Not Mint Nor Coffee Grounds: The Humane Way To Keep Moles Out Of The Yard

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Moles can wreak havoc on a yard, keeping you from achieving your goals of a lush lawn. These small critters channel through the soil in search of their next meal, leaving tunnels and mounds of dirt in their paths. While traps and poisons can eradicate them, there are also more humane methods you can use to repel them, and they aren't the mint or coffee grounds that you might be thinking of. One natural remedy, involving the use of castor oil, has been proven mildly effective in repelling moles. When paired with other ways to naturally deter moles from your yard or garden, it can help keep these pesky critters away.

Repellents are a step in the right direction when it comes to dealing with a mole problem, but you also need to explore why moles could be attracted to your yard in the first place. Moles feast on grubs and earthworms, so if your lawn is rife with these organisms, it will be desirable. They also like damp soil, so make sure you're not overwatering the grass.

To get rid of moles in your backyard and garden with castor oil, you can buy a castor oil-based mole repellent, like Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent, or whip up your own with castor oil and dish soap. Either way, the repellent must be thoroughly watered into your lawn. To DIY your own solution, mix ½ cup of 100% castor oil, ½ cup of dish soap, and 1 gallon of water. You'll need to apply the solution with a sprayer, adding 2 tablespoons per one gallon of water. These repellents work better when the soil is already damp, so apply the solution after it's rained or water the lawn first. Then, after applying, thoroughly water again.

To increase your chances of success, you can also incorporate additional humane methods into your strategy. Consider placing coffee grounds or red pepper flakes around the entrances of the mole tunnels and planting mole-deterrent varieties such as marigolds, daffodils, or alliums. If you aren't finding the success you need with these remedies, live-trapping or calling a pest control professional may be your best bet.