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What can you do about moles in your lawn?

It's frustrating when a well-maintained lawn is suddenly riddled with molehills and tunnels. However, it's important to remember: Moles must not be killed. With the right, permitted measures, however, they can be permanently driven away.

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Important Preliminary Information (Legally Relevant)

The mole is a protected species in Germany.
Under Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, it is prohibited to kill or harm moles. The only permitted measures are those intended to deter moles—that is, methods that drive them away.

Measures to Repel Moles

1. Reduce food sources

Moles are primarily attracted by an abundant food supply. This includes:

  • Grubs

  • The Food

  • Larvae

  • Earthworms

Recommendation:
Controlling the larval population is one of the most effective measures:

  • Use of nematodes or milk spores for biological control of larvae

  • Alternatively (in cases of severe infestation): approved insecticides for controlling soil pests

If there is a lack of food, moles usually move on of their own accord.

2. Use scents that moles avoid

Moles are sensitive to certain smells. The following are particularly unwelcome:

  • Daffodils

  • Marigolds

  • Allium plants (e.g., ornamental onions, garlic)

These plants can be specifically planted in the garden to serve as a natural barrier. Alternatively, they are also suitable for raised beds to protect delicate root zones.

3. Generate noise and vibrations

Moles don't like constant disturbances:

  • Regular lawn mowing

  • Scarifying

  • Ventilation

  • Other gardening tasks using machinery

Frequent vibrations make the location unattractive, causing the mole to move on.

What attracts moles in particular?

1. Many insects in the soil

Moles are insectivores. They feed mainly on:

  • Earthworms

  • Beetles

  • Maggots and Larvae

A single mole can eat up to 100% of its body weight in insects each day. Where there is plenty of food, there is intensive digging.

2. Moist, cool soils

Moles are neither blind nor nocturnal; they are active throughout the day.
They prefer:

  • cool

  • damp

  • loose soil

These help them regulate their body temperature and make digging easier.

3. Landscape Structures

Mole tunnels often run along:

  • Fencing

  • Because of

  • Hedges

  • Walls or Edges

They also like to dig under shrubs and trees, since many insects live in the root zone there.

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