4 Ways to Remove Yard Moles

February 28, 2017 Kristin Dodd

Whether catching moles by hand or by using live mole traps, effective mole removal requires knowledge, planning and patience. Traps placed in dead-end or unused tunnels provide zero return. The same is true for manual hands-on closing of tunnels followed by visual observation for new signs of mole activity. To successfully rid your Carolina yard of mole-related hills, ruts and burrows, you must learn how to identify seasonal areas of mole activity.

In this article, the pest control specialists at Carolina Pest Management details four government-sanctioned methods for the removal of yard moles:

1. Catch Moles One-By-One By Hand

It’s a sad day when good neighbors make negative comments on the landscaping devastation in your front yard. Dirt mounds sprinkle the lawn. Tunnel ridges range long and far. Dead grass just keeps on accumulating. Something must be done.

Although the practice seems a bit “left field,” some Carolina homeowners take on yard moles in hand-to-hand combat. In simplicity, the system works like this:

• Use the backside of a flat shovel to gently flatten a few visible molehills
• Ready a second shovel and a small covered container
• Pick a decent downwind vantage point, hide, and watch
• As soon as you notice signs that the mole is working to repair one of the damaged hills, rush in with the shovels and block off the tunnels on both sides of the disturbed soil.
• Dig by hand into the ground between the two shovels
• Remove the mole
• Use the covered container to transform the garden or yard mole into a far distant field mole
• Continue to catch moles until all offenders have been removed

2. Use A Live Mole Trap

Perhaps hand-to-hand mole removal seems a bit extreme. You could, for a mere $20 to $30 purchase a prefabricated live mole trap. When placed in active main tunnels, such humane-dedicated trapping systems reap success within 36 hours – And your time is freed for more important activities.

3. Reducing Food Sources

Trapping should also include a program for removing mole food sources.  In short: Reduce yard mole problems by treating your yard for grubs, earthworms and other invertebrate life forms. Many reliable grub control yard treatment products are registered in North Carolina.

4. Bait

Certain registered pesticides (that meet government regulations) are another effective Carolina mole removal method. Baits registered to control moles can be used in residential and commercial areas, however, they are not to be used in pastures or within 100 feet of water. When using mole bait, be sure to follow instructions carefully for proper application and placement procedures. Baits tend to be most successful when placed in active tunnels. Like with other pesticides, keep out of reach of children and pets.

Mole Removal – A Professional Pest Removal Solution

You don’t have to deal with removing pesky moles on your own. At Carolina Pest Management, we provide effective management solutions for garden and yard moles. For a quote or more information about our pest control services in the Carolinas, please get in touch with us today.