If you’re tired of seeing molehills ruin your lawn and garden beds, you might be looking for a natural solution. One effective approach is to use plants that repel moles, creating a living barrier that these pests prefer to avoid.
This method is safe for pets, wildlife, and your soil’s ecosystem. It turns your garden into a beautiful, fragrant space that moles find uninviting.
Let’s look at how this works and which plants are your best allies.
Plants That Repel Moles
Moles are insectivores, meaning they eat grubs, worms, and other soil insects. They don’t eat plant roots, but their tunneling can damage them. The idea behind repellent plants is simple: they produce strong scents or chemicals that moles dislike, driving away their food source or irritating their sensitive noses.
By strategically placing these plants, you create a natural defense perimeter. It’s a long-term strategy that gets better as your plants grow.
Why Moles Dislike Certain Plants
Moles have an incredible sense of smell. Strong odors from roots or bulbs can overwhelm them, making an area feel unsafe or unpleasant. Some plants also produce natural toxins that can deter soil pests like grubs, removing the mole’s primary reason for being there in the first place.
It’s a two-pronged approach: repel the mole and reduce its food.
Top Plants to Add to Your Garden
Here are some of the most reliable choices for discouraging moles. Consider planting them around the edges of your garden, near vegetable plots, or in problem areas.
1. Daffodils (Narcissus)
All parts of the daffodil are toxic, and they give off a scent that moles and voles seem to hate. Their bulbs are particularly effective.
- Plant the bulbs in a perimeter around garden beds.
- They are perennials, so they’ll come back year after year.
- Choose a variety of types for staggered spring blooming.
2. Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
This family includes garlic, onions, and chives. The strong, sulfurous smell is a powerful mole deterrent.
- Ornamental alliums have beautiful purple globe flowers.
- Plant them among your other flowers or vegetables.
- You can even use crushed garlic cloves in active tunnels for a quick fix.
3. Fritillaria
Specifically, the Crown Imperial Fritillaria has a skunky odor that many garden pests avoid. It’s a striking plant with bell-shaped flowers.
- Plant bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.
- They prefer well-drained soil.
- The scent is noticeable to humans up close, but not overpowering in the garden.
4. Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)
This is a potent one. Castor beans produce ricin, and the smell of the plant is known to repel moles. However, a word of caution: all parts of the plant are highly poisonous if ingested.
- Only consider this if you have no pets or small children that might chew on it.
- It’s an annual in most climates but grows very large.
- Sometimes, castor oil is used as a direct mole repellent.
5. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are famous for repelling nematodes and other insects. By reducing soil pests, they make your garden less attractive to moles looking for a meal.
- French and African marigolds are the most effective.
- They are easy to grow from seed or nursery plants.
- Plant them throughout your vegetable garden.
How to Plant Your Mole-Repellent Garden
Simply buying the plants isn’t enough. You need to place them correctly for the best effect.
Step 1: Identify Active Tunnels
Look for fresh molehills or raised ridges in your lawn. Gently step on a section of ridge; if it collapses, the tunnel is likely active. This is where to focus your efforts first.
Step 2: Create a Perimeter
Think of your garden as a fortress. Plant a border of daffodils, alliums, or fritillaria around its edges. This is your first line of defence against invaders.
Step 3: Interplant in Key Areas
Within your garden, mix repellent plants among your other plants. Place marigolds between vegetable rows, or add clumps of alliums in your flower beds. This creates a scent barrier throughout the space.
Step 4: Maintain the Plants
Healthy plants produce stronger scents. Water and fertilize them as needed. When you cut back plants in the fall, consider leaving some roots in the ground to continue deterring moles.
Other Natural Strategies to Combine
For best results, use these plants alongside other methods. An integrated approach is always more succesful.
Improve Your Soil Health
Reducing grubs naturally is key. Encourage beneficial nematodes or apply milky spore powder to your lawn to kill grubs. Healthier soil has fewer pest imbalances.
Physical Barriers
When planting new bulbs or in small, precious beds, consider underground barriers. Bury hardware cloth or a fine wire mesh at least 12 inches deep around the area. This stops tunneling entirely.
Vibrations and Noise
Moles are sensitive to vibrations. While not plant-based, solar-powered sonic spikes or even wind-powered pinwheels can add an extra layer of annoyance for moles, encouraging them to leave.
Plants That Don’t Work (Common Myths)
It’s important to know what not to waste your time on. Some plants are often recommended but lack evidence.
- Euphorbia (Spurge): Sometimes suggested, but its effectiveness is anecdotal and it can be a skin irritant.
- Mole Plant (Caper Spurge): Its name is misleading. While it may have some effect, it’s not reliable enough on its own and is also toxic.
- Barriers of Strong Herbs: Planting a row of mint or lavender might smell nice, but their scent isn’t concentrated enough in the soil to deter a determined mole.
Long-Term Management and Patience
Remember, no method gives instant results. Moles are wild animals with established territories. When you plant your repellents, it can take a full growing season or more for the plants to establish and for moles to decide to move on.
Consistency is crucial. Keep your repellent plants healthy and replenish them as needed. Over time, you’ll notice fewer signs of mole activity as they find a more welcoming habitat elsewhere.
Also, keep your garden tidy. Remove piles of wood or debris where insects might congregate, as this can attract moles looking for food.
FAQ Section
What smells do moles hate the most?
Moles strongly dislike the smell of castor oil, garlic, and the compounds given off by daffodil and fritillaria bulbs. These are the most common bases for commercial repellents and effective plants.
Will planting these plants harm my pets?
Some, like daffodils and castor bean, are toxic if ingested. Always research a plant’s safety for your specific pets. Options like marigolds and alliums (in small amounts) are generally safer for dogs and cats.
How fast do mole repellent plants work?
They are not an instant fix. You need to allow time for the plants to grow and establish their root systems. It may take several months to see a significant reduction in mole activity.
Can I just use the plants, or do I need other methods?
For a minor problem, plants alone might be sufficient. For a serious infestation, combine plants with soil treatment for grubs and possibly physical barriers for the best chance of success.
Do these plants also repel voles or gophers?
Sometimes. Voles, which eat plant roots, are also repelled by daffodils and alliums. Gophers are harder to deter with plants alone, as they are more persistent herbivores. The strategies differ slightly for each pest.
Using plants that repel moles is a smart, eco-friendly way to protect your garden. It requires some planning and patience, but the reward is a beautiful, resilient landscape that maintains its own balance. Start with a few alliums and daffodils this planting season, and observe the difference they can make in your ongoing garden management.