How do you get rid of ground moles naturally?

The presence of ground moles can greatly ruin a beautiful landscape, turning it into one riddled with unsightly molehills and surface tunnels. While some homeowners may turn to chemical solutions or professional services like Metro Wildlife Control, others may prefer natural and eco-friendly methods to deal with this issue. This article will provide insights into understanding the lifestyle and habits of ground moles, followed by sharing natural methods to control and eradicate them.

Understanding Ground Moles: Lifestyle and Habits

Ground moles are subterranean mammals known for their tunneling prowess. Their physical features, including a cylindrical body, spade-like hands, and a short, bare tail, facilitate their lifestyle underground. Ground moles are solitary animals and tend to stay within the confines of their tunnel systems, which they painstakingly dig searching for food.

Moles are insectivores, feeding primarily on earthworms, grubs, and other small invertebrates. Their diet plays a crucial role in their habitat preference. Moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter and invertebrates attracts them. They are active year-round and do not hibernate. However, their activity becomes more noticeable in the spring and fall when the soil is most suitable for digging.

Their tunneling causes the most significant problem for homeowners. Apart from being aesthetically damaging, these tunnels can cause structural damage to buildings, particularly when they undermine their foundations. Understanding these habits is the first step towards controlling and eventually eradicating their presence.

Natural Methods to Control and Eradicate Ground Moles

One of the most effective natural ways of dealing with moles is through habitat modification. By making the environment less appealing to them, you stand a good chance of discouraging mole activity. This can involve compacting the soil to make tunneling difficult or altering your watering schedule to reduce soil moisture and thus the availability of earthworms, their primary food source.

Another natural method involves the use of repellents. Certain plants like castor beans, marigolds, and daffodils are known to repel moles. Planting these around your garden can help keep moles at bay. Additionally, some homeowners have found success using castor oil, which can be mixed with water and sprayed over the lawn as a mole deterrent.

Moles have sensitive hearing and are repelled by vibrations. Therefore, installing wind chimes or other items that create vibration in your garden can help deter moles. Also, consider adopting natural mole predators such as cats or dogs. These animals can serve as a deterrent for moles, keeping them away from your garden.

Understanding the habits and lifestyle of ground moles aids significantly in managing them naturally. Through methods such as habitat modification, the use of natural repellents, and leveraging their sensitivities, homeowners can keep their landscapes free from mole activity. For a more comprehensive solution, consider professional services like Metro Wildlife Control that provide humane and effective mole removal services.