I read many forums talking about methods to deal with different pests in the garden, but there was one recommendation that caught my attention because of how absurd it is:

Basically, every time a molehill appears, you just stomp it down, and voilá: No more mole problems.

Honestly: What?

Well, that solves the problem of seeing the molehills, but at this point, we all know that not seeing a problem doesn’t mean it is not there.

So, no, stomping on molehills does not magically eliminate moles. It actually does nothing against them.

Let’s be serious: If you want to eliminate moles from your garden, you have to solve the root cause, the main reason why they are there.

How can you do it?

If you want to know how to protect your property from moles this winter, take a look at this post.

Why Protecting Your Garden in Winter

If you thought that you would be safe from moles in winter, let me tell you that you’re wrong.

Many people still believe that moles hibernate. Actually, moles are active throughout the year, though they reduce their activity during the wintertime.

When the cold season begins, moles dig deeper into the ground to avoid freezing temperatures. Because of this, you won’t see moles or their molehills as much as during spring.

Moles stay the winter eating and digging, and when warmer temperatures arrive, they start to go closer to the surface.

So, protecting your garden from moles is also important during winter.

Why Eliminating Them

We get it: sometimes, homeowners don’t want to kill moles, and that’s okay. Some even let them be and live in the yard instead of getting rid of these guys.

When moles dig, they help aerate the soil naturally. Having moles is also an indicator that your soil is in good condition, and, as they eat insects that might damage plants, people sometimes let them do their thing.

However, if you’re a lawn lover who spends time, money, and sweat on your lawn, or maybe you have a beautiful vegetable patch and lovely flower beds, you don’t want moles in your garden.

Moles do not eat veggies, but their digging activities disrupt root systems. When this happens, your plants don’t grow properly, and your grass can go yellow or brown and eventually die.

Imagine waiting the whole winter for spring to arrive and enjoy your beautiful garden and eat your veggies, just to see that your grass and plants died, and those horrible molehills appeared instead.

Far from just ruining the landscape, moles are destructive, and when you put all your efforts into your garden, you just cannot leave it there. But let’s see how you can really avoid moles.

How To Avoid Moles Correctly

Waiting until spring to see the moles and “stomping on their molehills” is not an option.

Instead of just letting moles in and waiting to remediate the situation, taking preventive measures is necessary.

• Eliminate Food Sources: Moles eat grubs and earthworms mainly. If you have mole problems, you surely have another pest problem as well. To avoid moles, eliminate their food, and they will go away.
• Avoid Watering: In winter, you should reduce watering frequency, because of your plants, and also because it softens the earth for moles to dig.
• Don’t Rush to Set Mulch: Mulch is beneficial for plants and also for moles, as it provides good soil and food for them. Wait until the first frost to mulch and avoid moles.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to let predators in your garden. Birds of prey and cats are great animals to deter moles.

And if you already have a mole situation, some pest control services provide humane methods to deal with them without killing or hurting them unnecessarily.

Stop Playing Whac-A-Mole in Your Garden

Certainly, just dealing with molehills once moles are in your garden will not solve the problem.

The most important thing you can do is prevent their entrance to your property, especially by removing their food and preventing them from feeling comfy.

Avoiding moles early, before they find a place in your garden, is important to reduce damage. And if you take preventive measures, you won’t have to deal with them later when spring arrives.

Sorry moles, but you won’t stay here.