Moles are protected and may not be killed or hunted. However, gentle expulsion is permitted. There are various home remedies to choose from. Find out below how to use garlic against moles and why you should consider whether you really want to get rid of the beneficial insect.
How can garlic be used against moles?
Garlic can be used successfully as a mole repellent by sticking fresh, cut or scored garlic cloves into the molehills. The strong smell drives away the animals, which have a sensitive sense of smell. Repeat the process in a few days if necessary.
The mole as a protected beneficial insect
The mole is considered a beneficial insect and is protected according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act § 44:
“It is forbidden to stalk, capture, injure or kill wild animals of specially protected species or to take, damage or destroy their developmental forms from nature”
And not without reason: moles feed on pests such as grubs, caterpillars, snails and other insects. They also loosen the soil and thus ensure good soil quality. Vegetables and roots are completely uninteresting to them, which is why they pose no threat to vegetable gardens. The only thing that annoys lawn lovers is the molehills.
Repel moles with garlic
Moles have a very good sense of smell and excellent hearing. Pungent smells are therefore about as pleasant for them as a constant flashing light in the eyes is for us. Both a garlic plant and cut cloves help against moles. So busy gardeners can plant garlic around their lawn or vegetable garden as a precaution. For the quick version you only need a few cloves of garlic:
- Peel the toes.
- Score them several times or press them flat to properly release the aroma.
- Dig up a few mounds and now stick a toe into each molehill.
- Repeat the process after a few days if the mole has not yet moved.
Tip
Other smells also scare the mole away, for example: essential oils of citrus fruits, buttermilk, vinegar, dog hair or mothballs.
