Many do-it-yourself mole control success stories focus on controlling moles by planting barriers composed of certain plants whose smell moles find offensive. While this alternative method is probably less reliable than the use of traps, pesticides or repellents, it’s also a lot more fun! In addition, these are visually appealing plants that are worth growing in their own right. So if you’d like to remove moles from your landscape, but aren’t desperate for immediate results, using these plants for natural pest control may be the right option for you.
Several bulb plants are said to repel moles. One is the well-known daffodil. Two of the others are also classic spring bloomers, although not quite as widely known as the daffodil: Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) and crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis).
Squill bears pendulous bell-like flowers in shades of lavender, blue, white or pink. Over the years squill will multiply and fill in an area. Squill naturalizes in zones 4-8.
Yellow crown imperials such as Fritillaria imperialis ‘Lutea’ bear six to eight pendulous yellow flowers. The scent of its bulbs is said to resemble that of a fox, which certainly would not be a pleasant smell for moles. These plants reach about 3’ in height. Zones 5-7.
The Allium genus of bulbs comprises not only garlic, onions, leeks, chives and shallots, but also ornamental flowering onions. The latter are sometimes simply referred to as “Alliums.” This unusual flowering plant ranges in size from about 6"-5' in height. While garlic is also reputed to be a mole repellent, Allium is a better choice if you’re seeking a living mole repellent strong not only in scent, but also in aesthetic qualities.
Allium giganteum is one of the taller ornamental Alliums, reaching 3'-5'. Flowers are purple and form round clusters with a width of 4"-6". As its leaves die back in early summer, you’ll want this plant to be screened from view. To accomplish this, simply plant Alliums behind other plants that will obscure them as Allium’s foliage dies. Bulbs can be planted in fall or spring, 6" deep. Cold hardy to zone 4.
On Page 4 we'll consider perhaps the two most interesting "living mole repellents"....
