Homemade Mole Deterrent

Garden moles can be hard to get rid of, and can cause damage to your garden by destroying plants and digging tunnels through soil. While there are mole traps designed to kill garden moles, it is sometimes more simple and more humane to make at home an easy mole deterrent that will prevent garden moles from entering your garden.

A simple solution of castor oil and detergent will work to keep garden moles at bay. In a watering can or sprinkler, pour 4 cups water, 4 teaspoons liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent, and 4 teaspoons castor oil. Spray your garden with a layer of clean water first, to dampen the soil or apply after a rain. Pour this solution especially on areas that contain mole tunnel openings. This will deter garden moles as well as grubs. Repeat once every one to two weeks to keep garden moles at bay.

A combination of castor oil and red pepper will also deter garden moles. In a watering can, pour 1 gallon of water, add 4 teaspoons castor oil, and 4 teaspoons crushed red pepper. Apply this solution to your garden every day until moles have left your garden and, as necessary, if they return in the future. It is best to apply this solution to damp soil, so wait for a rain or apply a layer of water to your garden with the hose before using the solution.

Peppermint is also an effective deterrent in keeping moles, rabbits and other rodents out of your garden. In a watering can, add 1 gallon water with 20 drops peppermint essential oil (found at any vitamin and supplement store). Sprinkle this solution over your garden every day until there is no sign of garden moles, and repeat as necessary of moles reoccur. As with the above solution, it is best to apply the peppermint deterrent onto wet soil.