Photo: depositphotos. com
Moles can be a difficult pest to get rid of once they establish themselves in your yard. But, mole repellents come in many forms, including natural, chemical, and ultrasonic. These products can emit irritating sounds, vibrations, odors, and can even affect the taste of the moles’ food in order to repel these pests.
The best mole repellent for you may not be suitable for the next person, so it’s important to make an educated decision on a product to ensure that your pest treatment is a success. Read on for some of the best mole repellents available in their respective categories.
- BEST OVERALL: NIKAND Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent
- BEST NATURAL: Essential Depot 100% Pure Castor Oil
- BEST ULTRASONIC: MOSTATTO RUNADI Mole Repellent Outdoor Deterrent
- BEST GRANULATED: Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent Granules
Before You Buy a Mole Repellent
An important factor to consider before you invest in a mole repellent is whether you actually have a mole infestation. Gophers and voles are both commonly mistaken for moles, and while some products may work for all three pests, this is not the case for all mole repellents.
- Gophers, which are about the size of ground squirrels, love to eat bulbs and roots. They are also capable of pulling entire plants under the ground to eat. Gopher mounds are fan-shaped and flatter on top than mole mounds and tend to have a hole off to one side.
- Voles look more like mice and they feed on shrubs and stems that are close to their holes, spending a portion of their time above ground. These rodents leave many small, mouse-size holes leading to a web of narrow interconnected tunnels.
- Moles very rarely come above the ground, preferring bugs and grubs in the earth to any vegetation. However, their criss-crossing tunnels can damage plants and cause issues when you want to mow the lawn. Their mounds are easy to identify, with a commonly recognized rounded, volcanic shape.
Types of Mole Repellents
Mole repellents come in many different types so that you can address your pest infestation with the most appropriate method for your yard, including natural, ultrasonic, granulated, liquid, and spray.
Natural
Natural mole repellents can actually fit into the granulated, liquid, and spray types as well. The only defining factor that differentiates these repellents from other granulated, liquid, and spray types is that only natural products, like castor oil, citronella oil, or garlic, are used in their creation. These natural deterrents spread powerful smells into the ground that moles hate and may even give a flavor to the grubs and worms in the soil that disgusts the moles, forcing them to look elsewhere for food.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic mole repellents take advantage of the mole’s delicate sensory organs by sending low-frequency ultrasonic waves at up to 400 Hertz (Hz) into the ground where it irritates, distracts, and repels these subterranean pests. Ultrasonic mole repellents are the most commonly used products because they are relatively easy to use and don’t require frequent attention or reapplication. In fact, many ultrasonic repellents are powered by solar energy, so they only need to be placed in appropriate locations, then left to do their job.
Granulated
Granulated repellent can include all natural products or chemical-based products which can increase the efficacy of the repellent. These solutions come in a granulated form, as indicated by their name, which can be sprinkled by hand or directly from the bag, or it can be loaded into granule spreader for a more uniform disbursement. Granulated repellent lasts longer than liquid or spray repellent, but will eventually need to be reapplied for continued effect. Always refer to the product recommendations for initial application technique and reapplication frequency.
Liquid
Liquid mole repellents are the most complicated product to use because they must commonly be mixed with dish soap or diluted with water before they can be applied to your yard. However, if you get the ratio wrong when you are mixing the repellent it may end up being ineffective or may be too potent, which can damage your lawn. Liquid mole repellents can be either natural or chemical-based and frequently come in large, concentrated quantities, ensuring that you have more than enough to protect your lawn.
Spray
Spray mole repellent includes natural and chemical-based products and must be reapplied with a higher frequency than granules and the same approximate frequency as liquid mole repellent. Spray mole repellent is the second easiest solution to use, behind ultrasonic repellents, because it is essentially a pre-mixed version of the liquid repellent. When you get the product home, just spray it on your yard according to the manufacturer’s directions and then reapply as needed.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mole Repellent
When deciding on what product is right for your pest prevention needs, keep these factors in mind to find the best mole repellent for your yard.
Natural vs Chemical vs Ultrasonic
Mole repellents come in many different types, but they can also be broken down into three broad groups that are separated by the method used to repel moles, including natural, chemical, and ultrasonic.
- Natural mole repellent can be a spray, concentrated liquid, or granulated solution, but must use 100% natural products, like castor oil, citronella oil, and garlic. These products are effective, if they are properly applied at the correct dosage or ratio, and they are safe for the environment, leave no residue, and some are even safe for kids and pets.
- Chemical mole repellent comes in the same forms as natural mole repellent, including a spray, concentrated liquid, or granulated solution, and frequently uses castor oil as a base. The difference is that these products may contain additional additives to increase the ability of the repellent to repel moles. Chemicals may also be used to help the repellent last longer through poor weather conditions. More chemical solutions are available for mole extermination than mole repellent.
- Ultrasonic mole repellents are the easier method to use. The most common options are now solar powered and waterproof so that they can last for months without needing to be replaced, provided that they are placed in an area where the sun can adequately charge them during the day. These repellents work by emitting an ultrasonic sound that irritates and confuses the moles’ keen sensory organs. Humans can’t detect the sound so the only thing you will have to worry about is not damaging the stakes.
Working Range
Moles travel deep underground and can spread out in a wide area around your house, so to ensure that your home is properly protected, the repellent should have a large enough working range to encompass your entire yard. Ultrasonic, granulated, liquid, and spray solutions can all come with similarly appropriate working ranges, though a concentrated liquid repellent would likely have the highest working range on average.
Low working range products will normally serve an area of about 2,000 sq. ft., which may be all you need. If your property is larger than this, you can also find products with up to a 20,000 sq. ft. working range, though it is more common to find repellents with a working range of between 6,000 and 8,000 sq. ft.
Ease of Use
Each repellent has a different level of difficulty depending on the type of product you use.
- Ultrasonic mole repellent is the easiest solution to apply to your yard. Simply unwrap the stakes and install them as directed by the manufacturer in your yard. The stakes will absorb energy from the sun and will be automatically activated, sending ultrasonic waves into the ground.
- Pre-mixed spray mole repellent is almost as simple as ultrasonic stakes, only requiring you to spray the area you want protected using the recommended amount, then reapply as necessary.
- Granulated mole repellent comes ready to use. Just sprinkle, scatter, or spread the granules across your yard in an even distribution according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and reapply when it’s needed.
- Concentrated liquid mole repellent is the most difficult product to apply because it must be mixed with dish soap, water, or possibly other ingredients, like eggs, before it can be used. This DIY mixing procedure can result in a solution that is either too weak to be effective or too concentrated, which can harm your yard. Once properly mixed, the solution must be sprayed across your yard in quantities appropriate to the mix ratio. This information is often indicated by the manufacturer, but may vary depending on your specific mix and spray method.
Our Top Picks
The top picks below represent some of the best mole repellents on the market based on quality, price, and reputation.
Amazon.com
If you are looking for a mole repellent that can be turned off when you put it away into winter storage, then the NIKAND Ultrasonic Mole Repellent has the unique feature you need. The stakes charge in the sun, like other ultrasonic mole repellents, but there is a single switch on the bottom of each stake that can be used to turn them off, so they are not sending regular ultrasonic pulses while they are in your workshop or in storage inside. Each stake covers a 7,500 sq. ft. area and they are completely safe for kids, pets, and the environment.
The ultrasonic pulse sent out by the stake lasts for 3 to 4 seconds and is emitted every 30 seconds. The vibration in the soil will annoy and irritate moles, gophers, shrews, voles, and other burrowing creatures, acting as a humane repellent that encourages the animals to leave the area on their own. The stakes are waterproof and corrosion-proof, ensuring that your yard will always be protected while the repellent is active.
Product Specs
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Coverage Area: 7,500 square feet
- Compatible Pests: Moles, gophers, shrews, voles, and more
- Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
- Solar-powered
- Safe to use in homes with children and pets
- Pulse emitted every 30 seconds
- Water- and corrosion-proof
Cons
Get the NIKAND mole repellent on Amazon or Walmart.
homedepot.com
In order to prevent moles, voles, shrews, and other burrowing animals from digging tunnels or nesting in the yard, repellent solutions like this Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent are required to drive pests away. This granular mole repellent has an all-natural castor oil formula that won’t cause harm to nearby vegetation and it’s even safe to use around kids and pets. Apply the repellent by simply shaking the granules out of the ready-to-use shaker jug to create a chemical barrier over and around mole hills.
The granules are water and weather-resistant, so after application, the user doesn’t need to worry about the treatment washing away for up to 30 days. Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent is an odor-free treatment option that is both affordable and effective. However, it should be noted that there is only enough repellent in this jug to treat about 1,800 square feet.
Product Specs
- Type: Granulated
- Coverage Area: 1,800 square feet
- Compatible Pests: Moles, shrews, voles, and more
- Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
- Repels moles and other pests for up to 30 days
- Safe around children and pets
- Ready-to-use shaker jug
- Odor-free formula
Cons
Get the Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent at The Home Depot or at Tractor Supply.
Photo: amazon.com
Essential Depot 100% Pure Castor Oil is a completely natural repellent that can be used to keep moles out of your yard or to treat an existing infestation. Simply mix the castor oil with regular dish soap at a ratio of three parts castor oil to one part dish soap. Once these products are combined, take 4 tablespoons of the solution and mix them into one gallon of water. This final mixture should be poured into a spray bottle or into a sprayer so that it can be applied to your yard.
The castor oil, dish soap, and water solution can be mixed repeatedly for a larger batch or for reapplication after it rains or if any new mole hills appear. This natural liquid repellent can be used to treat a 20,000 sq. ft. area or it can be used repeatedly on a smaller yard. Just make sure to mix your solution carefully so that you end up with an effective repellent.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural
- Coverage Area: 20,000 square feet
- Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
- Natural castor oil formula
- Ample quantity provided
- Can be used repeatedly
- Safe to use around children and pets
Cons
- Requires dilution before use
- Sprayer not included
- Pricey
Get the Essential Depot castor oil on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
For those who prefer to use the sun as a renewable pest-repellent source, the Runadi Mole Repellent Outdoor Deterrent could be the answer. This solar-powered pest repellent emits an ultrasonic frequency every 30 seconds to keep moles and other pests from hanging out in the backyard.
The company says the sonic waves cover up to 7,000 sq. ft.. This repellent is effective against many pests, including moles, voles, rodents, snakes, gophers, and bats. Its waterproof ABS plastic body is durable, and it has a 10-inch-long stake that spikes easily into the ground.
The only downside to this particular device is that the noise can bother cats and dogs, so shoppers with pets need to be aware. This four-pack can cover plenty of ground to repel pests in your yard.
Product Specs
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Coverage Area: 7,000 sq. ft.
- Compatible Pests: Moles, voles, rodents, snakes, gophers, and bats
- Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
- Solar-powered
- Durable and waterproof
- 10-inch stakes
- Pulses every 30 seconds
Cons
- Can affect household pets while they’re in the yard
Get the MOSTATTO RUNADI mole repellent on Amazon.
Amazon.com
One of the main reasons for using a granular mole control solution is that it tends to last longer than most other methods. This Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent boasts reliable repellent coverage for up to 3 months with a maximum area of 5,000 square feet. Additionally, users don’t have to worry about mixing liquid repellents before application, they can simply apply mole repellent from the bag or scoop and scatter the repellent with a small shovel or trowel. This granular repellent can also be used with a broadcast or drop spreader for more uniform application.
While it’s important to make sure that the product is always used as directed, this repellent is made with natural ingredients that won’t cause harm to humans or pets. During application, the granules are completely dustless, so users can feel safe knowing they won’t be breathing in mole repellent. The castor oil repellent won’t kill moles but it does repel moles, gophers, voles, armadillos, rabbits, and similar burrowing pests, though the bag can be difficult to pour without spilling.
Product Specs
- Type: Granular
- Coverage Area: 5,000 square feet
- Compatible Pests: Moles, gophers, voles, armadillos, rabbits, and more
- Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
- Repellent lasts for up to 3 months
- People and pet safe when used as directed
- Dustless and biodegradable granules
- Water- and weather-resistant
Cons
- Pouring from the bag can be difficult
Get the Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent Granules on Amazon or at Walmart.
Our Verdict
Keep the yard chemical-free while still treating your mole problem with the NIKAND Ultrasonic Mole Repellent. If you prefer natural repellents for backyard mole control, Mole and Vole Stopper Animal Repellent is an affordable option that comes in a ready-to-use shaker jug.
How We Chose the Best Mole Repellents
For the purpose of selecting a list of the best mole repellent products, it was necessary to have a firm understanding of the various methods for treating mole infestations, like ultrasonic repellents, natural repellents, or chemical repellents. It was also important to know how to apply each treatment to the mole tunnels and the surrounding area, as well as how the repellents work to end mole activity in your yard before the mole tunnels can extend into the garden.
Extensive research into over 25 different mole repellents helped to form the basis for this selection. Products were chosen based on the type of repellent, coverage area, ease of use, and compatible pests. Also, any additional features that helped a product stand out from competitors were taken into consideration, like a dustless formula, ready-to-use container, or a resistance to rain.
The Advantages of Owning Mole Repellent
Taking care of a pest problem in your yard may mean turning to traps or poisons, but a repellent is a much less hands-on solution. Repellents encourage moles to move along to a different location on their own, instead of a poison that can leave bodies to clean up or traps that must be checked and emptied frequently. If you prefer humane traps, then you will also have to properly relocate the moles whenever they are caught.
If that sounds tiring, it is. Getting rid of moles is harder once they have moved in and begun building their subterranean labyrinth. So, if you know that your area is prone to mole problems, then invest in an ongoing mole repellent, like ultrasonic stakes, so that you never have to deal with a full infestation in your yard.
Mole repellent products come in a wide assortment of options that are safe for you, your kids, your pets, and the environment, so that you don’t have to feel guilty about getting rid of a pest that is damaging your yard.
- No dead or trapped moles means that you won’t have to worry about clean up or relocation.
- Moles are much harder to get rid of than to prevent, so having an active mole repellent is the best way to keep your yard mole-free.
- Most mole repellents are either all natural or ultrasonic, meaning that you won’t have to worry about harming the environment while treating your pest problem.
FAQs
Take a look below at the answers to these common questions about mole repellents.
Q: What smell do moles hate?
Moles hate the smell of castor oil, which is why it is commonly used in natural mole repellents to keep your yard safe.
Q: How do you use mole repellent granules?
When using mole repellent granules it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Some products can simply be spread evenly across your lawn, while others require you to water them into the lawn after spreading.
Q: How do you use castor oil as a mole repellent?
To use 100% castor oil as a mole repellent, you must mix three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. You will need 4 tablespoons of this mixture to add to 1 gallon of water. Once the solution is mixed properly, it will need to be applied evenly to your yard with a spray bottle or sprayer.
Q: Should I get mole traps to use with a repellent?
You can get mole traps to use with repellents if you are comfortable relocating moles on your own. However, a repellent is designed to keep moles away from your yard, so a trap would likely be ineffective when used collaboratively. If you prefer to use traps, then it would be better to also use baits, instead of repellents.
