Six Signs You Have Moles In Your Yard (And How To Get Rid Of Them)

If you recently took a walk on your lawn and noticed mounds of dirt, ridges, or even a small blind rodent wandering your property, then you have moles. Moles are burrowing rodents that can quickly destroy your lawn and plants. They spend almost all their time underground, which makes them hard to detect. This is why it is helpful to know the signs that indicate you have a mole in your yard, so you can take steps to get rid of them before it’s too late.

Some common signs that you have moles in your yard include mounds of dirt and raised ridges. If parts of your lawn feel squishy and sink under pressure, you may be stepping on a mole tunnel. Dying and dead grass in linear patterns, as well as an influx of weeds, are also indicative of these rodents. If you see a blind burrowing rodent, then you probably have moles.

Moles might seem harmless, as they are rarely in view, and don’t go through your trash or eat your vegetables. But these rodents rip through the roots of anything they come in contact with. As a result, they can destroy lawns and gardens in a matter of weeks. Keep reading to learn how to spot signs of a mole infestation, and how to get rid of these underground pests.

Six Signs You Have Moles In Your Yard

1. You Spot A Mole

The most obvious sign that you have moles in your yard is if you spot a mole. Moles are fairly easy to identify, as they often have tiny or no eyes. Their claws are also unique, in that they look like scoops or shovels, making them perfect to dig their tunnels. They also have a long pointed nose.

If you see a mole peak out of the ground, or if a dog or cat brings you a dead mole, then there’s a good chance you have moles underground on your property.

2. Unexplained Lines Of Dying Grass

Another classic sign of a mole infestation is when you notice linear patches of dying grass. Since moles eat up and destroy roots wherever they dig, there’s a good chance they kill the grass in the process.

The dying grass is a sign that a mole has built a tunnel under your grass. It also means they are probably still doing so. To avoid more dead grass, you should address the problem quickly.

3. Your Lawn Feels Squishy In Certain Areas

If you walk on your grass and notice some areas sink under the pressure of your body weight, then this should cause concern. If this happens in several places in your yard, then there’s a good chance you are stepping on (and flattening) mole tunnels. 

When moles dig, they leave a gap of space just below the surface. When you step on this area, you close the gap, and in turn, sink into the ground. 

4. There’s Unexplained Overturned Dirt

If you notice a lot of dirt on your grass and an occasional hole near the dirt, then you have something burrowing in your lawn, and it could be a mole. When moles dig into the ground, they usually leave a mole hill behind. 

Mole hills are small mounds of dirt, with small holes in the middle. If you find one or more of these holes, then you likely have an active mole problem.

5. Sections Of Your Lawn Appear Lifted

One classic sign that moles are hiding underneath your yard is when you see lifted ridges on your lawn. These ridges aren’t always easy to notice, especially if you keep your grass longer. When you cut your grass, however, you are likely to see raised ridges if you have moles actively burrowing in your yard. If you see lifted grass, especially in linear patterns that look like a tunnel of sorts, then you likely have moles.

6. You Notice More Weeds In Your Lawn Than Normal

When moles chew through your lawn's roots, not only do they kill your grass, but they also make it easier for weeds to grow. When you mow your lawn over lifted grass, you tend to “scalp” it, or cut to the soil. 

The dead grass and scalped lawn make for ideal conditions for weeds to thrive and take over your yard.

Six Ways To Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard

1. Install Mole Traps

One of the most effective, although lethal, ways to get rid of moles in your yard is by using a mole trap. Mole traps are installed near a mole hill, or along a ridge line where an active mole tunnel is thought to be present.

When a mole walks over the trap that you’ve installed in their tunnel, a sharp spear falls on the mole, killing it. This method works well and can clean up your mole problem within a week. For mole traps to work well, however, you need to understand how the mole tunnel works, and which spot is “active.”

2. Invest In An Ultrasonic Mole Deterrent System

If you want to remove moles quickly but prefer a non-lethal solution, consider buying an ultrasonic mole deterrent system. Since moles can’t see, their other senses are incredibly sensitive.

Ultrasonic mole repellents or deterrents are installed in the ground and release ultrasonic pulses that moles despise. It does not kill the moles but will send them packing into another direction, possibly a neighbor’s yard. Keep in mind that since you are only scaring them away, there is a chance the moles may return once you stop using the ultrasonic repellent system. 

3. Kill Their Food Source

If you morally object to killing moles but don’t mind killing insects, then you should try getting rid of a mole’s food source. Moles eat burrowing insects, and they are particularly fond of grubs. If you can kill grubs and other insects that live in your soil, then there is a good chance the moles will move on to another yard.

You can use a strong insecticide on your lawn, especially in the spring and fall, to keep these bugs away. Not only will killing them keep moles away, but it will improve the way your lawn looks by keeping it pest-free.

4. Use Mole Repellent

There are all sorts of repellents you can use to keep moles away. Since moles have a sensitive sense of smell, there are lots of natural oils and fragrances that can help send them packing. 

In addition to store-bought repellents, you can use your old coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, or castor oil. These strong smells all help send these pests in the opposite direction. Ensure to apply these products directly into the mole’s tunnel for best results.

5. Plant Flowers They Can’t Stand

In addition to repellents, you can plant several species of flowers that emit smells that moles hate. If you want to give your spring garden some color while keeping moles away at the same time, then plant marigolds and daffodils, as both contain natural substances that moles dislike. 

If you prefer to plant vegetables, plant onions, shallots, chives, or any other plant in the allium family. These will also keep moles far away. Planting these deterrents in a line will help create a wall of protection.

6. Install An Underground Fence 

If you live in an area that is particularly prone to moles, then you might want to consider a permanent solution in the form of an underground fence. An underground fence is a labor-intensive and sometimes costly undertaking, as you must have a fence that reaches 24 inches below the surface.

Still, an underground fence will help keep moles out for good. So if you are desperate for a concrete solution, a fence is a good option.

Summing Up Signs You Have Moles And How To Get Rid Of Them

Moles can thrive under your nose for weeks without you knowing. In some cases, they can destroy your lawn and expensive plants before you realize there is something wrong. This is why it’s crucial you know the telltale signs that you have moles in your yard. Dying grass, as well as raised sections of your lawn and mounds of dirt, are all signs of moles. 

Other signs of a mole infestation are when parts of your lawn sink when you walk on it, or if you notice an influx of weeds. To get rid of moles in your yard you can use traps, ultrasonic deterrents, install an underground fence, or even plant flowers and vegetables that moles dislike.

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