How can you get rid of ground rats and moles? - briefly
Use baited snap traps or live‑capture traps positioned at active tunnel entrances, and apply mole‑specific repellents or vibration devices to discourage burrowing. Remove food sources, seal soil entry points, and keep the lawn well‑maintained to make the habitat unattractive to both pests.
How can you get rid of ground rats and moles? - in detail
Eliminating subterranean rodents and moles requires a combination of habitat alteration, physical barriers, trapping, and, when necessary, chemical controls.
First, reduce the factors that attract these pests. Keep grass trimmed to a maximum height of 4 inches, remove excess mulch, and eliminate dense vegetation that provides cover. Repair irrigation leaks and ensure drainage is adequate to prevent moist soil, which moles favor for constructing tunnels.
Physical exclusion can protect specific areas such as gardens or raised beds. Install a fine‑mesh (½ inch) hardware cloth around the perimeter, burying it 12 inches deep and extending it 6 inches outward from the base of the structure. This prevents burrowing rodents from entering while also blocking mole tunnels.
Trapping offers immediate reduction. For ground-dwelling rats, use snap traps or live‑capture cages placed along active runways, baited with peanut butter or seed blends. For moles, employ mole‑specific traps—conical or scissor‑type devices—positioned directly over fresh molehills or active tunnels. Check traps daily, reset as needed, and dispose of captured animals according to local regulations.
Chemical options should be applied with caution. Rodenticides formulated for ground rats can be applied in bait stations placed away from non‑target wildlife. Mole control products containing iron phosphate or castor oil are available as granular or liquid formulations; apply them to the soil surface following label instructions, focusing on established tunnel systems.
When infestations persist despite these measures, professional pest‑management services can provide targeted solutions, including fumigation or specialized baiting programs.
Regular monitoring is essential. Inspect the property weekly for new runways, molehills, or signs of activity. Promptly address any resurgence to maintain long‑term control.