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Best Mole Repellent

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Moles can be a difficult pest to get rid of once they establish themselves in your yard, but there are some simple solutions that can deter them. Mole repellents come in many forms, including natural, chemical, and ultrasonic. These products can emit irritating sounds, vibrations, odors, and can even affect the taste of the moles' food in order to repel these pests from your yard.

The best mole repellent for you may not be suitable for the next person, so it's important to make an educated decision on a product to ensure that your pest treatment is a success. The products listed below are some of the best mole repellents available in each category.

BEST OVERALL: VANZO Mole Repellent Ultrasonic
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: T Box Solar Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
BEST NATURAL: Essential Depot Castor Oil
BEST ULTRASONIC: Fretech Solar Powered Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
BEST GRANULATED: Glaobule Castor Oil Granules Mole Repellent

Best Mole Repellents

Photo: amazon.com

Before You Buy a Mole Repellent

An important factor to consider before you invest in a mole repellent is whether you actually have a mole infestation. Gophers and voles are both commonly mistaken for moles, and while some products may work for all three pests, this is not the case for all mole repellents.

Gophers, which are about the size of ground squirrels, love to eat bulbs and roots. They are also capable of pulling entire plants under the ground to eat. Gopher mounds are fan-shaped and flatter on top than mole mounds and tend to have a hole off to one side.
Voles look more like mice and they feed on shrubs and stems that are close to their holes, spending a portion of their time above ground. These rodents leave many small, mouse-sized holes leading to a web of narrow interconnected tunnels.
Moles very rarely come above the ground, preferring bugs and grubs in the earth to any vegetation. However, their crisscrossing tunnels can damage plants and cause issues when you want to mow the lawn. Their mounds are easy to identify, with a commonly recognized rounded, volcanic shape.

Types of Mole Repellents

Mole repellents come in many different types so that you can address your pest infestation with the most appropriate method for your yard, including natural, ultrasonic, granulated, liquid, and spray.

Natural

Natural mole repellents can actually fit into the granulated, liquid, and spray types as well. The only defining factor that differentiates these repellents from other granulated, liquid, and spray types is that only natural products, like castor oil, citronella oil, or garlic, are used in their creation. These natural deterrents spread powerful smells into the ground that moles hate and may even give a flavor to the grubs and worms in the soil that disgusts the moles, forcing them to look elsewhere for food.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic mole repellents take advantage of the mole's delicate sensory organs by sending low-frequency ultrasonic waves at up to 400 Hertz (Hz) into the ground where it irritates, distracts, and repels these subterranean pests. Ultrasonic mole repellents are the most commonly used products because they are relatively easy to use and don't require frequent attention or reapplication. In fact, many ultrasonic repellents are powered by solar energy, so they only need to be placed in appropriate locations, then left to do their job.

Granulated

Granulated repellent can include all-natural products or chemical-based products which can increase the efficacy of the repellent. These solutions come in a granulated form, as indicated by their name, which can be sprinkled by hand or directly from the bag, or it can be loaded into granule spreader for a more uniform disbursement. Granulated repellent lasts longer than liquid or spray repellent, but will eventually need to be reapplied for continued effect. Always refer to the product recommendations for the initial application technique and reapplication frequency.

Liquid

Liquid mole repellents are the most complicated product to use because they must commonly be mixed with dish soap or diluted with water before they can be applied to your yard. However, if you get the ratio wrong when you are mixing the repellent it may end up being ineffective or may be too potent, which can damage your lawn. Liquid mole repellents can be either natural or chemical-based and frequently come in large, concentrated quantities, ensuring that you have more than enough to protect your lawn.

Spray

Spray mole repellent includes natural and chemical-based products and must be reapplied with a higher frequency than granules and the same approximate frequency as liquid mole repellent. Spray mole repellent is the second easiest solution to use, behind ultrasonic repellents, because it is essentially a pre-mixed version of the liquid repellent. When you get the product home, just spray it on your yard according to the manufacturer's directions and then reapply as needed.

What to Consider When Buying Mole Repellent

When deciding on what product is right for your pest prevention needs, keep these factors in mind to find the best mole repellent for your yard.

Natural vs Chemical vs Ultrasonic

Mole repellents come in many different types, but they can also be broken down into three broad groups that are separated by the method used to repel moles, including natural, chemical, and ultrasonic.

Natural mole repellent can be a spray, concentrated liquid, or granulated solution, but must use 100 percent natural products, like castor oil, citronella oil, and garlic. These products are effective if they are properly applied at the correct dosage or ratio, and they are safe for the environment, leave no residue, and some are even safe for kids and pets.
Chemical mole repellent comes in the same forms as natural mole repellent, including a spray, concentrated liquid, or granulated solution, and frequently uses castor oil as a base. The difference is that these products may contain additional additives to increase the ability of the repellent to repel moles. Chemicals may also be used to help the repellent last longer through poor weather conditions. More chemical solutions are available for mole extermination than mole repellent.
Ultrasonic mole repellents are an easier method to use. The most common options are now solar-powered and waterproof so that they can last for months without needing to be replaced, provided that they are placed in an area where the sun can adequately charge them during the day. These repellents work by emitting an ultrasonic sound that irritates and confuses the moles' keen sensory organs. Humans can't detect the sound so the only thing you will have to worry about is not damaging the stakes.

Working Range

Moles travel deep underground and can spread out in a wide area around your house, so to ensure that your home is properly protected, the repellent should have a large enough working range to encompass your entire yard. Ultrasonic, granulated, liquid, and spray solutions can all come with similarly appropriate working ranges, though a concentrated liquid repellent would likely have the highest working range on average.

Low working range products will normally serve an area of about 2,000 sq. ft., which may be all you need. If your property is larger than this, you can also find products with up to a 20,000 sq. ft. working range, though it is more common to find repellents with a working range of between 6,000 and 8,000 sq. ft.

Ease of Use

Each repellent has a different level of difficulty depending on the type of product you use.

Ultrasonic mole repellent is the easiest solution to apply to your yard. Simply unwrap the stakes and install them as directed by the manufacturer in your yard. The stakes will absorb energy from the sun and will be automatically activated, sending ultrasonic waves into the ground.
Pre-mixed spray mole repellent is almost as simple as ultrasonic stakes, only requiring you to spray the area you want to be protected using the recommended amount, then reapply as necessary.
Granulated mole repellent comes ready to use. Just sprinkle, scatter, or spread the granules across your yard in an even distribution according to the manufacturer's recommendations and reapply when it's needed.
Concentrated liquid mole repellent is the most difficult product to apply because it must be mixed with dish soap, water, or possibly other ingredients, like eggs, before it can be used. This DIY mixing procedure can result in a solution that is either too weak to be effective or too concentrated, which can harm your yard. Once properly mixed, the solution must be sprayed across your yard in quantities appropriate to the mix ratio. This information is often indicated by the manufacturer but may vary depending on your specific mix and spray method.

Our Top Picks

The top picks below represent some of the best mole repellents on the market based on quality, price, and reputation.

Best Mole Repellent VENZO

Photo: amazon.com

The VANZO mole repellent comes with a pair of solar-powered stakes that can last between 5 to 7 days on a full charge and take just 6 to 8 hours to charge in the sun. Each stake has a working range of up to 7000 sq. ft., so you can cover a total of 14,000 sq. ft. when using them together. The stakes are waterproof so once a stake is installed in the ground, it can be left outside to do its job without worry about water damage.

The stakes vibrate every 30 seconds, sending an ultrasonic pulse at 400Hz into the surrounding ground and area. This sound and vibration combination is highly irritating to moles because of their extremely delicate sensory organs. The best part is that these repellents are completely safe and humane, ensuring that your kids, pets, and the environment are safe and that you don't have to clean up poisoned or trapped moles.

Best Mole Repellent T Box

Photo: amazon.com

If you want to save a few dollars, but still have to find an effective mole treatment, the T Box Solar Ultrasonic Mole Repellent is a great option. The package comes with two ultrasonic repellent stakes which can be used to cover a 15,000 sq. ft. area together, or 7,500 sq. ft. individually. Each stake should be placed in a location that receives a lot of sunlight so that the solar panels on the repellent stakes can fully charge the internal battery. On a full charge, each stake can last for up to 8 days in overcast or stormy conditions.

The solar panel and body of each stake is made of waterproof ABS plastic, so you won't have to worry about rain, hail, sleet, or even some snow, though once the solar panel is covered, the repellent will no longer charge. The vibration from the stake will irritate and ultimately drive away moles, gophers, shrews, voles, groundhogs, mice, and other subterranean pests that may be living in your yard.

Best Mole Repellent Castor Oil

Photo: amazon.com

Essential Depot Castor Oil is a completely natural repellent that can be used to keep moles out of your yard or to treat an existing infestation. Simply mix the castor oil with regular dish soap at a ratio of three parts castor oil to one part dish soap. Once these products are combined, take 4 tablespoons of the solution and mix them into one gallon of water. This final mixture should be poured into a spray bottle or into a sprayer so that it can be applied to your yard.

The castor oil, dish soap, and water solution can be mixed repeatedly for a larger batch or for reapplication after it rains or if any new molehills appear. This natural liquid repellent can be used to treat a 20,000 sq. ft. area or it can be used repeatedly on a smaller yard. Just make sure to mix your solution carefully so that you end up with an effective repellent.

Best Mole Repellent Fretech

Photo: amazon.com

Ultrasonic mole repellents, like the Fretech Solar Powered Ultrasonic Mole Repellent, use ultrasonic pulses and vibrations to irritate and confuse moles, voles, shrews, gophers, and other subterranean pests that are living under your yard. This method of mole repellent is humane, easy to use, and cost-effective. Each stake sends out pulses every 30 seconds and is capable of covering up to 6,500 sq. ft.

The package comes with three individual stakes, so you can cover up to 19,500 sq. ft., but the manufacturer does recommend overlapping your working range so that you don't accidentally leave a portion of your yard exposed. The stakes are waterproof and solar-powered, taking just 8 hours to charge. Once fully charged each stake can last for up to 5 days before the battery runs out, ensuring that your yard is protected no matter what the weather.

Best Mole Repellent Granules

Photo: amazon.com

If you prefer a more hands-on approach than the ultrasonic stakes, but don't want to deal with mixing liquid repellent ratios, then the Glaobule Castor Oil Granules Mole Repellent is a good alternative. Simply spread the granulated repellent evenly across your yard, being careful not to use in locations where food is grown as the ingredients can influence their growth and may cause contamination.

While you should be careful that your pets are not simply eating the granules as soon as they are applied, the manufacturer does indicate that the ingredients are safe for pets, people, and the environment, containing only natural ingredients and botanical oils. This treatment is effective for up to 6,000 sq. ft., and can be used in all weather conditions, including winter, though extreme snow and ice will reduce the overall efficacy.

The Advantages of Owning Mole Repellent

Taking care of a pest problem in your yard may mean turning to traps or poisons, but a repellent is a much less hands-on solution. Repellents encourage moles to move along to a different location on their own, instead of a poison that can leave bodies to clean up or traps that must be checked and emptied frequently. If you prefer humane traps, then you will also have to properly relocate the moles whenever they are caught.

If that sounds tiring, it is. Moles are much harder to get rid of once they have moved in and begun building their subterranean labyrinth. So, if you know that your area is prone to mole problems, then invest in an ongoing mole repellent, like ultrasonic stakes, so that you never have to deal with a full infestation in your yard.

Mole repellent products come in a wide assortment of options that are safe for you, your kids, your pets, and the environment so that you don't have to feel guilty about getting rid of a pest that is damaging your yard.

No dead or trapped moles means that you won't have to worry about clean up or relocation.
Moles are much harder to get rid of than to prevent, so having an active mole repellent is the best way to keep your yard mole-free.
Most mole repellents are either all-natural or ultrasonic, meaning that you won't have to worry about harming the environment while treating your pest problem.

FAQs About Your New Mole Repellent

Take a look below at the answers to these common questions about mole repellents.

Q. What smell do moles hate?

Moles hate the smell of castor oil, which is why it is commonly used in natural mole repellents to keep your yard safe.

Q. How do you use mole repellent granules?

When using mole repellent granules it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use. Some products can simply be spread evenly across your lawn, while others require you to water them into the lawn after spreading.

Q. How do you use castor oil as a mole repellent?

To use 100 percent castor oil as a mole repellent, you must mix three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. You will need 4 tablespoons of this mixture to add to 1 gallon of water. Once the solution is mixed properly, it will need to be applied evenly to your yard with a spray bottle or sprayer.

Q. Should I get mole traps to use with a repellent?

You can get mole traps to use with repellents if you are comfortable relocating moles on your own. However, a repellent is designed to keep moles away from your yard, so a trap would likely be ineffective when used collaboratively. If you prefer to use traps, then you would be better to also use baits, instead of repellents.