Fairfax homeowners often find their beautifully landscaped lawns disrupted by unsightly mole tunnels and mounds.
At Smith’s Pest Management, our local experts have been helping Fairfax residents reclaim their yards from these persistent pests for almost two decades.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand, identify, and address your mole problems so you can send these pests packing.
Why Fairfax Has a Mole Problem
Fairfax provides an ideal environment for moles to thrive for several key reasons:
- Rich Soil Composition: The loamy soil throughout much of Fairfax is perfect for moles to tunnel through easily while searching for food.
- Abundant Food Sources: Our region’s lawns and gardens harbor grubs, earthworms, and insects that make up the mole’s primary diet.
- Moderate Climate: Fairfax’s relatively mild winters compared to areas further north mean moles can remain active nearly year-round.
- Suburban Landscape: The mix of open lawns, gardens, and wooded areas creates perfect mole habitats with few natural predators.
- Irrigation Systems: Well-watered lawns attract earthworms and grubs, inadvertently creating an all-you-can-eat buffet for moles.
Moles can quickly wreak havoc on your lawn and garden by tunnelling through soil, damaging plant roots, and creating unsightly mounds that ruin the appearance of your landscaping.
You must act quickly to prevent the damage from worsening.
How to Get Rid of Moles
1. Confirm You Have Moles
Before taking action, ensure you’re dealing with moles and not voles or gophers:
- Look for raised tunnel ridges across your lawn
- Check for volcano-shaped mounds of soil (molehills)
- Note that moles rarely damage plant roots directly—they’re after the insects
2. Use Traps Effectively
Trapping is the most reliable method to get rid of moles in Fairfax.
Lethal traps like harpoon and scissor-jaw traps quickly reduce mole populations without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
However, moles are smart and will avoid improperly placed traps.
How to do it:
- Place traps in active tunnels (you can identify these by by poking holes in the soil). If you notice these have been repaired within 24-48 hours, then you know you’re in the right spot.
- Set 3-5 traps per acre for the best results.
- Trap in spring and fall when moles are most active. Setting traps in the springtime is particularly effective since you can catch pregnant females before they reproduce, preventing larger infestations later in the year.
3. Consider Baiting Options
Poison baits can eliminate moles underground, so you won’t have to remove dead moles yourself.
However, not all baits are equally effective:
- Synthetic worm baits with bromethalin – These can kill moles with a single feeding, usually within 12-24 hours.
- Gel baits with anticoagulants – Slower-acting but effective when applied consistently.
- Pellet baits – Results vary depending on the mole species and location.
For the best results, insert bait directly into active tunnels and repeat applications for up to six weeks if needed.
4. Eliminate Their Food Source
Moles primarily eat grubs and insects. Reducing their food supply makes your yard less appealing.
- Use beneficial nematodes or milky spore to kill grubs naturally.
- For quicker results, apply insecticides to reduce soil-dwelling pests.
5. Create Barriers
Physical barriers can help keep moles out of specific areas.
How to do it:
- Dig a trench 2 feet deep and 6 inches wide around your yard or garden.
- Fill it with rocks, or line it with wire mesh (¾-inch holes or smaller).
- Use gopher wire or baskets around new plants to prevent moles from burrowing through soft soil.
6. Maintain Your Lawn Properly
Moles prefer soft, moist soil and hidden areas. Making your yard less attractive can encourage them to move elsewhere.
- Mow regularly to eliminate cover.
- Avoid overwatering, as damp soil attracts insects and grubs. Lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week to stay healthy.
- Fill in tunnels to disrupt their movement patterns.
While DIY methods can help, moles can be persistent. For a more in-depth guide on getting rid of moles, check out our comprehensive guide.
For the most effective and long-term solution, consider calling Smith’s to handle the problem professionally!
When to Call Smith’s Pest Management
While DIY methods can work for small infestations, it’s time to call Smith’s Pest Management when:
- Your mole problem persists despite multiple DIY attempts
- The infestation is extensive, with tunnels throughout your property
- You lack the time or physical ability to implement control measures
- You prefer humane removal methods that require professional expertise
- The moles are causing significant damage to expensive landscaping
- You want a comprehensive solution that includes prevention strategies
At Smith’s, we have access to advanced tools, commercial-grade products, and specialized training that enable us to address even the most stubborn mole problems effectively and efficiently.
Moles Invading Your Yard in Fairfax? We Can Help!
Got a mole problem in Fairfax, CA? At Smith’s Pest Management, we provide homeowners, businesses, parks, and large properties with pest control services throughout Fairfax and Marin County to help tackle their mole issues effectively.
Our eco-friendly approach keeps your property looking great while keeping moles out for good.
Contact us to request a free mole control quote today: (408) 871-6988.
FAQs
Are moles dangerous to humans or pets?
No, moles are not dangerous to humans or pets. They don’t carry diseases that affect people, and they typically avoid contact. However, their tunnels can create tripping hazards in yards.
Is it legal to kill moles in Fairfax, CA?
Yes, you can trap and kill moles that are damaging your property in Fairfax, CA.
In California, moles are considered an “unclassified” species, meaning landowners can control them as needed.
However, certain traps, like steel-jaw leg-hold traps, are illegal due to animal welfare laws.
Before using traps, repellents, or pesticides, check California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations to ensure compliance.
Which mole control methods are ineffective?
Not all mole control methods work—some are just a waste of time and money. Here are a few ineffective approaches to avoid:
- Natural Predators – Owls, hawks, snakes, and pets won’t eliminate moles, and your pets could be exposed to diseases.
- Ultrasonic & Electromagnetic Devices – Moles may be startled at first, but they quickly adapt and keep digging. There’s no solid research proving these work.
- Mole Repellents – Strong-smelling plants like daffodils and marigolds won’t deter moles. Store-bought repellents, even those with castor oil, provide only temporary relief and require constant reapplication.
For the best results, contact pest pros like Smith’s Pest Management to handle the problem effectively.
What does mole damage look like?
Mole damage can resemble that of voles, mice, or gophers, but key differences exist. Here are five signs of a mole problem:
- Dead Grass – Moles disrupt grass roots while tunneling, leaving behind dead patches.
- Molehills – Moles push dirt to the surface, creating distinct mounded hills.
- Wide-Spaced Mounds – Unlike gophers, whose mounds are close together, molehills are about six feet apart.
- Chunky Soil – Gophers pulverize soil into fine dirt, while moles dig up clumpy chunks.
- Surface Runways – Moles create raised ridges in lawns, digging up to 100 feet per day.
Which areas of Fairfax, CA do you service?
We proudly serve all of Fairfax, including its key neighborhoods:
- Cañon Village
- Cascade Canyon
- Deer Park
- Forrest Ave Area
- Manor Hill
- Marinda Oaks
- Meadowland of Marin
- Oak Manor Ridge
- Willow Evac
