What Moles Do to Your Lawn
Moles are insectivores that tunnel through soil eating grubs, earthworms, and insects. They don’t eat grass or plant roots. But their tunnels damage lawns in three ways: raised surface tunnels dry out the root zone, volcano-shaped mounds kill grass underneath them, and the disrupted soil surface creates an uneven, hazardous walking surface.
Signs of Moles
Raised ridges running across your lawn (surface feeding tunnels). Volcano-shaped mounds of pushed-up soil (deeper tunnel exits). Soft, spongy areas where tunnels have collapsed. Activity peaks in spring and fall when soil is moist and worms are near the surface.
What Actually Works
Trapping is the only consistently effective mole removal method. Scissor-jaw traps and harpoon traps placed in active tunnels have the highest success rate. Grub treatment reduces one food source but moles also eat earthworms, so eliminating grubs doesn’t guarantee moles leave. Repellents (castor oil products) provide temporary deterrence at best. Poison baits (Talpirid) work but are slower than trapping. Sonic spikes, vibration devices, and home remedies are ineffective.
