Moles are protected and may not be killed. That's why many lawn lovers come up with the idea of relocating the mound-throwing garden resident. Unfortunately, this isn't as easy as it sounds. You can find out below whether and how you can relocate the mole.
Can I relocate a mole in my garden?
Relocating a mole is not permitted by law, as catching it with a live trap is prohibited. Approval from the local nature conservation authority is only possible if there are good reasons. Alternatively, home remedies such as strong smells or noises can help drive away the mole.
The Benefits of a Mole
Moles are beneficial insects - even if they make unsightly mounds in the lawn, because:
- They eat pests such as grubs, caterpillars and snails.
- They ensure good ventilation and loosening of the soil.
- The presence of a mole indicates that your garden soil is of good quality, which is further improved by the activity of its digging friend.
Moreover, moles are protected and, according to Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, may not be killed, hunted or caught - and you may already see a small problem with the resettlement
Can you relocate a mole?
If you think about relocation, you probably have a live trap in mind. As already mentioned above, a mole must not be caught - not even with a live trap! Anyone who violates this can expect hefty fines. Exceptions prove the rule: You can try to get permission from your local nature conservation authority to relocate the mole. However, you will only get this if you have a good reason for wanting to get rid of the mole - disturbing the appearance of the molehills is not enough.
Repel mole
If you really want to get rid of the mole despite its advantages, you can try to get rid of it with home remedies. Among other things, the following can be effective:
- Strong smells such as buttermilk, garlic or mothballs
- Noises in the molehill, for example with a self-made wind turbine
It makes sense to combine several methods and use them over several weeks. A mole loves his home and needs a lot of persuasion to be persuaded to move.