What Plants Repel Moles

If you’re tired of seeing molehills ruin your lawn, you might be looking for a safe and natural way to send them packing. One effective method is to learn what plants repel moles and use them as part of your garden defense.

This approach is a form of natural pest control that works with your garden’s ecosystem. It avoids harsh chemicals and can create a more beautiful, biodiverse space. Let’s look at how it works and which plants are your best allies.

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 plants listed here work primarily through their strong-smelling bulbs, roots, or foliage. These scents are thought to mimic predator odors or simply create an unpleasant environment that moles want to avoid.

Top Plants to Deter Moles from Your Garden

These are the most reliable choices for creating a mole-resistant landscape. Plant them in areas where you’ve seen activity or want to create a protective border.

Daffodils (Narcissus): All parts of the daffodil, especially the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids. This gives them a bitter smell that moles and other burrowing pests seem to dislike. They’re a cheerful, low-maintenance spring bulb.
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis): This striking plant has a powerful, musky scent that many gardeners notice—and moles reportedly hate. Its large bulbs and skunky odor make it a classic mole-repelling choice.
Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis): This is a potent option. The plant itself produces castor oil, a common ingredient in commercial mole repellents. Important warning: Castor bean seeds are extremely poisonous if ingested. Only consider this plant if you have no children or pets that might access the seeds.
Marigolds (Tagetes): While often used to repel nematodes and other insects, their pungent smell can also deter moles. French marigolds are particularly fragrant. They’re easy to grow from seed and add bright color.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions): This family includes garlic, onions, chives, and striking ornamental varieties like ‘Globemaster’. Their strong sulfurous odor, emitted from the bulbs, is a natural deterrent for many underground pests.

Other Helpful Aromatic Herbs & Plants

These plants have strong scents that may contribute to an unwelcoming environment for moles. They’re best used in combination with the top choices above.

Garlic and Chives: Planting garlic in a perimeter or interspersing chives in flower beds adds a constant, mild repellent scent to the soil.
Mole Plant (Euphorbia lathyris): Also called caper spurge, this biennial has a milky sap and odor thought to repel moles. It can self-seed vigorously, so manage it carefully.
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea): This plant has a garlic-like smell from its leaves and roots, but it’s less intense than actual garlic. It’s pretty and useful for borders.

How to Use These Plants Effectively

Just planting one daffodil won’t solve your problem. You need a strategic plan to make this method work.

Create a Protective Border

Plant a dense barrier of mole-repelling plants around the area you want to protect, like your vegetable garden or prized lawn. Use a mix of bulbs like daffodils and alliums with interplanted marigolds or herbs. The goal is to create a scent wall that moles won’t want to cross.

Plant in and Around Active Runways

Identify main mole runways (the raised ridges in your lawn) and planting beds with activity. Carefully dig into the soil near these runways and plant bulbs or root divisions directly in their path. The disturbance and the new plant odors can encourage them to move elsewhere.

Combine with Other Natural Methods

For best results, don’t rely on plants alone. Integrate them with other strategies:

Reduce the mole’s food source by treating for lawn grubs (using beneficial nematodes is a natural option).
Install vibrating solar stakes or sonic repellents in the ground to create unsettling vibrations.
Use a mixture of castor oil and dish soap diluted in water as a soil drench in problem areas.

What Doesn’t Work: Common Myths

It’s just as important to know what to avoid. Many folk remedies have little to no scientific backing.

Chewing Gum or Jelly Beans: The idea that moles eat these and die is a myth. They eat insects, not candy.
Ultrasonic Spikes (alone): Some devices can help, but moles often become accustomed to the sound, and their effectiveness varies widely.
Broken Glass or Thorny Branches: Adding these to tunnels is dangerous for you, your pets, and the soil ecosystem and is not a humane or effective solution.
Poisoned Worms or Peanuts: This is risky for other wildlife and pets and is not a targeted or reliable method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Your Mole-Repellent Garden

Follow these steps to get started with your natural mole control plan.

Map the Problem: Draw a simple sketch of your yard. Mark where you see molehills and surface runways. Identify the zones you most want to protect.
Choose Your Plants: Select 2-3 from the “Top Plants” list that suit your climate and garden style. Order bulbs or seeds in advance for the right planting season.
Prepare the Border: In the fall (for spring bulbs) or after the last frost (for annuals like marigolds), plant your protective barrier. Space bulbs according to package instructions for a dense effect.
Target Key Areas: Plant additional specimens directly into flower beds or near active tunnels you identified on your map.
Add Supporting Tactics: Set up 2-3 sonic repellents in the worst zones and apply a castor oil soil drench if activity is high.
Be Patient and Observe: It can take a full growing season to see significant results. Monitor activity and add more plants the following season if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What smell do moles hate the most?

Moles appear to hate strong, pungent smells from bulbs like daffodils, crown imperials, and alliums. Castor oil is also a well-documented odor they avoid, which is why its used in many repellents.

Do marigolds keep moles away?

Marigolds can help as part of a broader strategy. Their strong scent is unappealing, but they are more effective against insects like nematodes. For moles, combine them with bulb plants for a better result.

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles naturally?

The fastest natural method is a combination approach. First, apply a castor oil-based repellent to the soil to irritate their senses and drive them out quickly. Then, immediately plant deterrent bulbs and install sonic spikes to provide a long-term solution and prevent new moles from moving in.

Will planting garlic deter moles?

Yes, planting garlic can contribute to deterring moles. The sulfur compounds released by the bulbs create an odor in the soil that moles find unpleasant. It’s a good companion plant for this purpose.

How long do mole repellent plants take to work?

Plants need time to establish their root systems and emit their full scent. You might see some effect in a few weeks, but for a solid, lasting impact, plan on one to two full growing seasons. Annuals like marigolds work faster but need replanting each year.

Using plants to repel moles is a smart, sustainable gardening practice. It requires some patience and planning, but the reward is a healthier garden that manages pests without poisons. By choosing the right plants and placing them strategically, you can protect your lawn and beds and enjoy a more resilient outdoor space. Remember, consistency is key—keep up with your planting and combine methods for the best outcome.