How to Prevent a Mole and Vole Infestation in Your Yard

Moles and voles may be small, but they can cause major damage to your lawn and garden. These burrowing pests create tunnels, uproot plants, and weaken soil structure. Moles dig in search of insects, while voles chew through plant roots and stems. Preventing an infestation requires a proactive approach, including habitat modification, natural repellents, and effective deterrents. Learn how to keep your yard mole- and vole-free with these expert tips. For even more informational blogs click here!

Signs of a Mole or Vole Infestation

Before taking action, it’s important to identify whether you have moles, voles, or both in your yard. Each pest leaves distinct signs of damage.

• Mole Damage: Look for raised tunnels running across your lawn and small dirt mounds (molehills) where they push soil to the surface.

• Vole Damage: Voles leave shallow runways along the surface of the grass and chew on plant stems, tree bark, and roots. Unlike moles, voles do not create mounds.

Identifying the pest early can help you apply the right prevention methods before your lawn suffers extensive damage.

Modify Your Landscape to Deter Moles and Voles

Moles and voles thrive in environments that provide food, shelter, and easy access to soft, moist soil. Making your yard less inviting can force them to move elsewhere.

 

✔Reduce Food Sources – Moles eat grubs, earthworms, and insects. Treating your lawn with beneficial nematodes or grub control products can remove their food supply.
✔Mow Regularly – Keeping grass short limits cover for voles and makes them more vulnerable to predators.
✔Remove Excess Mulch and Debris – Thick mulch and leaf piles provide hiding spots for voles. Keep mulch no more than 2 inches deep and clear away clutter.
✔Improve Drainage – Moles prefer moist soil. Aerating your lawn and fixing drainage issues can discourage them from tunneling.

By making these simple changes, you can significantly reduce the chances of a mole or vole infestation.

Use Natural Repellents to Keep Moles and Voles Away

Repellents are an effective, non-toxic way to discourage moles and voles from settling in your yard. Natural solutions likeNature’s MACE Mole & Vole Repellent use plant-based ingredients to create an uninviting environment for burrowing pests.

 

✅Castor Oil-Based Repellents – Castor oil disrupts mole digestion and makes soil less appealing for tunneling. Apply a liquid or granular repellent along tunnels and affected areas.
✅Garlic and Peppermint Sprays – Voles dislike strong scents. Spraying natural deterrents around plants and entry points helps keep them away.
✅Predator Urine – Fox or coyote urine can create the illusion of a predator in the area, scaring off voles.

For best results, reapply repellents after heavy rain and as part of your seasonal lawn care routine.

Install Barriers to Protect Your Lawn and Garden

Physical barriers can prevent moles and voles from reaching your garden beds, tree roots, and foundation. Installing protective measures can stop damage before it starts.

✔Bury Wire Mesh – Dig a trench around flower beds or vegetable gardens and install ¼-inch mesh at least 12 inches deep. This blocks voles from reaching plant roots.
✔Install Raised Beds – Elevating garden beds above the ground can protect plants from burrowing pests.
✔Use Gravel or Rock Borders – Creating a perimeter of rough gravel or stone discourages tunneling.

Barriers work best when combined with other prevention methods, such as repellents and habitat modification.

Encourage Natural Predators for Long-Term Control

Moles and voles have natural enemies that can help keep their populations in check. Encouraging these predators can provide a long-term, eco-friendly solution to pest control.

 

✔Attract Owls and Hawks – Installing owl boxes can invite these birds to hunt voles in your yard.
✔Encourage Snakes – Non-venomous snakes, such as garter snakes, feed on voles and help control their numbers.
✔Welcome Outdoor Cats – Cats are natural hunters and can keep vole populations low.

By creating a balanced ecosystem, you can reduce reliance on repellents and pesticides while maintaining a healthy yard.

Final Thoughts

Preventing a mole and vole infestation requires a combination of strategies, from modifying your landscape to using natural deterrents. By reducing food sources, applying repellents, and installing barriers, you can keep these pests from ruining your lawn and garden. If you suspect an infestation, act quickly to prevent further damage.

For an all-natural solution, try Nature’s MACE Mole & Vole Repellent—a safe and effective way to protect your outdoor space.Click to learn more and take back your yard today! Prevent a Mole and Vole Infestation in Your Yard.