How do you rid your yard of moles?

Prevention:

* Keep your lawn healthy and well-maintained. Moles are more likely to infest lawns that are thin and have a lot of thatch.

* Remove any food sources that may attract moles, such as grubs, earthworms, and insects.

* Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation or walls where moles can enter.

* Install a fence around your yard that is at least 2 feet deep and made of a material that moles cannot burrow through, such as concrete, metal, or plastic.

Trapping:

* Place mole traps in the active tunnels. Mole traps are available at most hardware stores.

* Be sure to set the traps correctly so that they will not harm other animals.

* Check the traps regularly and remove any moles that have been caught.

Repellents:

* There are a number of commercial mole repellents available. These repellents typically contain ingredients that moles find unpleasant, such as castor oil, peppermint oil, or garlic.

* Apply the repellent according to the directions on the package.

* Be sure to reapply the repellent after heavy rains or flooding.

Predators:

* Encourage natural predators of moles, such as owls, hawks, and foxes, to live in your yard.

* Provide nest boxes and food for these animals.

Habitat Modification:

* Make your yard less hospitable to moles by removing brush piles, rocks, and other debris.

* Keep your lawn mowed short.

* Aerate your lawn regularly to help improve drainage.

Poison:

* Mole poison is available at most hardware stores.

* Use mole poison only as a last resort, as it can be harmful to other animals.

* Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.

Consult with a professional:

* If you have tried all of the above methods and are still having problems with moles, you may want to consult with a professional pest control company.