Anyone with a well-maintained garden knows the problem: Small mounds of earth suddenly appear, flowerbeds are undermined, and the lawn resembles a hilly landscape. The culprit? A mole! But before you resort to drastic measures, you should know that moles are protected species and may not be killed. This article will teach you how to get rid of a mole without harming it, and how quickly you can do it.
Why is the mole actually there?
Before you start trying to get rid of moles, you should understand why they thrive in your garden. Moles love loose soil rich in insects and earthworms. A healthy garden offers exactly what these little diggers are looking for. The good news is that moles are extremely beneficial , as they eat pests like slug larvae, grubs, and wireworms.
What is the best way to get rid of a mole?
Moles may be beneficial, but when they dig up your garden, it can quickly become annoying. Here are some animal-friendly and effective methods to get rid of moles:
1. Mole grid and mole net: A long-term solution
When you create your lawn or a new garden bed, you can install a mole grid or mole net about 10 cm deep into the soil. These barriers prevent the mole from rising to the surface and forming mounds. The advantage: The mole stays alive but looks for another area to dig in. This method is particularly sustainable and effective because it doesn't harm the mole, but simply prevents it from being active in your garden.
2. Noise and vibrations: Unpleasant for the mole
Moles have sensitive hearing and dislike loud noises or vibrations. The following methods can help:
- Sticking bottles in the ground: A simple but proven method: Stick glass bottles diagonally into the ground so the wind blows them in. This creates a buzzing sound that moles don't like.
- Mole repellent devices: These devices emit vibrations or ultrasonic waves at regular intervals to drive away the mole.
3. Smells that moles don't like
Moles have a keen sense of smell. They can take advantage of this by spreading unpleasant odors:
- Place garlic or onion in the aisles
- Pour vinegar water into the entrances
- Add buttermilk or sour milk to the mixture
These smells are unpleasant for the mole, so it prefers to look for another territory.
4. Plants against moles
There are certain plants whose scent moles avoid. These include:
- Imperial Crown
- Tagetes (Marigold)
- Garlic
Plant these flowers strategically in your garden to naturally repel moles.
How quickly can you get rid of a mole?
The speed at which a mole disappears depends on the method used. Sounds and smells can be effective in just a few days, while mole screens are a long-term solution. Typically, you should see initial results within one to two weeks. However, a particularly stubborn mole may take several weeks to leave.
Conclusion: Patience and animal-friendly measures are worthwhile
Moles may be small garden dwellers with a strong burrowing instinct, but they are useful helpers in the soil. If you want to get rid of your mole, use animal-friendly methods such as mole grids, vibrations, or unpleasant odors. With a little patience, the little burrower will find a new habitat – and your garden will be spared.
