Wire Fencing to Control Moles
Moles live in underground tunnels under a variety of landscapes. The tunnels of these insect-eating mammals help to aerate the soil, but the activities of moles and other animals that also use the tunnels can cause problems for plant root systems. Fencing is one method often used to control moles, although the barrier may provide only temporary relief.
Moles typically dig a vast network of shallow, interconnecting tunnels underground, which makes it easier for moles to find the worms and other insects they eat. Occasionally, moles may eat roots, bulbs and other parts of plants, but most such damage comes from opportunistic rodents like gophers, voles and mice. As moles burrow, however, they dislodge plants, allowing their roots to dry out and also leave behind ugly ridges and mounds in lawns. Moles are capable of digging tunnels at the rate of 100 feet per day
Bury galvanized hardware cloth, aluminum sheathing or 1/4-inch stainless steel wire mesh at least 2 feet deep below ground to deter moles from landscapes. The bottom 6 inches of the barrier should be bent at a 90-degree angle to help keep moles away from your plants. Above ground, keep 6 inches of the barrier exposed to discourage moles should they surface from the tunnels. Extend the barrier at least 1 foot in each direction beyond the edge of the plant beds you wish to protect.
Fencing can be effective in small garden areas but may be too expensive, time-consuming and impractical for larger spaces. Even so, eventually some moles may find a way to burrow around or below the fencing. Wire fences can also interfere with the trunk and roots of trees if placed too close. One alternative is to use raised plant beds with wire mesh bottoms, or to plant bulbs or plants in individual wire baskets underground.
Wire Fencing Alternatives
Nurseries and hardware stores offer a variety of traps that can be used at any time of the year. Set traps so they straddle or encircle the tunnel or are suspended above it; otherwise moles may see them and simply tunnel around. Commercially available repellents based on castor oil can be effective, although moles may just move to a neighboring yard. Gel baits that use chemicals like the anticoagulant warfarin can kill moles but are also dangerous to pets and children if ingested.