Moles Persist Despite Lawn Service: What’s the Real Treatment?

“Mole Control” From a Service—What Does That Mean?

Wooded lot, moles everywhere, neighbors unaffected. Lawn service claims “mole control” but tunnels persist. Need specifics: repellents? toxicants? traps? Which product?

Common Service Approaches (Ranked)

1. Castor oil repellents (Mole-Med): Mixed results; may drive moles deeper temporarily.
2. Grub insecticides: Only works if moles are there *for grubs* (they prefer earthworms).
3. Toxic baits (Talpirid, Kaput): Worm/gel baits; efficacy debated; license often required.
4. Trapping: Only consistently effective method. Harpoon, scissor, or NoMol traps.

DIY Verification

• Ask service for product names and application records.
• Roll down tunnels; if they reappear in 24–48 hrs, moles are active.
• Set 3–5 traps yourself on active runs (straight, long tunnels).

Expert Resource

Complete mole biology, trapping videos, and trap sources at icwdm.org.