "Most people only notice they have a mole when molehills appear, so the mole might have been there longer than you realise. They're attracted to damp soil where there’s a good food source for them."
How long will moles live in a garden?
Unless the soil becomes too dry or their food source declines, Darren Backhouse says that moles won't go away on their own and can live for around two to five years, (depending on the presence of predators).
Should you stomp down mole tunnels?
You may think that stomping on a tunnel will help the moles get the memo, but according to Tony King, it's not going to rid of them.
However, it will help you to determine which tunnel was recently used. "[If they] rebuild a tunnel within a couple of days after collapse, it tells you there is activity present in that location," he says.
While there isn't a quick fix for banishing moles from your garden, these preventative steps will help reduce and remove them over time.
For more pest control advice, read our guide on how to get rid of ants in the garden and how to get rid of chafer grubs in your garden.
