Ever stepped outside and found your yard looking like a mini war zone of dirt piles and tunnels? That’s probably thanks to moles—those tiny underground troublemakers who love turning your lawn into their personal playground. But don’t worry—you don’t have to jump straight to chemicals or traps.
There’s a much friendlier and eco-smart way to handle it: plants that naturally repel moles! Some plants have strong smells, built-in toxins, or just create an environment moles can’t stand. And bonus—they can actually make your yard look even better. Let’s check out 7 awesome plants that help keep moles away, plus some smart tips on how to use them right.
Why Use Plants to Repel Moles?
You don’t need to turn your yard into a science experiment to get rid of moles. Harsh chemicals might work, but they can also put your pets, kids, and even good garden buddies like worms and bees at risk. That’s why natural mole-repelling plants are such a win! They keep the moles away without harming the rest of your garden crew. Here’s why these green defenders are totally worth planting:
- Safe for pets and kids – No worries about curious paws or little hands getting into something dangerous.
- Environmentally friendly – Keeps your garden green in more ways than one.
- Beautiful and functional – These plants aren’t just useful—they also add color and charm to your yard.
- Low maintenance in most cases – Many of these plants thrive with minimal effort.
- A sustainable, long-term solution – Once established, they help keep moles away naturally, year after year.
These plants work by giving off scents moles can’t stand, producing natural chemicals that irritate them, or creating an unfriendly environment underground.
The Top 7 Plants That Repel Moles
Let’s meet the all-star lineup of mole-fighting plants—nature’s own little garden guardians!
Mole Plant (Euphorbia lathyris)
Also called gopher spurge, this plant is a burrowing pest’s worst enemy. Its milky sap is toxic to moles, so they steer clear of it altogether!
- Why it works: Its roots and milky sap are toxic, making it totally unappealing to moles.
- Growing tips: Loves full sun and does best in well-drained soil.
- Bonus: Super low maintenance and drought-resistant—perfect for busy gardeners!
Note: It’s a powerful plant, but handle with care – its sap can irritate your skin, so be sure to wear gloves when planting or trimming.
Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)
Castor bean plants pack a serious punch when it comes to mole control. They contain ricin—a natural toxin that moles can’t stand (but it’s also toxic to humans and pets, so handle with care!). Plant them in trouble spots to help cut down on tunnels.
- Why it works: Ricin is a strong natural mole repellent.
- Growing tips: Thrives in full sun and needs plenty of room to spread out.
- Bonus: Its huge, tropical-looking leaves bring bold vibes to your garden.
Note: Keep these plants far from places where kids or pets like to hang out.
Alliums (Garlic, Onions, Ornamental Alliums)
These plants are part of the onion family and pack a punch with their strong scent that moles can’t stand. Plus, they’re edible and perfect for adding flavor to your meals—talk about multitasking!
- Why it works: The strong, onion-like scent is a total turn-off for moles.
- Growing tips: Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
- Bonus: Adds vertical texture to your garden and attracts pollinators like bees!
For the best results, try planting them around your vegetable beds or areas where moles tend to dig the most.
Lavender
Who doesn’t love lavender? Its calming scent is perfect for humans, but moles? Not so much. They can’t stand the strong aroma and will avoid it altogether.
- Why it works: Its strong fragrance overwhelms moles’ sensitive noses.
- Growing tips: Loves full sun and dry, well-drained soil.
- Bonus: Attracts bees and butterflies, creating a pollinator paradise in your garden!
It’s a win-win: a pretty, fragrant plant for you and a mole deterrent at the same time.
Marigolds
These bright and cheerful flowers don’t just add a pop of color to your garden—they also keep pests like moles, aphids, and nematodes at bay with their sharp scent.
- Why it works: Their strong natural odor is a major deterrent for moles.
- Growing tips: Thrives in full sun and is easy to grow in most soils.
- Bonus: Makes an excellent companion plant for vegetables, helping to keep pests away!
For extra defense, plant marigolds along garden borders or near areas that are most vulnerable to mole activity.
Daffodils
These cheerful spring bloomers are toxic to moles and rodents, thanks to a compound in their bulbs. Moles tend to stay away from areas where daffodils are planted.
- Why it works: The toxic bulbs keep underground pests like moles at bay.
- Growing tips: Prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
- Bonus: Blooms early in the season, adding beautiful color to your garden!
They also symbolize new beginnings—perfect for your pest-free garden goals!
Chives
A close relative of alliums, chives have a strong oniony smell that moles can’t stand—and they also add a tasty kick to your cooking. Talk about a double win!
- Why it works: Strong scent keeps moles at bay
- Growing tips: Likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil
- Bonus: Easy to grow, edible, and attracts bees
You can even grow them in pots near mole-prone zones.
Tips for Using These Plants Effectively
Simply planting mole-repellent plants won’t always do the trick on its own. Here’s how to make the most of them and keep moles away for good:
Companion Planting
Plant mole-repellent varieties next to your flowers, veggies, or shrubs that need protection. Consider them your garden’s natural bodyguards!
Strategic Placement
Place them along garden borders, near raised beds, or around mole holes. The more strategically you arrange them, the stronger your protection will be!
Layered Defense
Pair these plants with other natural methods, like castor oil granules or sonic repellents, to create a powerful, multi-layered barrier against moles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are resistant to moles?
Plants like mole plant (Euphorbia), castor bean, lavender, garlic, onions, daffodils, marigolds, and chives are all resistant to moles. These plants either smell bad to moles or have toxic parts they avoid.
What does mole hate?
Moles hate strong smells like garlic, onion, castor oil, and marigolds. They also dislike vibrations and plants with toxic roots like the mole plant.
How do you keep moles from eating your plants?
You can plant mole-repelling plants around your garden, like alliums and daffodils. Adding castor oil granules or using sonic repellents also helps drive them away. Using a mix of these methods works best!
