Mole/Vole issues - Ask Extension
Starting last year, the tunnels in my yard seemed to get accessive an now over the winter I have noticed mounds develope, is there anything that would...
Knowledgebase
Mole/Vole issues #927536
Asked April 04, 2026, 9:38 PM EDT
Starting last year, the tunnels in my yard seemed to get accessive an now over the winter I have noticed mounds develope, is there anything that would be causing the increase and are there products that we can do this year to lessen their destruction of my yard.
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
The tunnels could be due to a mixture of moles and pocket gophers; their activity becomes more noticeable in the spring. Moles often tunnel closer to the surface as the soil becomes softer. They may be seeking white grubs which are also moving to the surface in spring. Too, this is the primary breeding season for moles, causing them to expand their territory.
The most effective deterrents are traps, while repellents may help keep new moles out of your yard or eliminate a small infestation. For more information on this problem and possible fixes, see https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/moles-damage-management#:~:text=Although%20they%20are%20often%20mistakenly,especially%20important%20during%20harsh%20winters.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage
Good luck!
The most effective deterrents are traps, while repellents may help keep new moles out of your yard or eliminate a small infestation. For more information on this problem and possible fixes, see https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/moles-damage-management#:~:text=Although%20they%20are%20often%20mistakenly,especially%20important%20during%20harsh%20winters.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage
Good luck!
