Moles can have a tendency to cause a lot of damage to lawns, particularly at this time of year. Find out how to get rid of moles in your lawn with advice from turf grower and supplier, Paynes Turf.
How to spot them
It’s easy to see if moles have moved into your garden – they leave large pyramid shaped mounds of earth dotted around the lawn. This earth is the byproduct of the moles’ activities, which involve digging a network of underground tunnels and chambers. As they dig the tunnels, the surplus earth is excavated above ground. These mounds of soil can be very frustrating for gardeners, as the mounds will need to be removed before the grass can be cut. In addition, collapsed surface tunnels will require filling, in order to maintain an even lawn.
How to get rid of moles
Mole barrier
A mole barrier is a humane way of preventing moles to enter your garden, or at least a specific part of it, such as the lawned area. To build a mole barrier, simply:
- Dig a trench around the area that you wish to protect from moles, around 20-30cm wide by 60-90 cm deep
- Fill the trench with gravel
- Cover the gravel over with soil
Pit trap
Pit traps are an effective and humane way of removing moles from your lawn. To catch moles using a pit trap:
- Dig into a mole tunnel, and place a large jar inside so that the top rim of the jar is level with the bottom of the tunnel
- Cover the tunnel with a boar to keep the light out
- Check the trap regularly (at least twice a day)
- Release the trapped mole into a suitable environment, at least a mile away from where you caught it
Electronic devices
There are electronic devices available on the market which emit sounds that are designed to get rid of moles. The effectiveness of these devices however is a bit hit and miss, as quite often the moles simply move to another part of the garden.
Did you know? Moles feed on earthworms and other creatures found in the soil, they do not feed on plants or grass.