Moles: Least-Toxic Control

Moles are insectivorous, eating pestiferous insect larvae such as white grubs.  And so, in some ways they are beneficial to the gardener.  Moles may also eat a small amount of vegetable matter, if it has been softened by water.  The only real damage caused by moles is indirect, their tunnels in shallow soil cause plant roots to dry out.  When this occurs, press down the soil with your foot and water the area thoroughly.

Physical controls

q       Reducing white grub populations

q       Building border of stone-filled clay/compacted soil around areas that need protection.  Barriers must extend 2ft into the ground, and be 12 inches wide.  The fence should reach a short distance above ground to prevent crossings above ground.

q       Flooding nests, especially during spring when young are still in the nest.

q       Smoking out tunnels may be effective in some situations

q       Lethal Mole traps

available from

- Killgerm

q       Sonic deterrent

available from

- Green Gardener

- Chase Organics

- Gone Gardening

- e-garden

Biological controls

Natural predators include owls, herons, buzzard, stoats, weasels, and domestic cats.

Least-toxic chemicals

q       Renardine soaked rags stuffed down tunnels. The smell drives the moles away.

available from

- Roebuck Eyot Ltd

- sortoutyourgarden.com

- Gone Gardening