How can I get rid of mice and moles in the garden? - briefly
Install snap traps for rodents and use mole‑specific traps or a castor‑oil granular repellent, while keeping soil moist and eliminating food sources. Regularly inspect and maintain barriers to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I get rid of mice and moles in the garden? - in detail
Mice and moles damage lawns, vegetable beds, and ornamental plants by feeding on roots, bulbs, and seedlings and by creating unsightly tunnels. Effective control requires a combination of habitat modification, exclusion devices, and targeted removal techniques.
First, reduce the attractiveness of the garden. Keep grass trimmed to a height of 6–8 cm, remove excess mulch, and clear fallen fruit or seed heads that provide food for rodents. Eliminate standing water and repair irrigation leaks to deny a reliable water source. Incorporate a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel around the perimeter of planting beds; this discourages burrowing and makes it difficult for moles to navigate.
Second, install physical barriers. For raised beds, line the bottom with hardware cloth (½‑inch mesh) and fold the edges outward before backfilling. In existing beds, dig a trench 12 inches deep around the perimeter and backfill with the same mesh, overlapping seams and securing with staples. This prevents both small mammals and their predators from entering the root zone.
Third, employ trapping. Snap traps or live‑capture cages positioned along active runways are the most reliable for rodents. Place traps perpendicular to the tunnel, with the trigger end facing the direction of travel. Check traps daily and remove captured animals promptly. For moles, use mole‑specific scissor‑type or harpoon traps inserted directly into active tunnels; set them at a 45‑degree angle to the tunnel ceiling for optimal engagement.
Fourth, consider biological agents. Deploy predatory nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) in moist soil to target larval stages of mice and reduce population pressure. Encourage natural mole predators such as owls, hawks, and foxes by installing nesting boxes or perches. For rodents, seed stations with raptor perches can attract birds of prey that help keep numbers low.
Fifth, apply chemical controls only when necessary and in accordance with local regulations. Rodenticide baits should be placed in tamper‑proof stations away from non‑target wildlife and children. Mole repellents based on castor oil can be sprayed on the soil surface; repeat applications after heavy rain are required for continued effect.
Finally, monitor and maintain. Conduct weekly inspections for fresh mounds or gnaw marks. Record locations of activity and adjust trap placement or barrier repairs accordingly. Consistent habitat management combined with targeted removal will suppress both species and preserve garden health.