Have you ever noticed strange mounds of soil scattered across your yard? Do your plants show signs of root damage? If so, you may have a mole infestation. Moles are small mammals that tunnel underground, leaving unsightly damage to your lawn and garden. While they may seem harmless, these creatures can cause significant harm to your outdoor living space. Luckily, there are homemade remedies that can help eradicate moles from your yard. In this informative article, we will explore various homemade mole traps and baits that will help you say goodbye to these pesky creatures. So, let’s get started with some easy and effective home remedies to protect your garden and plants from moles.
Homemade Mole Traps
If you have noticed that pesky moles have taken up residence in your yard, then homemade mole traps might be your solution to capturing and removing these critters. There are various types of mole traps to choose from, including those that require a bit of DIY work and can be made from items you have around your house. Before you attempt to make your own mole trap, it’s important to educate yourself on the best methods for getting rid of moles. You can visit /natural-home-remedies-moles/ for more information on natural remedies for mole control or /diy-mole-repellent-sprays-essential-oils/ for DIY repellents made with essential oils.
Scissor Jaw Trap
To make a scissor jaw trap, you will need a pair of scissors or pliers, a spring, and a small piece of wood. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from injury.
1. First, locate an active tunnel in your yard. You can do this by pressing down on the soil to create a visible tunnel or by using a mole probe.
2. Use the scissors or pliers to bend the spring into a U-shape with two legs of equal length. Be sure to avoid twisting or kinking the spring so that it maintains its flexibility.
3. Push the legs of the spring into the tunnel and place the wood piece over the center, to keep the spring from popping out.
4. When the mole passes through the tunnel, it will push up on the wood piece and set off the trap, causing the scissors to snap shut and catch the mole. Check the trap frequently, and relocate the trap if you do not catch a mole within a few days.
Remember to always use caution when setting up traps, and make sure to check local laws and regulations surrounding the use of traps for pest control. Additionally, planting certain types of plants around your yard can help to repel moles and prevent future infestations.
Bucket Trap
To create a bucket trap for moles, you’ll need some basic supplies that you may already have at home. This method involves placing a bucket in a mole tunnel and allowing the mole to fall into the water within the bucket, thus drowning the mole. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make the trap:
1. Find an active mole tunnel by locating raised ground or molehills in your yard.
2. Dig a hole next to the tunnel big enough for the bucket to fit in. The bucket should be flush with the ground so that the mole doesn’t realize it’s there.
3. Fill the bottom of the bucket with water.
4. Place a piece of wood or cardboard as a ramp up to the rim of the bucket.
5. Cover the hole with a board to keep it dark.
6. Wait for the mole to fall in.
Note: Check the trap frequently to ensure that the mole does not suffer unnecessarily. Release any non-target species unharmed.
It’s important to note that this method can sometimes harm other small animals, so use it with caution. Additionally, it’s not the most humane way to get rid of moles in your yard. If you’re looking for a more humane method, consider using homemade mole repellents instead.
Link: If you prefer a more natural solution and are interested in making your own homemade repellent, check out our article on Castor Oil Mole Repellent. Or, for more tips on natural methods of mole control, visit home-remedies-moles-away.
Cone Trap
One effective homemade trap for catching moles is the cone trap. This trap consists of a plastic bottle with the top portion cut off and inverted into the body, creating a funnel-shaped entrance. The bottle is then buried so that the entrance is level with the ground. The mole will enter the trap and become trapped inside the bottle.
To set up the cone trap, follow these steps:
| Materials: | Instructions: |
| Plastic bottle | Choose a plastic bottle that is large enough to trap a mole. |
| Scissors | Cut off the top portion of the plastic bottle. |
| Marker | Draw a line around the bottle, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom. |
| Knife or scissors | Cut the bottle along the line you drew. |
| Gloves (optional) | Wear gloves to prevent leaving your scent in the trap. |
| Shovel or garden trowel | Dig a hole in a mole tunnel deep enough to bury the bottle so that the entrance is level with the ground. |
| Plastic sheet (optional) | Cover the area around the trap with a plastic sheet to prevent soil from falling into the trap and obstructing the entrance. |
Once you have set up the cone trap, check it daily. If you have caught a mole, release it far away from your yard. If the trap has not caught a mole after a few days, move it to another location.
It is important to note that while the cone trap can be effective, it can also be dangerous to other animals that might accidentally fall into it. Use the trap with caution and never leave it unattended.
If you want to prevent moles from coming into your yard in the first place, consider using homemade garlic chili mole control solutions or other homemade mole repellents.
Cork Trap
One unconventional but effective homemade mole trap is the cork trap. This trap requires minimal effort to assemble and relies on the mole’s natural instincts to catch it. Here’s how to make a cork trap:
| Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Corks | Collect several corks, enough to fill a wide-mouthed glass jar. You can save corks from used wine bottles or buy them from a craft store. |
| Wide-mouthed glass jar | Find a jar or glass with a wide opening that can easily fit a mole. The jar should be at least eight inches in diameter and three inches deep. |
| Gravel or stones | Place a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the jar. This creates a base for the trap and allows it to drain after rain. |
| Soil | Add soil to the jar until the surface is level with the top of the jar. This disguises the trap and makes it appear like a natural part of the yard. |
| Cork funnel | Carve a funnel out of the corks, large enough to fit into the opening of the jar. This forces the mole to enter through the funnel and fall into the jar. |
To set the trap, place the jar in an area with mole activity and prop it up with soil. The mole will mistake the cork and soil for a normal part of the ground and enter the jar through the funnel. Once the mole falls into the jar, it won’t be able to climb back out due to the slippery surface of the glass. The mole can then be humanely removed from the yard.
While mole traps can be effective, it’s important to check them often and release any unintended catch. Additionally, consider alternative methods such as homemade mole repellents to prevent moles from entering your yard in the first place.
Homemade Mole Baits
If capturing a mole using traps does not seem like your cup of tea, then perhaps making mole baits might sound more appealing. There are plenty of DIY options for creating homemade mole baits. While some of them have been proven to work, others may not be as effective. Nevertheless, experimenting with different baits could be the key to getting rid of these troublesome pests in your yard. Let’s explore some of the most popular homemade mole baits that you can try making yourself.
Cinnamon Oil Mole Repellent
Using cinnamon oil is a natural way of deterring moles from your yard. Follow these steps to make a cinnamon oil mole repellent:
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon essential oil and 2 tablespoons of regular dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Add 1 gallon of water to the mixture and shake the bottle well to mix everything together.
- Locate active mole tunnels in your yard and spray the cinnamon oil repellent directly into each tunnel.
- Repeat this process every 2-3 days until the moles stop coming into your yard.
Cinnamon oil works as a repellent due to its strong smell and taste. Moles hate the scent of cinnamon oil and will avoid any areas where it has been sprayed. Dish soap is added to help the mixture adhere to the soil in the tunnels, making it more effective.
It’s important to note that this method may not work for all types of moles, and it may take some time for the repellent to be fully effective. Additionally, you may need to reapply the repellent periodically to keep moles away. However, this natural repellent is a safe and easy solution to try before resorting to more aggressive measures like traps or baits.
Castor Oil Mole Repellent
One popular homemade mole repellent is made from castor oil. This repellent works by creating an unpleasant scent that repels moles from entering the area. To create this repellent, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of castor oil
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
Directions:
- Mix 1 cup of castor oil with 1 gallon of water in a large bucket.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dish soap and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a sprayer.
- Apply the repellent to the affected area, making sure to soak the ground thoroughly.
- Repeat this process every couple of weeks or as needed.
It is important to note that this repellent may not be effective for all types of moles, as some species are not deterred by castor oil. Additionally, the effectiveness of this repellent may depend on the severity of the mole problem in your yard. If your mole problem is severe, you may need to use other methods in combination with the castor oil repellent.
Mole-Be-Gone Spray
One homemade mole bait that has seen success is the Mole-Be-Gone Spray. This concoction aims to deter moles by utilizing common household ingredients.
Here’s a table outlining the ingredients and steps needed to make your own Mole-Be-Gone Spray:
| Ingredients | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Castor Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Dish Soap | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1 gallon |
To make the spray with these ingredients, follow these steps:
- Mix the castor oil, dish soap, and water together in a large container.
- Transfer the mixture to a sprayer or watering can.
- Apply the spray onto the soil and grass areas where the moles have been active.
- Repeat the process every few weeks or after heavy rain.
Castor oil is a common mole deterrent since it causes mild irritation to their skin, making it uncomfortable for them to tunnel through the soil. Dish soap helps the spray stick to the soil, increasing its effectiveness. Additionally, by diluting this mixture with water, it won’t harm the plants and grass in your yard.
It’s important to note that although many homeowners swear by such homemade mole baits, it may take some time to fully deter the moles in your yard. If you have seen no improvement after two weeks, it may be necessary to try a different method or seek professional help.
Chewing Gum and Peanut Butter Bait
An easy and effective homemade mole bait is made by combining chewing gum and peanut butter. The sweetness of the peanut butter attracts the mole, while the gum acts as a deadly trap. Here are the steps to make this bait:
- Gather the ingredients: You will need a pack of chewing gum and some peanut butter.
- Soften the gum: Microwave the pack of chewing gum for a few seconds until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Add peanut butter: Mix the peanut butter into the gum until it is well combined.
- Form into balls: Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a marble.
- Place in mole tunnels: Locate the mole tunnels in your yard and place the balls of bait into them.
- Monitor: Check the tunnels daily and remove any dead moles.
It is important to note that this bait can also attract other animals, such as squirrels or dogs, so place it in areas where they are not likely to find it. Additionally, this method may take some time to work, so patience is key. If you do not have success with this bait, consider trying another homemade mole trap or bait.
Prevention Tips
One of the best ways to deal with mole infestations in your yard is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some prevention tips that can help keep moles away:
1. Proper lawn maintenance: Mow your lawn regularly and keep it free of weeds and overgrown vegetation. This will not only make your yard less attractive to moles but will also make it easier to spot signs of mole activity.
2. Soil maintenance: Keep your soil healthy by adding organic matter and fertilizer. Healthy soil can deter moles as they prefer loose, sandy soil with a lot of earthworms.
3. Use fencing: Install barriers like fencing or hedges around flowerbeds and vegetable gardens to keep moles from burrowing underneath.
4. Natural repellents: Natural repellents like garlic, cayenne pepper, and castor oil can help keep moles away. Sprinkle powdered garlic or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your yard or mix castor oil with water and apply to your lawn.
5. Ultrasonic devices: Ultrasonic devices emit a high-frequency sound that is said to keep moles away. Place them in areas where mole activity has been detected.
6. Eliminate their food source: Moles feed on insects like earthworms, grubs, and beetles. Use insecticides to kill their food source and make your yard less attractive to moles.
By implementing these prevention tips, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of a mole infestation in your yard. However, if you do find yourself dealing with mole activity, homemade traps and baits can be an effective way to get rid of them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of moles in your yard can be a tricky task. However, with the help of homemade traps and baits, the process can become much easier and more affordable. Remember to use caution when setting traps and always follow instructions carefully. Additionally, it is important to implement prevention tips to avoid mole infestations in the future. By keeping your yard well-maintained and following these DIY techniques, you can say goodbye to pesky moles and hello to a beautiful, mole-free lawn. Don’t let moles ruin your yard any longer; take the steps necessary to eliminate them and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a mole problem in my yard?
The signs of a mole problem in your yard may include raised or sunken tunnels, ridges, molehills or mounds of soil, and dying, brown patches of grass or plants.
How can I tell the difference between a mole and a vole?
A mole has large, paddle-like front feet with long claws, whereas a vole has small, slender front feet. Moles also create raised tunnels, whereas voles create runways on the ground surface.
How do I choose the right type of mole trap?
Choose the right type of mole trap based on the size of the mole and the location of the problem area. Consider using a scissor jaw trap for larger moles or an easier-to-use bucket or cone trap for smaller moles.
What kind of bait is best for mole traps?
The best bait for mole traps includes earthworms, grubs, and other insects that moles typically eat. You can also try using peanut butter or bacon as bait.
How do I make a cinnamon oil mole repellent?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon oil with 1.5 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around the edges of your garden or lawn to create a barrier that moles won’t cross.
Is castor oil safe to use as a mole repellent?
Yes, castor oil is safe to use as a mole repellent in your yard. It is non-toxic to humans and pets, but it does make the soil taste unpleasant to moles and other pests.
How can I prevent moles from coming back to my yard?
You can prevent moles from coming back to your yard by keeping your lawn healthy and well-watered, removing any piles of debris or wood that may attract moles, and using mole repellents regularly.
Will chewing gum and peanut butter kill moles?
No, chewing gum and peanut butter will not kill moles. However, they may help to trap the moles in your homemade trap by attracting them to the bait.
Can I reuse a mole trap after I’ve caught a mole?
Yes, you can reuse a mole trap after you’ve caught a mole. Simply remove the mole from the trap and reset it in a new location if necessary.
Do I need to wear gloves when handling mole traps and baits?
It is recommended to wear gloves when handling mole traps and baits to avoid getting any harmful chemicals or bacteria on your skin.
