As with virtually every aspect of home improvement, prevention is better than cure, and this most certainly holds true when considering our old friend, the mole. While putting preventative practices in place is the best way to limit mole damage, moles are sneaky little critters who have been known to circumvent even the most diligent prevention efforts.
So, a cheeky mole has breached your line of defense. What can you do to fix that lumpy-looking tunnel it left and ensure it doesn’t come back? Let’s take a look at how you can go about bringing your yard back to its pre-mole beauty, shall we?
- The first step in repairing any mole damage is to get rid of the mole. This is perhaps the most difficult and important step to take: without doing so, all your tunnel repair efforts will be for naught, as the mole will sure to dig new tunnels and continue wreaking havoc elsewhere.
- There are a variety of ways to get rid of moles, from humane trapping, and repellents, to hiring a pest control company. What you choose will ultimately depend on your budget, your yard, and how extensive your mole problem is.
- Once you’ve gotten rid of the pesky little mole, the next step is to repair the tunnels (also known as the “veins”). While tunnels can make your lawn look quite obnoxious, they can be quite easily repaired. Let’s take a look at how to do so:
- The first thing you’ll want to do is flatten all of the raised tunnels. You can do this by using a hand dirt compactor or anything else that will compact and flatten the lumpy tunnels. There’s a decent chance that the tunnel may collapse in on itself, and if this happens, don’t fret.The next thing you’ll want to do is to firmly rake over the flattened or collapsed tunnel. The goal of this is to disperse and even out any piled soil.After this, you’ll want to fill in any of the collapsed tunnels as necessary. A soil and compost mixture works perfectly for this. For deeper molehill mounds, you can also use a mixture of soil and sand to ensure both a sturdy structure and an inhospitable environment for any future moles.
- Next, you’ll want to reseed and water the area. Be sure to water the area 2-3x per day to ensure ideal growing conditions.
While mole damage can often look quite daunting, repairing it is often a straightforward process. Keep in mind, however, that perhaps the most important aspect of repairing any mole damage is implementing measures that will prevent any further infestations. This can be done by frequent inspections, installing barriers (like mesh wire) around the perimeter of your lawn, or applying repellents. With this repair and prevention know-how, you’ll be sure to keep your lawn looking pristine and mole-free for years to come.
