Moles
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Here's how to get rid of moles in the garden safely
Have you noticed moles in your garden or, at the very least, evidence that they've paid a visit?
Moles dwell underground, meaning that their complex tunnelling systems can quickly disturb even the best laid out garden. Are you wondering what you can do to prevent them from making a mess of your lawn? Here's everything you need to know about dealing with them humanely"
What are moles?
Moles live in the ground, feasting on worms, grubs and larvae. Impressively, they have to eat around half of their body weight every day to survive, which means they sometimes have to dig more holes to trap insects.
Although garden moles are rarely seen, their presence is easily detected through their molehills. They are usually active in late winter and early spring, so this is when you are most likely to spot them digging up your lawn.
How do you know if you have a mole infestation?
According to the RHS, the tell-tale signs you have a mole include:
- The first sign of mole activity is heaps of excavated soil thrown up on the surface of lawns and flower beds. These are known as molehills.
- Moles tunnelling through the soil can disturb the roots of seedlings and other small plants in flower beds and vegetable plots.
Where do moles come from?
Moles live in the ground, so it's uncommon to find one. From the animal family Talpa europaea, they are solitary creatures that live in tunnels underground feeding on the insects that fall inside.
How to get rid of moles
Moles are known for their acute sense of smell, so one of the best natural ways to keep them away is to put something in their tunnel that smells bad. Depending on what you would be happy placing in the tunnel, ideas include coffee grounds and castor oil mixed with cayenne pepper, as well as mothballs.
Another way to keep them away from your garden is to remove their favourite foods, such as earthworms, crickets, and grubs. Without these to feast on, moles will begin to look elsewhere. As well as this, moles also dislike daffodils, marigolds and alliums, so bordering your garden with these flowering plants will help deter them.
What else do moles hate?
Not only do moles have a heightened sense of smell but they also have an “extreme sensitivity to loud noises,” reveals Luke Dejahang, CEO and Gardening Expert at Crown Pavilions. Because of this, “items as simple as wind chimes in your garden, or ultrasonic sound devices from your local garden centre can be very effective deterrents for moles and keep them away from your garden.”
What attracts moles to your garden?
Garden moles are incredibly fond of earthworms, so any garden with fertile soil is bound to attract the small furry creatures. While their molehills can be frustrating, some of the
bonuses to having them include increased drainage.
How does coffee get rid of ground moles?
Along with other pests, garden moles don't like the strong smell of coffee. Simply scatter some ground coffee around their tunnel and in your garden to naturally keep them away. Better still, the coffee will also serve as fertiliser for the soil.
Are moles bad for your garden?
Moles aren't bad for your garden. Despite digging up your lawn, they mostly eat grubs, give you free fertiliser and aerate your soil. If you're looking to deter them, always try to opt for a natural approach rather than killing. For a mole situation you are struggling to control, speak to the experts for advice first.
What time of day are moles most active?
Moles are usually at their most active very early in the morning and later in the evening, which is why we often wake up to find that a mysterious molehill or two has popped up overnight.
These "align with our natural quiet periods of the day," Luke explains, as it's when most of us aren't typically in the garden. They tend to choose this time of day as this is "when they are less likely to be disturbed by activity and have low noise levels, allowing them to go unnoticed."
Will moles come into your house?
No, moles won't go into your house. They enjoy the quiet and warmth of life underground, so you won't have to worry about them invading your home. Since they only stay in one area if there's enough food, they won't live in your garden forever.