Mole Control in Lawns: Trapping Beats Gadgets

Question: Beautiful lawn destroyed by moles—runs and mounds everywhere. Multiple flower beds. Help!

Answer: Confirm Moles First (Not Voles/Pocket Gophers)

Feature	Moles	Voles	Pocket Gophers
Diet	Insects/worms	Plants	Plants
Mounds	Yes (volcano)	No	Yes (fan-shaped)
Surface tunnels	Raised ridges	Sometimes	No
Plant damage	Indirect (root separation)	Direct eating	Direct eating
Size	2× mouse	Mouse-sized	Larger

What DOESN'T Work

• Gum, thumpers, glass, kitty litter, sonic devices, mothballs – no evidence
• Gas bombs – tunnels too long; moles too fast
• Grub control – moles eat worms primarily; may persist

What WORKS: Trapping

• Roll down tunnels – reappear = active
• Deep tunnels (mounds): Scissor or No-Mole traps (spring after thaw)
• Surface tunnels: Harpoon, scissor, Nash, No-Mole
• Training critical: Trap is only as good as trapper (ICWDM training)
• Talpirid (gummy worm bait) – promising but label requires retrieval
• Mole-Med (castor oil) – debated efficacy

Legal Note

WA & MA banned mole trapping via ballot initiatives. Check your state.

Bottom Line

Trapping = effective, poison-free, immediate confirmation. Pave lawn only 100% prevention (not practical).