Are you tired of pesky moles ruining your lawn and garden? Have you tried various methods to get rid of them, but nothing seems to work?
Well, you might want to consider using neem oil. This natural oil has been known to not only deter moles but also decrease grub population.
But does it really work?
In this article, we’ll explore the effectiveness of neem oil in getting rid of moles and provide you with some other solutions to try.
Say goodbye to those mounds of dirt and hello to a beautiful, mole-free yard!
Does Neem Oil Get Rid Of Moles?
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide. It works as an indirect mole deterrent by reducing their primary source of food, grubs. By decreasing the grub population, moles are less likely to be attracted to your yard.
However, it’s important to note that neem oil is not a direct mole repellent. It won’t make moles run away from your yard, but it can make them less likely to stick around.
To use neem oil as a mole deterrent, mix it with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil and apply it to affected areas. You can also add a few drops of other oils like lavender to improve the smell.
For larger areas of the face or body or on sensitive skin, it’s best to dilute neem oil with a carrier oil. You can also add neem oil to a warm bath to treat larger areas of the body.
While neem oil can be effective in reducing grub populations and indirectly deterring moles, it’s not a guaranteed solution. It’s important to try other methods in conjunction with neem oil for the best results.
What Is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a natural oil derived from the neem tree, which is native to India and other parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide. The oil is made up of many components, with azadirachtin being the most active. Azadirachtin reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. It can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes.
Neem oil works as an indirect mole deterrent by reducing their primary source of food, grubs. By decreasing the grub population, moles are less likely to be attracted to your yard. However, it’s important to note that neem oil is not a direct mole repellent. It won’t make moles run away from your yard, but it can make them less likely to stick around.
Neem oil can also be effective in controlling fungal issues, disease, and pests on fruit trees. It can be sprayed on trees during dormant months to help prevent various diseases and pests without harming beneficial insects. Additionally, neem oil can be sprayed on the soil to help control nematodes and grub worms.
Pure neem oil is incredibly potent and should be mixed with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil when using it for larger areas of the face or body or on sensitive skin. The carrier oil can also subdue the odor of neem oil, or you can add a few drops of other oils like lavender to improve the smell. Once the oils are blended, use the combination as you would a moisturizer on the face and body.
How Does Neem Oil Deter Moles?
Neem oil works as a mole deterrent by reducing the population of their primary food source, grubs. Grubs are the larvae of beetles and other insects that live in the soil and feed on grass roots. Moles are attracted to grubs, so by eliminating them, you can make your yard less appealing to moles.
Neem oil contains compounds that are toxic to grubs, including azadirachtin and salannin. These compounds disrupt the grubs’ hormonal balance, preventing them from developing into adult beetles. This reduces the overall grub population in your yard and makes it less attractive to moles.
In addition to its effects on grubs, neem oil also has a strong odor that can be unpleasant to moles. While it won’t make them run away from your yard, it can make them less likely to stick around. By using neem oil in conjunction with other mole deterrents, you can create an environment that is less hospitable to these pests.
To use neem oil as a mole deterrent, mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to affected areas. You can also add a few drops of other essential oils like lavender to improve the smell. It’s important to note that neem oil is not a guaranteed solution and should be used in combination with other methods for the best results.
How To Use Neem Oil To Get Rid Of Moles
If you’re dealing with a mole problem in your yard, neem oil can be a helpful tool in reducing their food source and indirectly deterring them. Here’s how to use neem oil to get rid of moles:
1. Purchase organic, 100 percent pure, cold-pressed neem oil. It should be cloudy and yellowish in color and have an odor resembling mustard, garlic, or sulfur.
2. Before using neem oil on your yard, do a patch test on a small area to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
3. Mix one ounce of neem oil with one gallon of water and a few drops of dish soap. The dish soap helps the mixture adhere to foliage and stems of plants.
4. Spray the mixture over your lawn and into tunnels where moles are active. Repeat this process after heavy rains.
5. For larger areas of the yard, use a backpack sprayer. For more specific targeting, use a hand-held spray bottle.
6. While neem oil can be effective in reducing grub populations and indirectly deterring moles, it’s important to try other methods in conjunction with neem oil for the best results.
By using neem oil as part of your mole control strategy, you can reduce their food source and make your yard less attractive to them.
Other Natural Methods To Get Rid Of Moles
Aside from neem oil, there are other natural methods you can try to get rid of moles in your yard. Here are some options:
1. Castor Oil: Castor oil is another natural deterrent for moles. A combination of eight ounces of castor oil with 2 T. liquid soap added to one gallon of water makes an excellent natural deterrent for moles and gophers. Spray this solution each month over your lawn and into tunnels. Repeat this process after heavy rains. You can also consider sprinkling castor seeds around the yard as a deterrent, but be cautious as castor seeds contain ricin, an extremely toxic poison.
2. Natural Repellent Plants: Certain plants like alliums, daffodils, fritillarias, and marigolds have been known to deter moles. Planting these around high traffic areas can help keep moles away.
3. Insecticides and Natural Repellents: Moles are attracted to yards that provide them with grubs, insects, larvae, and earthworms. By getting rid of their food source, you can get rid of moles. You can use insecticides or natural repellents like milky spore, nematodes or neem oil to eliminate grubs and other insects.
4. Traps: Traps are a highly effective way to rid your yard of moles. You can choose between live traps or reusable/disposable traps depending on your preference.
5. Homemade Mixture: Mixing tabasco sauce, castor oil, peppermint oil, and water together can make a very potent mixture that can eliminate moles and gophers from your yard. Dabbing cotton balls in this mixture and leaving them in the infested area will surely make them hurry out of the burrows.
It’s important to note that while these methods may be effective, they are not guaranteed solutions. It’s best to try a combination of methods and be patient as it may take some time to see results.
When To Call A Professional For Mole Removal
While neem oil can be helpful in reducing mole populations, it’s not always enough to completely get rid of them. If you’ve tried using neem oil and other home remedies without success, it may be time to call a professional mole removal service.
Professional mole removal services have the experience and knowledge needed to effectively trap and remove moles from your yard. They also have access to specialized equipment and techniques that are not available to the average homeowner.
Attempting to remove moles on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming. You’ll need to know how to set traps, bait them, and where to place them. Even then, you may not be successful in getting rid of all the moles in your yard.
Professional mole removal services can provide a thorough assessment of your mole problem and develop a customized plan for removing them. They can also help prevent moles from returning by identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem.
If you’re struggling with a persistent mole problem, it’s best to contact a professional mole removal service near you. They have the expertise and resources needed to effectively eliminate moles from your yard.
