How To Get Rid Of Ground Moles With Vinegar - Why Use Vinegar
The article you're reading now looks at a few risk-free, all-natural ways to keep moles out of your yard. Natural acids like vinegar can aid in the eradication of pests and ground moles. Other animals like deer, rabbits, and groundhogs can be repelled with success using it.
Simply combine one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to the mole-affected areas. Until the moles are gone, you might need to reapply every few days or so. Keep kids and pets away from the treated area until it has dried completely if you have either.
How to Identify Mole Damage
Moles inflict harm from below the soil, as opposed to ground squirrels and chipmunks, which do so above the soil's surface.
Raised tunnels are the first and most obvious sign to search for in your garden or yard. The soil is brought to the surface as moles travel, forming a hump in the ground. Wherever they go, they have a large raised snake-like appearance.
The presence of dead vegetation along a path is another indicator. Again, the moles' movement disturbs the roots, which frequently results in the death or damage of plants that are growing above the soil's surface.
You can frequently see piles of soil on the ground's surface to identify a tunnel entrance. Just like a shovel digs and piles the soil into a mound when creating a hole, the moles will do the same, creating "molehills" at the tunnel's entrance.
What Attracts Ground Moles to Your Lawn?
You should, in a strange way, take pride in the presence of moles on your lawn. The presence of moles in your lawn is a sign that your soil is healthy and teeming with underground life. Since moles are primarily drawn to food, having moles there is a good sign.
You might think—and you would be correct—that while that is wonderful, it still doesn't resolve my issue. However, the first step in solving a problem is to understand it.
Moles are drawn to extremely unhealthy soil, though. For instance, dry soil frequently harbors insects, and moles adore their grubs, which are typically found underground.
Earthworms abound in overirrigated areas, which is another treat for moles.
With these annoyances, it seems like you can never win. There is no way to get rid of moles, and both healthy and unhealthy soil attracts them equally. This, however, isn't true – let's take a look at the reasons why.
Tips for Naturally Stopping Ground Moles
It's important to remember that moles aren't entirely a problem for houses and other buildings. In fact, moles contribute to the large-scale consumption of unwanted larvae and grubs in gardens.
Grubs from the unwanted Japanese Beetle are one of their favorite foods. Additionally, they will consume other garden pests as well as tomato hornworm larvae.
Because of their tunnels, moles are a problem. They can dig tunnels up to 160 feet long in a single night thanks to their exceptional digging skills.
While those tunnels do help to aerate and loosen the soil, they are not very attractive in yards and landscapes. In fact, the tunnels can kill any crops or grasses that were contentedly growing there before the moles passed through, as well as being a trip hazard and a hassle to mow over.
Vinegar
One of these products that can do it all is vinegar. You can use it to clean, cook, and even keep ground moles at bay! It's a fantastic product that will keep moles away without harming your family's pets, kids, or the environment.
Vinegar has a very strong flavor and aroma, as you are probably already aware. In addition, moles that come into contact with vinegar may experience a mild burning sensation.
In addition to being effective when sprayed or poured directly into tunnel openings, vinegar can also be used as a preventative measure. Select apple cider vinegar over white vinegar, which is milder, for the best results.
- Creating The Mixture
In a bucket, spray bottle, or handheld sprayer, combine one part vinegar and two parts water. Pour or spray the mixture into the tunnel openings where moles have been active. Soak the ground completely around and inside the hole. For best results, repeat several times per week until the moles are gone.
Note: Spraying around your grass and close to vegetation requires caution if you use a stronger acidic vinegar solution. With an acid content of 20–45%, horticultural vinegar will kill nearby grasses and plants. For safer results for your landscape, stick with regular 5% acidity vinegar from the store.
- Does Vinegar Kill Ground Moles
No, vinegar does not exterminate earth moles. Since insects don't have the same thick protective layer that mammals and other classes of animals do, vinegar can only kill them.
Because of its high acidity, vinegar can burn through an insect's outer shell when sprayed on it. Some insect species, though, have shells that are too tough to do this with.
- Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective At Getting Rid Of Moles
If you're trying to figure out how to get rid of ground moles with vinegar, apple cider vinegar is definitely very effective. Although there are more acidic variations, it contains about 5% acetic acid.
It's crucial to keep in mind though that if vinegar isn't heavily diluted with water, it will also kill young plants and grass.
Another thing to keep in mind is that vinegar is only a short-term fix; it will evaporate and won't keep moles from returning to your garden in the future.
In comparison to apple cider vinegar, spirit vinegar, which can contain up to 24% acetic acid, is very acidic. This makes them excessive; eliminating moles only requires a small amount of apple cider vinegar.
Castor Oil
Castor beans are pressed to produce a thick, yellow liquid known as castor oil. The fact that it won't cause moles to perish makes it harmless to them. They reportedly dislike the mild scent, and if they come into contact with the oil, it could upset their digestive systems. (Product Link: Organic Castor Oil)
Even caster bean plants are sometimes planted by gardeners in their gardens or in areas where moles are a common problem. It may affect your decision to plant caster bean plants if you keep in mind that they can be invasive.
As an alternative to the oil, caster beans or granules are also available. Simply scatter the grains or beans around molehills and the openings to the tunnels.
- Homemade Caster Oil Spray
Simply mix two parts of caster oil and one part of dish soap together until they are nice and foamy to create a concentrated solution. Add roughly 2 tablespoons per gallon of water when you're ready to use it.
While repeatedly shaking your container to keep the oil and water mixed, spray the mixture directly onto the soil and into any holes. Use it both inside tunnels and around mountainous areas.
Even after rain, the spray ought to last for about a week. You should soon observe the moles leaving their current location and moving to a new one if you continue applying it weekly.
The best thing about caster oil is that it is safe to use around your other pets and children as long as it is not digested. The environment is also safe when using it.
Organic D.E.
Diatomaceous Earth, also referred to as D.E.) is the remains of crushed tiny fossils of algae and plankton. It cuts insects and other smaller pests very minutely because it is quite sharp at the microscopic level.
D.E. food grade is 100 percent organic and secure for use around people, animals, and the environment. It is suggested that you wear a mask or respirator when using D.E. if you are sensitive to particulates.
Wherever you believe there might be moles living, strew the powder around the tunnel entrances. The moles will stay away from the D.E. and will move their tunneling elsewhere. D.E. won't work as well if you use it right after it rains or in the morning when there is a lot of dew. After a lot of rain, you must reapply.
Bonus Tips – Stop Ground Moles
While the aforementioned advice will be very effective in preventing ground moles from ruining your yard, there are a few other ideas you can try on their own or in conjunction with the aforementioned.
Garlic
Garlic can have the same impact on moles as vinegar does. For many different pests, including moles, garlic works wonders as a natural repellent. Moles tend to avoid it due to its pungent smell. Garlic is a fantastic crop to harvest and a mole deterrent all in one, so think of it as a win-win situation if you grow it in your garden!
You don't have to grow garlic, though, to reap its advantages. Put a few crushed garlic cloves close to their tunnel entrances. This is usually sufficient to get them to turn around and move to a less fragrant area.
Probably every few days, the garlic will need to be replaced. The moles should eventually move on though. Additionally, a homemade hot pepper-garlic spray can be made and is effective. (Additionally, it works well for spraying on plants if you have an insect problem.)
Vibrations
Moles dislike feeling vibrations above them on the ground. They begin to believe that potential predators are hiding above.
Constant vibrations are more likely to cause moles to completely alter their course than a slight vibration, which might only cause them to stop moving or digging. Pinwheels are an excellent, low-cost way to generate a continuous vibration. While this suggestion isn't technically "natural," it is still a safe way to deter moles.
Along the edge of your yard, where moles are frequently seen, place the pinwheels a few feet apart. The pinwheels will spin and cause vibrations when the wind blows. In places where there is consistent wind, this method really performs best.
Plant Borders
Moles dislike anything or any plant that has a strong odor, as was the case with garlic earlier. Moles may be repelled by allium family plants, marigolds, and other aromatic plants. If you have a garden space, think about planting them along the perimeter.
Hopefully, by taking a few of these tips into practice, you can safely and naturally say "goodbye" to the moles in your property and send them on their way!
A website called Simple Garden Life is devoted to making gardening enjoyable, simple, and fun! Every week, we post two new articles, and every two weeks, we release a new episode of the garden podcast. There may be affiliate links in this article.
How to Prevent Ground Moles on Your Lawn
Use of repellents is the most successful way to prevent ground moles. Castor bean oil is frequently the active component in commercially produced repellents that you can purchase from gardening supply stores.
These repellents require frequent reapplication, but if you keep up with them, moles won't be able to live in your lawn.
This method will be more effective if used in conjunction with any of the previously mentioned techniques, such as having your dog defend the yard or flooding their tunnels.
Moles should be easy to catch because they are constantly being fed, so it is also advised to set up a trap and bait it. This guide by the University of Missouri says that "controlling a few moles in an average-sized lawn will greatly reduce mole activity", so it really pays to invest time into trapping.
A few techniques are ineffective as well. For instance, ultrasonic transmitters are completely ineffective and do nothing for moles.
Then there are mothballs; though they work well, mothballs are extremely poisonous and dangerous to all organisms in their immediate environment.
Also Read How to Get Rid of the Following Species:
Animals:
- Ant
- Brown Recluse Spiders
- Hornets
- Palmetto Bugs
- Spider Mites
- Water Bugs
- Black Caterpillars
- Grass Flies
- Carpenter Bees
- Beetles
- Scorpions
Verdict: How to Get Rid of Ground Moles With Vinegar
Vinegar is most definitely a deterrent to ground moles. Because of its strong acidity and overpowering aroma, vinegar is impossible to ignore by moles, which are known for having a keen sense of smell.
To get rid of ground moles with vinegar, mix two parts vinegar with four parts water. Mix thoroughly, then pour into a spray bottle.
Use the vinegar mixture to spray the molehills' exterior. Apply again every few days until the moles are gone.
Pouring a vinegar-water mixture down their holes will only force them away immediately; it won't keep them away permanently. Maintaining a clean lawn and using repellents as necessary will keep them away permanently.
FAQs Getting Rid of Ground Moles
What Time of Day Are Moles Most Active?
Moles work and rest every four hours, so there is no set time period for their activity.
What Smells Keep Moles Away?
Animals avoid strongly acidic scents in general, but vinegar is a very effective deterrent. Citrus fruit scents are also effective at keeping them away.
How to Get Rid of Ground Moles With Apple Cider Vinegar
To use vinegar to get rid of moles, simply mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. In order to remove the moles, you might need to reapply every few days or so. Pets and kids should not be allowed near the treated area until it has dried completely if you have them.
Does White Vinegar Get Rid of Moles
Vinegar is a great method to get rid of ground moles if you're looking for a kind way to do it. Not only will it kill the existing moles, but it's also a natural repellent, so it will help prevent new ones from moving in. The moles should disappear in a few days if vinegar is simply poured into the holes they have created.