Lawn Grubs and Mole Damage: Breaking the Cycle

Thumb-sized dirt plugs across a grub-infested lawn signal moles feeding on grubs. Moles don't eat plants—their tunnels disrupt roots. Eliminate grubs, and moles relocate.

Two-Pronged Approach

1. Grub Control (Long-Term)

• Milky Spore (Bacillus popilliae): Natural bacterium targeting Japanese beetle grubs. One application lasts 10-15 years. Slow start (2-3 years), but permanent.
• GrubEx (chlorantraniliprole): Synthetic, season-long control. Apply late spring/early summer when young grubs feed near surface.
• Beneficial Nematodes: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora applied in warm, moist soil. Good for spot treatments.

2. Mole Removal (Immediate)

• Trapping: Scissor-jaw or harpoon traps in active straight tunnels (not mounds). Set correctly, highly effective.
• Baits: Talpirid (gummy worm bait) in deep tunnels. Follow label strictly—keep away from pets/kids.
• Repellents: Castor oil-based (Mole-Med) may deter temporarily but don't solve grub root cause.

Treat grubs first. Once food is gone, trapping few remaining moles is easier. Monitor for new activity each spring.