Moles can be a frustrating garden pest. Their tunneling damages plants and ruins lawns.
Many homeowners search for DIY solutions to eliminate moles. Some online advice recommends using mothballs. But can you actually get rid of moles with mothballs?
Read on below and explore the answers we discovered while researching this DIY pest control method.
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What Are Moles?
Moles are small mammals found on every continent except Antarctica and South America. There are more than 40 species worldwide.
In the United States, the eastern mole is most common. Eastern moles live throughout the Eastern states and Midwest. They have grayish fur, long pointed snouts, and large digging claws on their front feet.
Moles spend almost all their time underground. Using their snouts, they feel their way through the soil with ease. An intricate tunnel system allows them to find food and raise young.
The mole diet consists mainly of earthworms and grubs. Moles also eat insects and sometimes small amounts of vegetation. They don’t actually consume garden plants, but their tunneling can severely damage roots and lead to plant death.
Eastern moles are solitary and territorial. Their tunnel systems consist of deep main tunnels with shallower surface runs. Main tunnels stay around 12 inches below ground. Surface runs come within a few inches of the surface, causing the molehills that wreck lawns.
Molehills form when moles transport excavated soil to the surface, creating a mound. Constant tunneling creates continuous hills that make yards bumpy and uneven.
Moles also construct nesting and rest chambers at around 30 inches deep. Females build nursery chambers to raise pups.
What Are Mothballs?
Mothballs are pesticide products designed to repel clothing moths. They contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which the mothballs emit as toxic fumes. The fumes build up in confined spaces like closets and chests, driving away moths.
Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are registered pesticides regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When inhaled by humans, the fumes can cause serious health effects like headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk.
Today, mothballs have numerous restrictions on their use due to toxicity concerns. The packaging has strict safety warnings. Mothballs also require proper ventilation during use.
Using Mothballs to Eliminate Moles
Some homeowners pour mothballs down into mole tunnels, hoping to gas the moles, but this approach isn’t effective.
Unlike moths, moles are mammals, so the pesticides in mothballs are far less toxic to them. The moles simply abandon tunnels where they detect mothballs and dig new ones.
At most, mothballs temporarily drive moles away. They won’t actually kill them or eliminate an infestation long-term. Once the fumes dissipate, moles will likely return.
Trying to gas moles with mothballs also creates environmental and health risks. The pesticide fumes can leach into the soil, contaminating gardens. They are also toxic if accidentally inhaled by people.
For these reasons, mothballs are not recommended for mole control. There are much safer, more effective methods available.
Effective Mole Removal Methods
Now that you know mothballs are a waste of time (not to mention an environmental hazard), it’s time to explore other mole removal methods.
The dropdown tabs below cover some smart alternatives to mothballs that I’ve used over the years for getting rid of moles:
Special mole traps can humanely capture and kill moles. When placed properly in tunnels, they grab moles with spring-loaded scissors. Traps are positioned under the surface so they aren’t visible.
Some mole baits contain the pesticide zinc phosphide. Moles eat the bait while tunneling, then die underground. Bait stations are placed below ground, so other animals can’t access them accidentally. Always use baits according to label directions.
Certain natural repellents use ingredients like castor oil to deter moles. They create an unpleasant environment that makes moles leave. Repellents are a non-lethal option for keeping moles away.
Installing wire mesh barriers two feet underground blocks existing tunnels and prevents new ones. Exclusion keeps moles away from garden beds and other areas you want to protect. Professional installers have the equipment to bury the mesh properly.
Pest control pros can pump pressurized smoke or gas into tunnels to flush out moles. The fumes irritate moles, forcing them to emerge where they can be dispatched. Repeated fumigation can eliminate entire mole populations.
Professional Mole Control Services
For serious mole infestations, bringing in the experts is wise. Companies like Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive have extensive mole removal experience. Their technicians are specially trained and licensed to use products and methods unavailable to homeowners.
Professional pest control services for mole removal include:
- Initial inspection to assess the infestation
- Strategic trap placement to catch moles
- Fumigation to force moles out of tunnels
- Application of baits or repellents as needed
- Follow-up visits to monitor and prevent reinfestation
The cost of mole removal is usually based on the size of your property. Expect to pay $200 to $400 for initial mole removal on a typical single-family home lot. Additional services for continued protection normally run $80 to $150 per seasonal application.
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Nationwide service area
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So, Are Mothballs an Effective Mole Remover?
In short, no, mothballs don’t work well for eliminating moles. At best, they may provide temporary repellent effects, but they won’t get rid of an existing mole infestation. In addition, mothballs can introduce health and environmental hazards.
For successful mole control, we strongly recommend contacting pest professionals. They have the proper tools and expertise. Or consider mole traps, baits, and repellents designed specifically for these troublesome pests.
The bottom line? With the right products and methods, you can get rid of moles and keep your lawn and garden pest-free.
FAQs About Moles
How can I tell if I have moles?
Look for raised molehills, tunnels visible under grass, sinking or collapsing soil, and plants with damaged roots. Seeing moles aboveground is unlikely since they stay below the soil surface over 95% of the time.
When are moles most active?
Moles are most active during the early morning and evening hours. Their tunneling activity decreases with hot midday temperatures.
What eats moles?
Foxes, coyotes, owls, hawks, and house cats all prey on moles. But moles have relatively few natural predators overall. Their underground habits provide protection.
Are moles dangerous?
Moles themselves pose little danger to humans. But their extensive tunnel systems can undermine patios, pools, foundations, and other structures. Tunnel collapses create falling and injury hazards.
How long do moles live?
On average, moles live two to three years in the wild. Their underground habits help them avoid predators, but hazards like vehicles, toxins, and traps cut lives short. Only about 10% of moles live beyond three years.
