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Lawn & Garden Pests · Pest guide

Moles control

Raised ridges and volcano mounds: why moles are there and what actually works.

Start here: How to Get Rid of Moles in the Lawn (2026 Guide) When to call a pro

Moles at a glance

Scientific name
Scalopus aquaticus (eastern mole) and others
Size
5 to 8 inches (13–20 cm)
Appearance
Velvety gray fur, huge paddle-like front feet, no visible ears
Where found
Moist lawns and garden beds rich in earthworms and grubs
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When moles are active Peak: Apr–Oct
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Active
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Peak
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Raised ridges across the lawn
  • Volcano-shaped soil mounds
  • Spongy turf underfoot

Call a professional when

  • Damage to sports turf or large properties
  • Trapping is restricted where you live
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Avoid overwatering the lawn
  • Use barriers around small beds
  • Accept some activity: moles aerate soil and eat grubs

Moles: removal guides

1 guide

Step-by-step plans to get rid of a pest, from DIY methods to professional treatment.

Eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus

Moles · Removal

How to Get Rid of Moles in the Lawn (2026 Guide)

· 5 min read

Keep moles out

  1. Avoid overwatering the lawn
  2. Use barriers around small beds
  3. Accept some activity: moles aerate soil and eat grubs

Often confused or found together

All lawn & garden pests
Gophers Crescent mounds and vanished plants: trapping, barriers and plant choices. Voles Surface runways across the lawn and girdled tree bark. Armadillos Night-time digging for grubs across southern lawns.
Photo credits

Thank you to Bert Cash from Brunswick , USA for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0