Looking for ways to get rid of moles? You’ve come to the right place. In this article I’ll discuss various repelling methods, how they work, and if there’s any scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of the repelling devices and home remedies. I’ll also cover the TOP 6 Best Mole Repellents on the market worth considering. Read on to discover which one will be right for you.

Ever since we moved into the house in the rural area, we’ve got a mole problem. To the say the truth, I’m not that much into traps, and I’ve always been looking into more humane ways of dealing with wildlife. This article is a part of my own recollection of how I dealt with the moles and how I tested one of those sonic repellents, and a brief foray into the mole biology and science.

What You Will Learn from This Guide:

• How does it work? What does science say?
• Types of repellents
• TOP 6 Best Mole Repellents
• Effectiveness Chart
• My experience
• FAQ

Mole Biology – important things to know

Moles are small carnivorous mammals that feed on invertebrates, such as worms and grubs. They can be seldom mistaken for other animals, such as mice and gophers. But it’s crucial to differentiate between the two because what might work for gophers might not necessarily work for moles, and vice versa.

Moles or gophers?

There’s one simple rule which never failed me: whenever you see mounds of dirt popping up in your garden, look which shape these hills are. If they are a just a few cone-shaped mounds with coarse soil and earth clods, then these are most probably molehills.

If you see a lot of fan or kidney-shaped mounds with finely sifted soil, then you’re most probably dealing with gophers.

I know it might sound daunting to figure out the difference at first, but don’t you worry, it’s easy and just takes practice.

One other distinction between the two is in the feeding habits. While moles do not feed on plants and any destruction that they do to the vegetation is purely incidental, the gophers, on the other hand, can easily gorge on your produce.

Mole control is not easy and can be very challenging. Since moles live underground, they are difficult to study. Science has a little to offer for an effective mole control, mainly because, contrary to the popular belief, moles are not stupid and can easily change their underground habits and develop different responses to habitat changes.

How does it work? What does science say?

For centuries, people were trying to control moles with various methods, some of which were absolutely inhumane, weird, or outright ridiculous.

I’ll name just a couple of those to give you an idea of what you definitely should not do.

Ridiculous home remedies

I think the most ridiculous home remedy imaginable is trying to repel moles with a chewing gum. The story goes as though moles’ intestines will plug up after consuming the gum. Well, surprise, moles do not chew gum!

Other remedies that do not work or might injure moles and other animals include putting varied materials inside the burrow, such as broken glass, razor blades, human or dog hair, bleach, petroleum products, etc. Please, avoid resorting to such inefficient, to say the least, measures, that won’t do any good.

Repellents that work

However, there’s still something you can do. There are various repellents available, from ready-made products and those that need to be prepared to electronic devices that will drive moles away.

There are not a lot of studies conducted on the effectiveness of such natural remedies and electronic devices, but there are still quite a few, which I’m going to cover below.

The first one is the study conducted by Michigan State University researchers (Dudderar et al. 1995) who tested a product containing 65% castor oil with the trade name Mole-Med. The researchers reported some degree of effectiveness of the repellent in reducing the number of active surface tunnels. The study was limited to 65 days and the number of testing sites and could be influenced by other factors, but there’s still some evidence that repellents might work.

Another study on the effectiveness of bone-oil based repellent, which was conducted by R. P. D. Atkinson & D. W. MacDonald (1994) and published in Journal of Applied Ecology, concluded that “the repellent treated barrier fairly effectively prevented moles from crossing into adjacent areas.”

Hopefully, that was enough to convince you to look into repellents as the possible alternative method of controlling moles. Now, let’s look at the types of the repellents and how each of them works.

Types of repellents

Repellents work by taste, smell, and sound aversion.

It’s obviously, therefore, necessary to further divide the repellents into two categories: natural and electronic.

The natural repellents work by taste and smell aversion and generally consist of the following ingredients: eucalyptus, mint, and castor oils.

Another natural home remedy that can be tried is planting throughout the garden the so-called mole repellent plant, or caper spurge and the castor bean. These plants work as the natural mole repellents, but unfortunately, there is no known research into their effectiveness.

Ultrasonic devices work by emitting high-frequency ultrasound waves that are unbearable for moles and drive them away by fear or confusion. While the ultrasound can be heard by moles, it’s inaudible to human and pets. However, some frequencies can be heard by the dogs, so if you decide to buy one of those devices, see if your dog has any response to it.

The ultrasonic devices have to be either plugged into a socket or battery powered.

As for the effectiveness of such devices, unfortunately, none of the studies confirmed their effectiveness. However, the research on rats and mice showed that the tested animals had a mild aversion to the sound, but as soon as the food source was put near the device they went for it anyway even through pain (Greaves and Rowe 1969).

Contrary to the scientific conclusions, many buyers (me included) comment on the effectiveness of such devices. I believe that the sound treatment is one of the viable options to consider in the humane wildlife management.

Anyway, whatever method you’ll choose, you have to be aware that the repellents work by moving animals from one location to the other. So the repelled moles could easily migrate to your neighbor’s property and will continue to cause damage there. Unless you seriously don’t like your neighbors, I advise you to inform them about your decision to use the repellent.

TOP 6 Best Mole Repellents

Now I’ll give you a brief overview of some of the TOP offerings on the mole repelling market so you know what to look for. We’ll cover both natural and ultrasonic repellents along with in-depth looks at several of the bestsellers for each category to help you determine which one might work best.

Natural Mole Repellents

Bonide Mole and Vole Repellent Granules – targets many species

Bonide Mole and Vole Repellent Granules works on many species, such as moles, voles, gophers, rabbits, armadillos, skunks.

The package is gigantic: it weighs 10 pounds and can last up to 3 months. The manufacturer claims it can cover up to 5,000 sq ft.

The granules are made of 90% castor oil, which is safe for humane and pets.

All you have to do is through the granules around your garden or yard and wait till the moles migrate somewhere else.

Unfortunately, despite some of the positive reviews that this product has received, there were still a lot of negative comments on its ineffectiveness.

My general rule of thumb goes like this: if a product advertises that it’s going to kill or avert numerous species, I try to stay away from purchasing it. The product has to work well against at least one species. And I think that’s important. When a specific species is targeted, much greater consideration is given to the biology and behavior of that particular species, rather than a general subset of different animals.

Price:       Check the current price

Baar Lawn Mole Castor Oil – difficult to apply

Baar Lawn Mole Castor Oil is a liquid solution of castor oil that is specifically produced to repel moles.

The manufacturer says it’s good for 20,000 sq ft.

Unfortunately, this product cannot be applied just as easily as the granules described above. You will have to pour the liquid into a sprayer and only afterward disperse it around your garden.

The manufacturer instructs to dilute the solution with water and dish detergent, and while this  might seem reasonable and budget-friendly, unfortunately, if you add too much water or too much detergent it might just make the product less effective. And if you decide to dilute it, then opt for unscented dishwasher, so the smell of the castor oil prevails.

Price:       Check the current price

Sweeny’s Mole and Gopher Repellent – easier to apply

Made of 100% castor oil. Sweeny’s Mole and Gopher Repellent comes in a convenient hose-end spray bottle and adjustable nozzle. All you have to do is adjust the nozzle to mix with water. Turn water on and spray the product on the infested areas at a rate of one quart of product per 10,000 square ft.

After you sprayed it with the castor oil solution, switch to spraying the soil with just water and do so for 20 minutes so the mixture soaks into the soil and contaminates moles’ food source.

It’s not clear if you have to re-apply the product after heavy rain, but some buyers suggested that you did. Thus, you will have to purchase another 32 ounces of the product.

Price:       Check the current price

Electronic Mole Repellers

Sweeney’s Mole and Gopher Repeller – a pack of two

All you have to do with the spikes is to plug them into the ground and leave them there. The Sweeney’s spikes cover up to 7,500 sq ft. The sonic pulses are emitted every 30 seconds. The device operates in a circular pattern 95 ft in diameter. The manufacturer claims the spikes will work up to 6 months on 3D batteries and will start producing a result after 7-14 days of consecutive use.

After you install the batteries, you’ll hear a vibrating sound within 15 seconds, meaning the battery installation is correct and the product works.

The effectiveness of the device depends on the type of soil. If you have clay soil then the ultrasonic device will work well, however, if you have sandy or dry soil the ultrasound waves cannot travel as easily.

Price:       Check the current price

Vekibee Solar Powered Mole and Gopher Repellent – a pack of 6

Vekibee Solar Powered Mole and Gopher Repellent is the device I tried in my own garden. You’ll find my story in the next section of this article.

The product doesn’t require the use of batteries, as it’s solar powered, which is obviously more environmentally-friendly. The device also vibrates and emits 400 HZ low-frequency sonic pulses every 20 seconds to repel burrowing animals. The vibration creates an uninhabitable environment for moles and drives them away. As with the previous device, it takes time for the product to work, it has to be working continuously for about 2 to 4 weeks.

The manufacturer says that it’s made of watertight, anti-corrosion, anti-UV aluminum for spikes and plastic for the head unit.

Plug the device into the soil 4 inches above the ground to prevent immersion after heavy rains.

Price:       Check the current price

Hoont Powerful Solar Pest Repeller – one huge repeller with motion detection and LED

Hoont Powerful Solar Pest Repeller claims to eradicate all types of animals, from rodents to moles, with both ultrasonic sound and an LED flashlight. The device features 3 ultrasonic frequencies that can be chosen by the user and 7 sensitivity settings. It features the solar panel on top of the device that uses solar energy to recharge the device. It can also be recharged by USB with a USB cable included.

The device is water-resistant and waterproof. Can also detect motion within 30 ft.

Price:       Check the current price

Effectiveness Chart

My experience

Here is a little recollection of how I tried one of those ultrasonic mole repellers. At first, I bought one 30-dollar package of the Vekibee Repeller that came with 2 solar powered sticks, which you had to plug into the ground and they would vibrate.

I inserted them into the ground in May (after baby moles weaned) and left them there unchecked. I didn’t notice any new mole tunnels or mounds around since then, so I just assumed they worked. My devices presumably covered an area of 65 feet.

In September I noticed that a couple of new molehills appeared near the greenery, where I put my second repelled (#2). I immediately checked it, and oh boy, the repeller didn’t seem to vibrate, so obviously it broke down. It’s impossible to figure out when exactly it stopped working, but before September I never noticed the molehills, so my assumption is that it stopped working recently.

Around the repeller (#1) which was working, I still didn’t see any more activity, at least within 30 feet.

Yeah, I understand that my experience doesn’t really qualify as a scientific research or laboratory testing, but it seems that repellers do work.

The bigger issue here is when exactly the repeller broke down. If it breaks down in the fall, when you’ve already gathered the crop, then it doesn’t seem like a big of a deal. But if it breaks down after a couple of months, then yes, it’s not that pleasant. I was actually too lazy to check if the product offered any warranty, but if something like this happens again, no way there are going to escape my revenge! 😉 Whenever I’ll buy any of those again, I think I’ll buy 4 to 6 in a pack, it’s cheaper and I’ll cover a bigger area with those.

FAQ

Does a mole repellent safe for pets?
Yes, they usually are. The natural repellents are usually made with essential oils, so that should be a problem. The ultrasonic devices all unanimously claim that they are safe for pets. My cat didn’t mind. However, in a few scientific sources I checked, there was a warning for dog owners that suggested that some dogs can, in fact, hear the ultrasound. So if you decide to buy the electronic device, see if your dog can hear it.

How to use the repellent effectively?
Always follow the instructions that come with the package. If you everything how prescribed, then you would reap the best results. Other than that, there’s no silver bullet when it comes to moles: you have to try everything before something works for you in your garden.

How to apply mole repellent?
Usually, the manufacturer provides the instructions for a particular product. However, if we are talking about natural repellents, they usually follow the same pattern: either throw repelling granules around the garden or make a mixture of the solution and spray it around.

How to use mole repellent granules?
Usually, all you have to do is throw the granules around your garden.

How to make homemade mole repellent?
I would not recommend resorting to home remedies, but since you’re asking here is the one: mix 1/4 cup castor oil, 2-3 tablespoons of unscented dish detergent and 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper. Pour into the mixture 1 gallon of water. Blend everything. Now pour the solution in the sprayer and spray around the garden, or dump it whenever you see a mole activity.

How to make mole repellent with castor oil?
I have just described one of the recipes above.

What is the best mole repellent for lawns/ for gardens?
Personally, I would recommend going for ultrasound devices.

Does mole repellent work on voles/chipmunks/mice?
Many manufacturers claim that their products work on voles, moles, chipmunks, deer, even woodpeckers. But try to look for a device that specifically targets one species, like in this case, the mole. It would work much better if it just concentrates on the biology of that one species.

Is mole repellent safe for dogs?
Well, yes and no. As I’ve described above, some recent articles suggest that dogs can, in fact, hear ultrasound.

Mole pesticides or repellents?
Repellents. Definitely repellents. Traps and repellents. But never pesticides. Besides some states banned the use of poison against the moles.

Comparative chart of Mole Repellents

Conclusion

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many buyers are satisfied with their purchases. Opt for the repellents that target a specific animal, rather than a subset of animals, because they might not work for every species that are listed on the product label. While a few maintenance issues have been reported with some of the described devices, there’s general agreement that it’s a fair value for the price.

If you think you’ve had enough of moles destroying your garden, then further discussion will help you find ways to control nuisance wildlife on your property. In this guide, you’ll learn enough about various types of traps to give you a clear idea of how they work, what to look for, and how to set traps. We’ll also review the TOP 5 Best Mole Traps on the market to help you choose the right one for you.

I love animals. But I also love gardening. I deeply care about my raised beds of herbs and decorative flowers. Not long ago, though, I started seeing mole activity along the sides of my raised beds, inside them, and even out in the garden outside. Moles were making small tunnels, which went up under the raised beds making soft spots and the dirt just caved off.

Moles became super destructive: they would come under those new little herbs I planted and destroy their root system, pushed them up and out of the ground and generally just wreak havoc on the garden. So I started looking into ways on how to get rid of moles in the most humane way possible. In this guide, I’ll show you the best traps available and how to use trapping to your advantage.

Thanks to my background in biology, I know what moles are and how they operate. I’ll share some insights into mole activity with you herein below so it will be easier for you to understand how to use trapping effectively.

What You Will Learn from This Guide:

• Mole Biology – basics you should know before setting traps
• Types of traps
• How to set mole traps
• TOP 5 Best Mole Traps
• The effectiveness of mole traps
• How to trap moles effectively

Mole Biology – basics you should know before setting traps

If you think that moles are rodents, then you’re mistaken. Moles are tiny mammal creatures that feed on invertebrate prey, or simply, insects. Unfortunately, due to the fact that these species live underground, they are very difficult to study and there’s still little data available on their behavior. However, the facts that we do know are enough to understand the basic mole biology.

Contrary to popular belief, moles do not feed on plants, they might take leaves into their burrows for comfortable sleeping, but they won’t eat them.

Since moles live underground, they have long claws that enable them to “swim” through the soil.

Moles or gophers?

Moles can seldom be mistaken for gophers, shrews, or even mice. It becomes even more confusing when shrews and voles use mole burrows as their travel lanes. You need to learn how to distinguish moles from other species because gopher traps will not work for moles, and vice versa. Usually, the damage caused by gophers is far more severe than that of moles.

The basic difference between gopher and mole mounds are in their shapes: molehill will look like a circular mound, whereas the gopher’s mound will be a heart or fan-shaped with the hole to the tunnel plugged with soil.

Mole facts – crucial info to learn effective trapping

Moles have sensitive hearing, sense of touch, and a well-developed sense of smell. Thus, whenever you set the trap, wear rubber gloves or rub your hands with soil.

If you think you’ve caught all the moles in your garden, don’t be surprised when a new bunch of moles shows up after a short while: other moles may migrate to the abandoned tunnels.

In winter moles mate and breed leading to new infestations in spring, when the mole pups are ready to dig!

If your garden seems like a moles’ paradise, then it’s obviously because there’s plenty of food for a mole to gorge on, like earthworms, and grubs. Thus, one way to get rid of the moles is to make your property less habitable: reduce soil moisture, pack the soil with a garden roller, control the grub population to eliminate the mole’s primary food source.

Here’s a little side note, though, before you get too excited. Moles play important role in the soil management: they eat grubs, Japanese beetles, numerous other species that destroy the vegetation; they also work the soil and subsoil, which allows better soil aeration. So basically they have their job to do and actually help you grow your plants.

But yet again, the life’s not that simple and instead of help, they can damage by digging tunnels underneath. Before resorting to traps, though, I still recommend trying to prevent mole activity in your garden or catching moles alive and transferring them to the areas of your garden where you don’t mind their peaceful existence.

If you decided to go the hard way and kill the annoying creatures, then here’s good news for you: scientists unanimously agree that trapping is the most effective and preferred method of mole control.

Now let’s cover the type of traps and how to set them so they would work properly.

Types of mole traps

There are three basic types of traps: scissor-jawed (most famously known as Out O’Sight), harpoon, and choker loop (aka Nash). Each of these traps is different, but are based on the same spring mechanism: trigger-pan springs the trap as the mole tries to lift the portion of the soil in its burrow over which the trap is set.

Scissor-jawed

This trap looks like scissors thus, the name. The scissor-like jaws close when the mole runs through the trap. Professionals often recommend this type of trap; it’s also been confirmed as the most effective mole trap in various field trials. Another advantage is that it’s relatively inexpensive and works in most soil types. However, setting it up can be difficult and requires some strength to the arm.

Harpoon

Harpoon trap has sharp spikes that kill the mole while driven into the ground by the spring. This type of trap has also been proven effective; however, smaller moles can escape. Perhaps, it’s the easiest trap to set, but might be applicable only in shallow systems.

Choker type

As its name gives away, choker type traps have choker loops that tighten around the mole’s body. It’s the safest type of trap for the trapper. Others described above can break your fingers, this one, on the other hand, won’t do any harm. On the downside, its efficiency has not been proven in field trials, it’s hard to set properly, and often difficult to trigger.

How to set mole traps

All traps have different setting routines, so I advise you to read instructions carefully to prevent accidental injury and to ensure the trap is set appropriately.

1. Identify an active tunnel (check the section How to trap moles effectively in this guide for instructions). There will be usually a network of tunnels slightly visible in your yard, so make sure you choose a relatively straight tunnel. Do not set the trap on the twisting surface ridges of the tunnels.
2. Dig out a portion of the burrow to locate the tunnel, put the trap inside the hole and cover it with patches of soil so the mole won’t get suspicious.
3. Set the trap with a hair trigger.
4. Release the safety hook.

These are the basic steps for all mole traps. The harpoon traps have to be set directly over the tunnel runway with stakes straddling it on both sides. The trigger-pan should just touch the earth.

Let’s go through the process of setting up a scissor-jawed trap in detail, so you know the specifics and the mechanics of mole trapping:

1. Set the trap with a hair trigger.  Always use the safety hook; just flip it over and if you accidentally set it off, you won’t injure yourself.
2. With your trawl make a hole about 6 inches wide, make it a perfect circle if you can, lift it out gently without disturbing the mole channel. Save any dirt for later.
3. Find out where the trail is exactly running so that you place your trap accordingly.
4. Build a small bridge from the excess dirt that raises up in the middle of the circle to meet the tong of the trap.
5. After you built the bridge, dig the slots for the jaws and make sure there are no rocks or stones in-between that will prevent the trap from doing its job.
6. Take the trap and gently place the jaws so they straddle the mole’s path and the tong (pad) is slightly above the bridge.
7. Place the leaves over the tong mechanism, because when you put the dirt back on top, you don’t want the dirt to get in-between the metal bar and the tongs’ mechanism, or else the trap won’t shut properly.
8. Take your dirt that you’ve cut out from before and rip it in half, then take one other half and rip in half again.
9. Place the two pieces of soil on the trigger part that flips up, make sure it’s got a pathway to flip, place the whole other half on the other side of the trap to cover it, then take any excess dirt and fill in any light holes so the mole doesn’t understand what’s going on.

TOP 5 Best Mole Traps

Now let’s cover TOP 5 Best Mole Traps to make choosing one easier.

Wire Tek Mole Eliminator – effective and easy to set

Wire Tek Mole Eliminator is somewhat a modern and sophisticated version of a classic scissor jawed trap.

It’s very easy to set up, all you have to do is locate the tunnel, place the trap wherever you think the tunnel is relatively straight, and step on the trap to open the jaws apart, rock it back and forth to open up the earth a little bit so the jaws have enough space for maneuvering. Push the trap further back into the ground with the trigger pad slightly touching the ground.

The trap’s made of steel. The stores obviously carry a plastic replica of this brand, do not buy that junk!

Price:       Check the current price

Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap – harpoon style and easy to set

Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap is a classic representation of a harpoon trap. The spears that Victor uses in the trap are weather resistant and the trap can be used in any type of soil. The device comes with illustrated instructions, so whenever in doubt, please refer to the manual. The Plunger should be placed into the tunnel with the tunnel portion beneath the trigger pan partially blocked. The trigger must rest on the blockage, so when the mole wants to reopen its tunnel, they will push up on the trigger, releasing the trap mechanism.

Price:       Check the current price

Victor Out O’Sight Mole Trap – the most effective trap

Victor Out O’Sight Mole Trap is another piece of a classic here, representation of the scissor-jawed type.  I’ve provided complete and detailed instructions on how to best set this type of trap earlier above in this article (see section How to set mole traps), so I won’t go into setting details.

Victor trap is made of sturdy materials for strength and durability: the trap features malleable iron jaws. It also comes fully assembled and includes setting levers. It might be hard to set up, but follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers and this guide, and you’ll be one step closer to success.

Price:       Check the current price

CINCH Mole Trap Kit – a trap for real pros

CINCH Mole Trap Kit comes with two traps, flags, and instructions. The trap is 12 inches in length and is suitable for tunnels approximately 2 1/4 inches in diameter. The manufacturer asks to measure the diameter of the tunnel before buying their product, but I think this is just a very unpractical requirement. I suppose this trap is made for professional exterminators with years of experience and outstanding analytical skills. And yes, in fact, CINCH traps are used by the US Forest Service. The manufacturer though says the trap is easy, just place it in the mole run, and place the marker flag by the run to check up daily and see if the trap was triggered.

Price:       Check the current price

Aspectek Humane Tunnel Mole Trap – humane but not very effective

Aspectek Humane Tunnel Mole Trap is the humane live trap that’s used to catch moles alive and letting them go outside your property or somewhere inside it where they don’t do much damage. You have to locate the mole run again, bury the trap inside it and wait till the mole runs through it, which might not happen, because moles are extremely careful of their surroundings and especially wary of any metal or plastic objects.

The trap is equipped with two doors that only swing indoors so the mole won’t get out.

Unfortunately for you and fortunately for the mole, the trap is not effective. Moles easily dig under the plastic trap and get away without getting caught.

If you, however, would be lucky enough to catch a mole, check your state’s catch-and-release laws to find ways of humanely dispatching a mole without breaking the law.

Price:       Check the current price

The effectiveness of mole traps

Rules: how to trap moles effectively

1. Cover the trap with dirt. Moles can get suspicious if they smell something is going on in their burrows. If its sensitive nose feels a foreign metal object inside its tunnel, it will most obviously revert its way back or dig a tunnel underneath the trap. Thus, cover the trap with dirt so the moles don’t get suspicious. But make sure to cover it in such a way so that you won’t obstruct spring mechanism and prevent the trap from snapping.
2. Do not dig up! Moles are sensitive to uncharacteristic and unnatural activity in their burrows. Do not tear away large pieces of soil trying to locate a better spot for catching that annoying mole! They will immediately sense something is going on and retreat back to their burrows.
3. Try to locate a regular tunnel route of a mole. If you see that the tunnel has been used by mice or other species, then it’s obviously an abandoned tunnel, because moles are extremely good at housekeeping and repair any holes in their tunnels as soon as they discover them. If you want to check if the tunnel is regularly used, then dig a small hole on the rigid surface of the tunnel or step on it. Check the next day if your hole has been repaired, and if it is, then that’s the tunnel where you would want to place those traps!
4. Cover your digging after you set the trap inside the runway, so the mole won’t guess something’s going on.

When to set mole traps?

The moles are most active in spring and fall. I do not recommend using the traps in early spring, since this is the exact time moles breed and by catching a lactating mole mother you leave her little pups to suffer and starve themselves to death.

How many mole traps do i need?

At least two. You can reuse them every day if you like.

Tips

• If your main concern with moles is their destroying your pretty lawn, then get a garden roller and press the lawn to reconnect grassroots with soil. Garden roll can actually drive the moles away if they see the soil has become too tight.
• Mole’s primary food source is grubs. If you want your moles to go somewhere else to feed, then choose to control grub population first with chemicals. However, it might become inefficient if moles decide not to leave your area but search for more food instead.
• Always place traps on the straight runways, avoid meandering surface ridges.
• Always use rubber gloves so the moles won’t sense your human smell

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Trapping is the most effective method of catching moles
• Some of them are pretty effective if used properly

Cons:

• Mole traps are quite expensive and can be much more expensive than the regular rat or mouse traps
• Moles are not stupid and can easily figure out if something’s going on, so trapping can become a real challenge
• Even if you catch a couple of moles here and there, new moles can come into your garden, if it still provides food and comfort, and occupy abandoned runways

FAQ

Are mole traps legal?
In most states mole traps are legal if moles significantly damage your property. Check your state laws to be on the safe side. For example, mole traps that use a body-gripping or body piercing mechanism are not legal to catch animals in Washington State.

Are mole traps dangerous to pets?
The mole traps are primarily hid underground so they should not be dangerous to pets. However, if you’re nervous, you may cover the ground where the trap is set with anything else to prevent accidental exposure.

Will mole traps work on voles and gophers?
No. You will have to look for entirely different set of traps.

Do I need use bait for trapping moles?
No. This is not how mole trapping works. Mole traps work primarily on the mole’s instinct to dig the soil and the dirt and repair its passageways. Besides, moles are insectivores, so trapping them with peanut butter won’t work.

Can I shoot a mole with a shotgun?
Well, you certainly can try. But we advise to check with your local law enforcement authorities first to see if the firearms are permitted in your area and for this specific purpose.

Can I trap a mole trap with a water jug?
Yes, you can. Take a gallon jug and fill it with water. Then damp the jug into the ground hole and wait till it’s empty. If you’re lucky enough the mole will run into the jug trying to escape the “waterfall”.

Is there any mole trap that comes with bucket?
Well, no there is not. Some people use the bucket to cover the trap when it’s set into the mole tunnel to prevent light from coming in and scaring the mole away. I suggested you use soil patches to cover the trap instead.

Can you recommend best mole trap for sandy soil?
Moles prefer sandy soils, so the traps described above would work well. However, for best results I recommend using scissor-jawed type of traps.

Comparative chart of Mole Traps

Wire Tek Mole Eliminator	Sophisticated version of a classic scissor jawed trap Made of steel Effective and easy to set up Expensive
Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap Shop now	Harpoon trap Easy to set Will not catch small moles Not very effective
Victor Out O’Sight Mole Trap Shop now	Scissor-jawed type The most effective out of 5 Malleable iron jaws Comes with levers Have to follow instructions carefully
CINCH Mole Trap Kit	Comes with two traps, flags, and instructions Not easy to figure out and set up Used by professionals
Aspectek Humane Tunnel Mole Trap	Humane, doesn’t kill Not very effective

Conclusion

While moles might be a nuisance, think of ways that might drive the moles away before resorting to traps. And if you decide to trap, then go for the most effective ones, since they not only kill the animal but will also do it very fast to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Tired of fighting annoying moles? Looking for ways to get rid of them fast? You’re in luck because in this guide, we’ll cover all types of mole poison on the market! We’ll also go through every aspect of using toxic baits, how and where to apply poison. Read on to discover the TOP 5 best mole poisons products on the market along with their differentiating features.

When I first encountered the mole problem in my own garden, I used traps and repellents with quite a success. But dealing with moles is never convenient: there are extremely apt and weaselly and can prove to be hard to catch. So if you’re frustrated with the options that you’ve tried, then go for mole poison. And while it is extremely dangerous for non-target wildlife, humans, and pets, poison sometimes can become the only option left in protecting your garden.

What You Will Learn from This Guide:

• Legal aspects
• How it works: Types of mole poison
• TOP 5 Best Mole Poisons
• Precautions (human and pets)
• FAQ

So, why do people choose poison?

While moles feed mostly on larvae, grubs, and worms, they can still damage the garden vegetation, even if that damage is purely incidental: mounds of loose soil pushed to the ground can destroy your beautiful lawn, holes in raised beds can damage the herbs’ root system, etc. Usually, moles act by themselves and considered solitary animals so trapping should work fine if you have a couple of moles digging in your garden. However, if you think that your property is invaded with lots of moles and there’s no way to catch them with traps, then the combination of repellents, traps, and poison should definitely work.

Legal aspects

Now, before we delve deeper, let’s cover some legal issues concerning mole poison. While poison for mole control is legal in most states, some substances can be purchased only by professional pest control companies. Also, if you happen to live in North Carolina, then the only options that you have for controlling moles are traps and repellents, since gas cartridges, car exhaust, other fumigants, and poison are illegal.

Some states classify moles as nongame animals, meaning they are protected by the local departments of wildlife. If in your state, mole is a nongame animal, you will have to prove that moles are extremely destructive on your property and obtain a permit to control them. Otherwise, if your state doesn’t classify moles for preservation efforts, you can control them without obtaining special permits.

Please, check the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website to confirm that the substance you are about to purchase is legal in your state. Also, contact your state’s department of wildlife control, if you don’t happen to find relevant information on the EPA’s website.

How it works: types of mole poison

Now that you’re sure you can use poison, let’s cover some mole poison basics, including how it works and what types are there.

What does science say on mole poison effectiveness?

Let me say that while poison can be effective in controlling rats and mice, the effectiveness of using poison for moles is still questionable, according to researchers from the University of Missouri. Primarily, it’s because moles are less than fully researched: they live underground and are very difficult to study. Also, the new mole poisons that are currently sold in the United States have not been on the market for long to determine its control value. Despite little research available, poison is widely used by pest control companies and consumers alike.

Poison classification

Now let’s cover the types of poison that exist on the market right now.

Gas bombs or gas cartridges

Gas cartridges, which produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when ignited, are put into the moles’ tunnels to drive them out or to kill them by asphyxiation. Mole smoke bombs are not generally recommended since the tunnels that moles dig are pretty long and elaborate and the soil is too porous for gas to be effective. Also, moles can quickly seal off the gassed section and continue with their usual digging.

Soil fumigants used to eliminate primary sources of food for moles, earthworms and various other insects, are also not very effective since moles simply move their tunnels elsewhere where the fumigants have not reached. A partial removal of the food source can actually increase the mole digging in search of food.

There is a number of legal restrictions related to the use of fumigants, please, contact the department of wildlife in your area to be on the safe side.

Pellets

Mole toxic pellets usually contain zinc phosphide. They are marketed for controlling both moles and gophers. These pellets, obviously, will have to be put in mole’s tunnel as well. When consumed, it will kill the mole within 2-3 hours. Poison peanuts fall in the same category since they also contain zinc phosphide. Ready-to-use pellets, peanuts included, might prove ineffective because moles do not feed on grains and nuts.

Baits

Toxic mole baits can come in two forms: the toxic bait gel containing warfarin that has to be injected into the tunnel, and worm-shaped baits containing bromethalin that also have to be dropped inside the tunnel. The baits that look like earthworms are usually effective since moles are primarily insectivores and will be tempted to feed on a toxic worm.

How long does mole poison last?

The duration of effectiveness of mole poison depends on several factors: the type of poison used and the amount of the precipitation your area has received. For example, if you used poison peanuts, then if there’s been no rain in your area, the peanuts can be active for months; if, however, there’s been a lot of rain, then 3-4 weeks at best.

How to apply mole poison?

Always follow the instructions on the label, when applying mole poison. Usually, all you have to do is either drop or inject the poison inside the tunnel. For gas cartridges, dig a hole somewhere in the middle of a straight tunnel, drop the bomb inside and tightly seal the opening.

Where to place mole poison?

First, you need to locate a regular tunnel that’s frequently used by the mole. Dig a hole inside the relatively straight tunnel, mark the area, and leave it for 24 hours. Return the next day and see if the hole has been repaired by the mole. And if it is, then this is the exact tunnel you would want to use for poisoning. If however, you see that the hole is not repaired, then look for other tunnels in your garden that might be actively used.

TOP 5 Best Mole Poisons

Now, let’s cover some of the top products for each category of mole poison, and find out what works best.

Tomcat Mole Killer – mole poison worm

This is by far the most effective mole poison on the market. Tomcat Mole Killer comes in a shape of an earthworm mimicking a mole’s natural food source.

The restrictions that the manufacturer outlined were: not for sale in Hawaii, New York, and North Carolina.

So, if you’re not from one of the above states, then you might safely purchase the poison without compunction.

Applying is simple: locate a regular tunnel, dig a little hole and drop a worm inside, ensuring it falls directly on the floor of the mole’s passageway. Seal the hole or cover it with a piece of rock so that no light travels inside the hole and distracts or scares the mole away. Check the runaway again in 5 to 7 days: pinch a hole and see if it’s repaired within 24-72 hours. And if it is, then the mole avoided the bait and you need to re-bait the mole. If the tunnel is not repaired, you mole has most probably been killed.

Price:       Check the current price

Tomcat Mole Killer – poison grubs for moles

Tomcat Mole Killer mimics another mole’s favorite food source, namely grubs. The manufacturer has outlined the same sale restrictions as with the previous poison: not for sale in NY, HI, and NC.

The mechanics of application are the same as with the worm-shaped poison. Locate a tunnel, dig a hole, place a grub-shaped bait inside and slightly cover the hole to prevent light from coming into the tunnel. Check the bait after 5-7 days. Pinch a hole inside a tunnel and if it’s not sealed, then voila, your mole is dead.

Price:       Check the current price

Sweeney’s Mole and Gopher Poison Peanuts – poison pellets

Sweeney’s Mole and Gopher Poison Peanuts comes in a form of peanut pellets containing zinc phosphide. The peanuts might prove effective against gophers, but rather ineffective against moles. However, peanuts will work great if you are not entirely sure which species exactly have invaded your property.

Application is fairly straightforward and is not different from the other toxic baits. You have to locate the tunnel that is fairly active by pinching a hole and leaving it for 24 hours. If the tunnel’s repaired, then it’s active, if the tunnel’s not repaired the look for other tunnels in your yard that might be more active. After finding a suitable runway, pinch a hole and drop a teaspoon of the pellets inside. Carefully seal the hole and leave it for a few days. Then check the tunnel for any activity and if it still seems active, then re-apply the pellets.

Poison pellets are extremely dangerous to pets, so make sure your pet doesn’t have an opportunity to find and eat them.

Price:       Check the current price

The Giant Destroyer – mole smoke bomb

Giant Destroyer comes in 4 tubes and is advertised against a myriad of different ground animals, like gophers, hogs, squirrels, moles.

The ingredients are sodium nitrate (50%), sulfur (38%), and charcoal (9%). When ignited they produce carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which are asphyxiants, carbon monoxide, various nitrogen and sulfur oxides, which are very toxic.

The “chemical blend” that’s produced by the bomb will asphyxiate the moles by depriving them of oxygen and will make them flee if they can.

It’s important to seal all the possible holes so that the critters don’t have openings to escape from or time to dig their ways out.

Price:       Check the current price

Atlas Giant Destroyer – Gas Bomb Mole Killer

Atlas Giant Destroyer comes with 8 tubes total and is good for killing all sorts of ground animals.

The ingredients are the same as with the previous product: sodium nitrate (50%), sulfur (38%), and charcoal (9%).

The mechanics are the same as with the other Giant product: wedge the wicks inside the cartridges with a round toothpick and ignite it. Then put inside the tunnel or burrow, preliminary closing off any holes you see around the garden, so the moles won’t escape easily.

Price:       Check the current price

Precautions (human and pets)

Since all types of poison are extremely dangerous to humans and pets, it’s necessary to exercise caution when applying poison.

• Keep pets and children away from the areas where the poison has been applied
• Cover the holes in burrows or tunnels where poison has been applied
• Do not let your pets dig up an area where the poison is used
• Build fences, barriers, or keep your pets on a leash until moles are killed or poison baits removed.
• Dispose of the poison that has not been used in a timely and careful fashion according to the label of the product
• It’s important to note that when pets consume poison, they might start vomiting to remove the toxicant from their bodies. If zinc phosphide has been used as primary bait, then your pets’ vomit can contain phosphine gas which can make anyone close to it sick in no time. Stay away from your dog and call for help.
• Call 911 immediately if you or your child has been exposed, or call Poison Control at 1- 800-222-1222 if any in your household has been affected, including your pets.

FAQ

Is mole poison harmful to dogs?
Yes, it is. You should be especially concerned with poison pellets containing zinc phosphide. You should exercise extreme caution when applying those baits. If you think your pet has consumed the poison, please, call Animal Poison Control immediately.

Can mole poison kill a dog?
Yes, it can. Please, be careful while applying toxic baits. Keep your pets away from the area where you used the poison and call Poison Control immediately if accidental exposure has occurred.

Will mole poison kill a cat?
Yes, it will, if you don’t show your cat to the veterinary or call poison control immediately after exposure.

Will rat poison kill moles?
Yes, since it contains the same ingredients. However, the consumption of the rat poison by the mole is questionable, as rat baits are often different and might be unattractive for moles.

What other moles killers exist?
Read more about the best mole killers in this article.

Comparative chart of Mole Poisons

Conclusion

While there’s still little research on the cost-effectiveness of poison baits for moles, consumers are generally satisfied with their effectiveness. If traps and repellents haven’t given any satisfactory results, then poison, unless restricted or banned in your state, can be considered as a viable option in controlling the mole population.