Moles in the lawn

There are few lawn and turf problems that cause as much damage to the lawn, and frustration to the gardener as moles. These creatures can cause widespread damage to all types of lawn. Moles create runs (tunnels) in the soil beneath the surface of the lawn, as the runs are built the excess soil is pushed onto the surface of the lawn. These tunnels can often cover a large area and affect the whole lawn.

Moles are carnivorous creatures, their diet includes insects, grubs with their main food source being earthworms. Moles are solitary creatures and can measure up to 20cm in length with soft velvety coloured fur that is grey to black in colour. Moles have very powerful front limbs that act as shovels as the burrow underground, they have a very keen sense of smell, they have good hearing but their eyesight is very poor.

Prevent & control moles

Preventing moles is easier said than done. To discourage these creatures you will need to remove the food source, unfortunately removing the worms and other invertebrates can prove nigh impossible and isn't really necessary on a garden lawn.

May people have tried to discourage moles with a variety of techniques. These include placing moth balls or tipping cooking oil, or disinfectant into the runs. There are other methods but unless the moles are completely removed they will most likely return.

Trapping moles (there are many types of trap available) can prove very successful, however many people are unhappy about harming these creatures. However trapping moles is a skilled job and quite often a professional has to be employed for this method to be successful.

The other method is to place phosphine gas tablets in the mole runs. These tablets are only available to lawn care specialists with the relevant application licence. Even if these gas tablets are used there are strict legal guidelines that have to be followed.