Five Effective Plants That Deter Moles from Your Garden

Moles, while often perceived as charming underground creatures, can wreak havoc on gardens by tunneling through soil and damaging the roots of beloved plants. According to Ed Dolshun, Vice President of Business Development at Catchmaster Pest Control, moles are primarily insectivores that feed on grubs and earthworms, but their digging habits can compromise the health of your flowerbeds. To counteract these pests naturally, gardeners can employ a variety of plants known to repel moles through their scents, tastes, or toxic properties.

**1. Daffodils** Among the most effective plants for deterring moles are daffodils (Narcissus spp.). Jessica Mercer, a plant expert at Plant Addicts, explains that daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can cause illness in mammals if ingested. "Every part of a daffodil is laced with the alkaloid lycorine. One nibble of a bulb is enough to make most digging mammals violently ill, so moles quickly learn to bypass entire clumps," Mercer notes. The presence of this compound not only protects the plant itself but also creates a zone that moles prefer to avoid.

**2. Alliums** Another powerful deterrent is the Allium family, which includes various types of onions and garlic. These plants release strong sulfur compounds when their roots are bruised, which can irritate moles' sensitive noses and disrupt their navigation systems. According to Jessica Mercer, "When an allium root or leaf is bruised, it releases pungent chemicals, including sulfenic acids, that can irritate the mole's nose and eyes." This makes planting alliums around gardens an effective strategy for creating a natural barrier against moles.

**3. Garlic** Garlic (Allium sativum) shares similar repellent qualities with alliums. Siobhan Shaw, co-founder of Growing to Give, emphasizes that the strong sulfur compounds in garlic make garden soil uninviting for moles. "I recommend planting garlic around beds or among crops to send them packing," she advises. Garlic's simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice among gardeners looking to deter moles.

**4. Marigolds** Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a formidable defense against moles. They release thiophene, a natural pest repellent that irritates soil-dwelling creatures. Siobhan Shaw states, "Marigolds really are one of the best pest repellent flowers. Their roots release thiophene, a natural pest repellent that irritates soil-dwellers like moles and voles." By incorporating marigolds into gardens, homeowners can effectively reduce the presence of moles while also enhancing the visual appeal of their landscapes.

**5. Mint** Mint (Mentha spp.) is another herb that can protect gardens from moles due to its strong, pungent aroma. According to Jessica Mercer, "The roots and crushed foliage of mint release menthol, an aromatic oil that confuses moles’ food-finding receptors." However, gardeners should be cautious as mint can spread rapidly; thus, it is advisable to plant it in contained spaces to manage its growth effectively.

In summary, these five plants—daffodils, alliums, garlic, marigolds, and mint—offer gardeners natural solutions to deter moles from invading their flowerbeds. By strategically incorporating these species into their landscapes, homeowners can protect their plants while fostering a vibrant and healthy garden ecosystem. As Ed Dolshun suggests, these plant-based deterrents can complement other pest management strategies for a comprehensive approach to maintaining a mole-free garden.