Volcano-like mounds of soil, dirt ridges in your yard, lines of dead grass, patches of loose soil — if these signs sound familiar, you may have moles.
You will want to get these rodents out of your yard before they damage your plants or create a habitat for other pests to move in. Luckily, repelling moles from your property can be simple, affordable and hands-off. Here’s how to select the right mole repeller for your yard.
What to know before you buy a mole repeller
There isn’t a wide variety of mole repellers to choose from, which can make the decision process easier. However, there are still a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting mole repellent.
Treatment method
Once you’ve determined that you have moles, you need to choose the method you want to use to repel them. The most popular method — as well as the easiest — uses ultrasonic lawn stakes to emit sonic vibration pulses at a frequency that deters animals. Pests are annoyed or confused by the sound which, over time, forces them to flee the area. Some ultrasonic repellers are also equipped with a flashing light that can startle and deter other pests.
Another option is granular mole repellent, which uses pellets of castor oil and other materials to alter the environment of your lawn in a non-toxic way. When applied to your lawn and watered, this repellent makes digging tunnels unpleasant for moles and changes the taste of the bugs they eat. Liquid mole repellers are also available.
Effectiveness range
Granulated mole repellent can usually cover between 2000 and 4000 square feet per bag. Sonic mole repellers can cover a range of property up to 7000 square feet, though most operate between 800 and 1200 square feet. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when placing the mole repellers to ensure you’re covering your property effectively.
Frequency of use
Solar-powered pest control stakes only need to be installed once and require little maintenance, though they may need to be repositioned after their initial placement depending on sunlight patterns and mole activity. Liquid and granular mole repellent should be applied every season to maintain effectiveness.
Mole repeller features
Solar power
The easiest and most common mole repellers are solar-powered. They can be placed virtually anywhere on your property and require no additional power source other than their rechargeable batteries, which allow them to store power and maintain effectiveness even on overcast days. However, some models may require standard batteries.
Waterproof construction
Mole-repellent stakes need to be used outside year-round. Most are waterproof and weatherproof to ensure that rainfall, sprinklers and hoses won’t compromise their performance.
Ultrasonic vibrations
The sonic vibrations used by mole-repelling lawn stakes are emitted every 20 to 30 seconds depending on the model. The pulses can deter gophers, groundhogs and voles as well as moles, but they are harmless — though potentially annoying — to people and pets.
Low visibility
Moles may make your yard unsightly, but mole treatment shouldn’t. Mole repellent stakes usually come in low-profile colors like green and black so they won’t stand out in your yard. In order for the stakes to be effective, they need to be buried as deep as you can get them while still allowing them to reach sunlight for power, so only the top few inches of the stake should be visible. However, for a truly invisible mole repellent, you may prefer to go with a liquid or granulated repeller that’s administered directly to your lawn and dissolves.
Mole repeller cost
Ultrasonic mole repellers frequently come in packs of 2-8 and can cost $20-$80. Four-packs are the most common and are available for $25-$50.
Mole repeller FAQ
How long will it take for the mole repellent to be effective?
A. Some types of ultrasonic repellers take 2-4 weeks to be effective.
Do ultrasonic mole repellers work?
A. Their success largely depends on how well they’re placed and the movement of the moles themselves. If there’s a gap or if the coverage area is too small, the moles will be able to avoid the annoying noise without having to leave your yard. You should monitor yard activity for a week or so and reposition the stakes as needed. Repellers may need to be used in combination with other methods to truly eliminate the moles.
Which mole repeller should I get?
Best of the best mole repeller
RUNADI Outdoor Mole Repellent: available at Amazon
Our take: With its 7,000-square-foot effective range and five-hour charge time, this repeller starts working quickly and over a large area.
What we like: These stakes are waterproof and quick and easy to set up.
What we dislike: It can take up to four weeks to drive out moles. These stakes are also pricier compared to others.
Best bang for your buck mole repeller
Magic Cat Solar Mole Repellent: available at Amazon
Our take: These easy-to-use waterproof stakes come in sets of four. Their 3- to 4-second low-frequency pulse emits every 30 seconds.
What we like: Each stake covers an area 40 feet in diameter. The stakes’ rechargeable battery charges with eight hours of sunlight or less.
What we dislike: Some users report that the stakes’ effective range seems is than advertised.
Honorable mention mole repeller
Thanos Solar Powered Mole Repellent: available at Amazon
Our take: Available in packs of two or six, these stakes are also waterproof and weatherproof.
What we like: The spikes are sturdy, easy to install and can work on additional species like gophers, groundhogs and voles. After charging, they can work for 5-7 days.
What we dislike: It’s recommended to place them 60 inches apart, which may not be convenient for all yard layouts.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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