If you are having a mole problem, the first thing that you need to know is that moles are not vermin. Rather, they are an important part of the ecosystem, especially for small mammals and birds.
However, just because moles do good doesn’t mean that you should let them be. If your yard is plagued by moles, here are some simple ways to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
Join us today as we talk about not only the best mole killer options, but also a few alternative methods for mole control including home remedies, natural repellents, and even catch and release traps.
But before we begin, let’s first take a moment to talk about what moles actually are and why you should not be so quick to invest in the best mole killer.
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What Are Moles?
Moles are small, solitary mammals that burrow below ground and feed on insects.
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that live below the ground and spend most of their time feeding on grubs, insects, and other invertebrates. Moles belong to the Talpidae family, which encompasses a wide range of different mole species.
There are 26 species of moles in North America and only one species in Europe. The majority of moles live in the Northern hemisphere, but there are some species that inhabit Asia, Africa, and Australia.
The most common mole in the United States and the mole that is likely causing you to look into the best mole killer is the Eastern Mole.
Like many moles, the eastern mole is known for digging tunnels, which they use as burrows to live in. These moles are considered beneficial animals because they eat a wide variety of insects, worms, and other small animals that can wreak more havoc in your yard and garden than moles can or will.
Moles are solitary animals, so it’s very unlikely that your yard would become overrun with them. However, if you have a smaller yard or if moles have congregated in your yard during the breeding season, you may begin to notice some damage.
Because they burrow below ground, moles can cause damage to plant roots and grasses. In serious situations, moles can lead to brown patches in your grass and death or deformity in young plants.
Are you dealing with moles and need to find the best mole killer? Here are a few telltale signs you should look out for:
- Tunnels.
The most obvious sign of moles in your yard are tunnels. Moles leave behind long, narrow tunnels that are about one inch wide and up to two feet deep.
These tunnels can be found anywhere in your yard but are most prevalent in well-watered areas with lush vegetation. They also tend to run along borders between different types of soil.
- Dirt Piles (AKA Molehills).
Moles will push up dirt into small hills (called molehills) while they’re digging their tunnels through your lawn and garden beds.
These mounds are usually found near the entrance holes where the animals have come out during the day to look for food or mates, but they may also be found further away from these entry points if the mole has been moving around while searching for food or mates.
- Uneven ground surface.
Molehills may look like little bumps on your lawn or garden bed, but there could be large gaps where the ground is uneven. This is because moles travel quite a bit when looking for food and mates so they don’t always stay in one place. If you notice this happening on your property, it’s likely that you have a mole problem.
If you do notice that you have a mole problem in your yard, there are plenty of methods you can use to manage or get rid of them. Because moles are generally considered beneficial animals, it’s best to use methods that don’t involve the best mole killer and instead look for solutions like mole repellent, catch and release traps, and even natural methods and gardening hacks.
However, if a mole problem is severe, using the best mole killer may be the best option for you.
We have several options you can consider below for not only the best mole killer, but also alternative methods. Keep reading to learn more.
The Different Types Of Mole Control You Can Consider
Though moles can be annoying, they are not always considered pests.
There are several different methods of mole control you consider when it comes to getting rid of moles, as we discussed above. These methods include:
Mole Poisons
Poison is one of the most common methods people use when looking for the best mole killer because it is effective and cheap. However, this method is also controversial and may even be illegal in your area. Using poisons as a form of best mole killer may also be dangerous for other animals, including pets.
Mole Traps
There are different types of mole traps, including both lethal mole traps and live mole traps. If you are looking for the best mole killer, a lethal mole trap may be the way to go.
However, if you are looking to catch moles alive, then a live mole trap could be an option. Live traps will allow you to relocate the moles instead of killing them.
Mole Repellents
Mole repellents are typically most effective when used in conjunction with the best mole killer or mole removal methods like traps. Many brands offer natural mole repellent options that work using plant-based ingredients like essential oils.
These products can be sprayed in your yard or you can make your own concoction by mixing a few drops of repellent with water and pouring it into a bottle sprayer or pump sprayer. You can also purchase ready-made mole control products from home improvement stores, but these typically only work if you use them consistently over time.
Home Remedies For Mole Control
Believe it or not, you can use home remedies to make your own best mole killer, mole traps, and even mole repellents. If you are curious about using home remedies for your do it yourself pest control options, scroll down. Otherwise, keep reading. We have listed some of the best mole killer options below for you to consider.
The Best Mole Killer For Yards
Serious mole infestations can cause damage to your yard.
While the best mole killer products may be somewhat controversial, they are generally effective. When looking for the best mole killer for your yard, it’s important to consider the size of your yard and the severity of your mole problem.
We also suggest choosing products that are going to be safest for you and your family, and that is also humane when it comes to how they work to kill the moles.
If you’re not sure where to begin looking for the best mole killer, take a look at some of the products we recommend below.
Tomcat Mole Killer Worm Bait
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Tomcat Mole Killer Worm Bait is a non-toxic, easy-to-use product that will get rid of moles in your yard. It works by mimicking a mole’s natural food source. Moles eat earthworms and this bait provides an irresistible way for them to find their favorite meal.
The active ingredient in Tomcat Mole Killer Worm Bait is iron phosphate, which is poisonous to moles but safe for other animals and humans when used according to directions on the product label. This bait is effective at eliminating moles because they have an extremely high metabolism and must feed frequently in order to survive, making them more likely than other creatures to consume the bait even if they are not attracted by its smell or taste.
Tomcat Mole Killer Worm Bait kills moles through ingestion within 24 hours after feeding begins. The active ingredient iron phosphate causes internal bleeding in moles within five minutes of consumption which leads to death within 24 hours.
Prozap Mole and Gopher Bait Pellets
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The Prozap Mole and Gopher Bait pellets are on our list of best mole killer products because they can work on a variety of pests. These pellets are designed for use in gopher and mole baits, but they can also be used to control voles, shrews, and mice. This makes them a versatile product that you can use in your yard during any season.
The main active ingredient in this type of best mole killer is strychnine sulfate, which is a powerful neurotoxin that causes death by respiratory failure. Strychnine sulfate is effective at killing gophers, moles, mice, and voles within 48 hours of ingestion. The active ingredient works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, causing death by respiratory failure.
These pellets are available in two sizes including one pound and five pounds. The smaller size comes with six packets that contain one ounce each while the larger size comes with 12 packets that contain one ounce each.
Motomco Mole Killer
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Motomco Mole Killer is another product that works as the best mole killer because it again mimicks the mole’s natural food source, the earthworm. Motomco Mole Killer comes ready to use in a convenient pack of two.
The active ingredient used in this product is iron phosphate and is effective for killing moles within 24 hours. It can be used for killing moles at any time of the day or night without worrying about any damage to your lawn or flowers that may be planted there.
The only concern with using Motomco Mole Killer is that it does not kill all types of moles, but it does kill most commonly found types of moles in your yard.
Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap
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Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap is a lethal mole trap that works as an effective and arguably best mole killer because it kills moles right in their burrows.
What makes it so effective is the fact that it uses a powerful spring mechanism that quickly crushes the mole’s head when it enters its tunnel. This means that there’s no need for you to dig around or even touch any part of your backyard.
Victor Plunger Style Mole Trap comes with two traps, each weighing 14 oz. You can use these traps individually or in pairs to kill multiple moles at once if necessary. They are easy to set up and can be done within minutes once you learn how to do so correctly.
Co-Z Mole Trap 4 Pack
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If you have a number of moles in your yard and are looking for the best mole killer, you might consider the Co-Z Mole Trap 4 Pack. This product is simple to use and can be used in the garden, lawn or even indoors. It is effective in killing moles and other pests that burrow in the ground such as voles and gophers.
The Co-Z Mole Trap 4 Pack comes with four traps that are constructed from heavy duty plastic. The trap has two halves that snap together when you press them together. You do not have to worry about breaking the trap by pressing down too hard as it is designed to be strong and sturdy.
Since this trap can also be used indoors, it is effective against other pests as well like mice, rats, and other small rodents.
Victor Poison Peanuts Mole & Gopher Killer
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Victor Poison Peanuts are on our list of best mole killer because they are effective and fast-acting when it comes to killing moles and gophers in the yard and garden. Of course, like all poisons when it comes to looking for the best mole killer, the Poison Peanuts above do come with their share of pros and cons.
The active ingredient in the poison bait is warfarin — a blood thinner that kills by thinning down an animal’s blood to the point where it doesn’t clot properly. The product Kills moles within 24 hours. It also kills multiple moles with one application, so there is no need to make multiple trips out into your yard or garden to distribute the poison bait.
This is an easy-to-use method of killing moles, gophers and other rodents without having to trap or handle them directly (although you do still have to remove the bodies, of course).
Because this product is made with warfarin, it’s important to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Other Products You Can Use To Remove And Control Moles
Along with using mole killer, there are other alternatives to mole control.
The best mole killer for properties is one of the most popular options for getting rid of moles in your yard. However, it is not the only way to get rid of these pests.
If you’re looking for other products to use for mole control outside of the best mole killer products, you’re in luck. As we discussed briefly above, there are plenty of options you can consider when it comes to mole removal. These methods include traps, repellents, and more.
Live traps are one of the most popular ways to get rid of moles humanely and effectively without killing them. They are designed specifically for trapping moles so that they can be removed from your property and taken somewhere else where they won’t cause problems again.
Many people prefer this method because it allows them to keep their yard looking nice while still getting rid of these pests once and for all. Of course, traps are not the only alternative you have to the best mole killer.
Below we will take a look at some of the top-rated products you can use in place of, or in conjunction with, the best mole killer for yards.
Careland Mole Repellent Stakes
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The Careland Mole Repellent Stakes are a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their yard free of pests without the use of chemical sprays or lethal traps.
Mole repellent stakes are solar-powered stakes that work to repel moles using ultrasonic sound waves that are harmless to people, pets, and the environment. However, the sound these devices produce is highly irritating to moles, gophers, and other pests that can cause damage to your property and plants.
These stakes work by emitting ultrasonic waves at a frequency that is too high for human ears to hear but very irritating to many rodents and pests like moles. The sound waves are produced by solar panels on top of the stake that charge batteries inside the stake during the day so it can emit high-frequency sounds all night long.
These sounds are designed to deter pests from coming anywhere near your garden or other areas where they may cause damage to your property or plants.
Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent
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Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent works using castor oil as a natural, safe, and effective way to deter moles.
Castor Oil has a strong odor that will deter not only moles, but other pests and rodents as well. This oil comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that makes it easy to target the area where you need to apply it.
This mole repellent is safe for use around children, pets and plants. It can be sprayed directly on the mole or vole tunnels to help keep them away from your yard or garden area.
The castor oil used in this product is 100% natural and organic, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals getting into your soil or water supply when using this product.
Bonide Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent
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Bonide Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent is another mole repellent product you can use in conjunction with the best mole killer or in place of it. It again uses castor oil that seeps deep into the ground to deter moles in their natural habitat.
The active ingredient in Bonide Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent is ricinoleic acid, which comes from castor oil. Ricinoleic acid has been shown to be an effective mole repellent and will work against gophers, voles and other burrowing rodents.
It’s important to note that this product should be applied directly to the lawn as opposed to being sprayed onto your plants or flowers. This is because it could potentially harm them if they come into contact with it while they’re still damp from watering.
Home Remedies And Tips For Mole Control
You can make your own mole repellent spray using peppermint oil.
Are you feeling crafty? If so, this is the section for you. Mole control does not have to be expensive or challenging. In fact, there are plenty of products you may already have in your home that you can use to get rid of moles in your yard. Some of the best home remedies for mole control include:
Mothballs:
Mothballs are one of the easiest ways to get rid of moles. Mothballs contain a chemical known as naphthalene. Naphthalene is a strong-smelling, highly repelling chemical that is known to repel moths and other insects. It is also highly effective in getting rid of moles.
Moles have incredibly sensitive noses, so you can use mothballs to repel them by placing mothballs in areas where moles are likely to be found. You can place the mothballs around your yard, in flower beds, and along walkways that lead into your yard.
Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint oil is another powerful repellent that can help keep moles away from your yard. Best of all, peppermint oil is completely natural and harmless to people, pets, or the environment.
To use peppermint oil in conjunction with the best mole killer or in place of the best mole killer, simply sprinkle some peppermint essential oil around your yard and garden where you suspect mole activity. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent because it smells so strong, and it can be highly irritating to the mole’s strong sense of smell.
Garlic:
Garlic also works as a strong repellent against pests like moles. You can make a garlic spray by combining one part garlic juice with nine parts water in a spray bottle. Then go about spraying down areas signs of moles have cropped up. For best results, you’ll want to repeat this process at least once a week until you notice that the moles have gone.
Cayenne Pepper:
If you have cayenne pepper on hand, it can be used as an effective mole repellent. Simply mix some cayenne powder with water and use it as a spray in the same way that you would with the garlic spray.
Copper Spray:
You can also use copper spray that is specifically designed for moles or other pests if you are unable to find natural alternatives to get rid of them. The copper will cause irritation and pain when they come in contact with it so they’ll avoid entering your yard altogether.
Best Tips For Getting Rid Of Moles And Keep Them From Returning
Serious mole infestations can be frustrating and even tricky to control. However, moles are for the most part considered your garden’s friend.
We always say that prevention is key when it comes to any form of effective pest control. Of course, preventing moles may be easier said than done.
If you have a mole problem, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible and then use methods to keep them from coming back. Below are some more expert tips you can follow for getting rid of moles for good.
First, make sure you use a quality pest control product to keep your yard insect-free. Moles feed on earthworms and other insects found in your yard, so making sure they are not there can help keep moles from finding your yard or garden attractive.
You might also consider companion planting plants moles hate or inviting mole predators into your yard to repel moles naturally. For example, marigolds can be planted near vegetable patches to repel the moles because they don’t like their scent. You can also attract birds, frogs, skunks, and snakes that will eat moles and will naturally frighten them away just by their presence.
Whichever method of mole control you choose to use, remember, while moles can be frustrating to deal with, and while they can cause a significant amount of damage to your yard if they get out of control, these animals are still considered good for the environment.
Before turning to using the best mole killer for mole control, experts suggest trying other methods first in an effort to get the moles to leave your yard.
If you feel your mole problem is more than you are capable of handling on your own, it may be best to contact a qualified pest control professional.
We hope this has been a helpful guide on the best mole killer for yards! Now we want to hear from you.
Have you ever tried any of the mole control products on our above list? Tell us what you think below in the comment section.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.