The All-Natural Way To Deter Moles If They're Terrorizing Your Yard

If you've been noticing small mounds of dirt mysteriously piling up around your yard, chances are you could be dealing with a mole problem. These small mammals are burrowing creatures known for creating tunnels with the help of claws on their hands. Moles are important for the ecosystem due to their ability to aerate soil, as well as their diets that primarily consist of insects. Nevertheless, many homeowners don't want the naturally destructive behaviors of moles in their yards. If you fall into this camp, one possible solution to help deter moles is to dig a trench.

Digging a trench in your yard is one possible way to get rid of moles in your backyard and garden because it creates a barrier that may be off-putting to these burrowing animals. Proponents of this method suggest digging a hole 2 feet deep to create a trench between your yard and garden, or perhaps between your yard and property line. Your trench need not exceed 6 inches in width. The idea here is to discourage moles from burrowing in spaces that are already dug into. You can also help further deter moles by adding small rocks in the trench. Once you stop seeing signs of moles in your yard, you can then fill the trench back in.

The downside of digging a trench to deter moles is that you are essentially making a hole in your yard or garden in order to prevent future ones from being made. This is understandably a concern if you have little space to make a trench, or if perhaps you are not willing to damage well-maintained turf. In such instances, you might consider other ways you can manage moles in your yard first. This can involve a combination of green products you already have on hand and commercial products you can buy from a home improvement store in worst-case scenarios.

First, you might consider mole-proofing your yard and garden with a common household essential. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and use it around mole hills in your yard. The strong smell of the white vinegar is off-putting to the moles, causing them to retreat. Just be sure you target dirt as much as you can, and not grass or plants, as the vinegar can damage them. 

Another way to manage moles is to use methods to keep pests off your property so the moles don't have as many food sources to lure them to your yard in the first place. These DIY methods are preferable over the more traditional (and potentially harmful) solutions, such as conventional traps, spikes, and commercial repellants.