Killing Moles with Marshmallows - Myth or Effective Pest Control?
Does Killing Moles with Marshmallows Work?
If you’re dealing with destructive moles in your yard, you may have heard that feeding them marshmallows can eliminate them. The idea is that the sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives in marshmallows are toxic to moles, disrupting their digestive system and leading to their death.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Moles are insectivores, meaning they feed primarily on earthworms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling insects. They are unlikely to eat marshmallows, making this method unreliable.
Is It Legal to Kill Moles with Marshmallows?
Before attempting any DIY mole control method, it is important to consider legal and ethical implications.
In some states, using food-based poisons on wildlife is illegal.
There are no registered studies or approved pest control methods involving marshmallows as a mole killer.
Improper use of marshmallows could harm other wildlife and pets.
Rather than relying on unproven methods, it is best to use legal, humane, and effective mole control strategies.
Proven Methods to Get Rid of Moles
Instead of experimenting with unverified home remedies, try these proven strategies to remove moles from your yard safely and effectively.
1. Use Castor Oil-Based Mole Repellents
Castor oil works by making the soil smell and taste unpleasant to moles, encouraging them to relocate.
How to Apply:
Mix 1 part castor oil with 3 parts water and a few drops of dish soap.
Spray directly over mole tunnels and active burrow sites.
This natural, non-toxic solution is safe for pets, people, and the environment.
2. Set Humane Mole Traps
If you prefer a direct approach, live mole traps are a humane way to capture and relocate moles.
How to Use:
Locate active tunnels by pressing down a small section of the tunnel and checking if it is restored within 24 hours.
Place a live trap inside the tunnel.
Once the mole is captured, relocate it to a wooded area far from your property.
Trapping is one of the most effective ways to remove moles completely.
3. Eliminate Their Food Source (Grubs & Worms)
Since moles feed primarily on earthworms and grubs, reducing their food supply can make your yard less attractive to them.
How to Reduce Grub Populations:
Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore to kill off grubs naturally.
Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture increases earthworm and grub activity.
Fewer grubs mean fewer moles burrowing through your lawn.
4. Create an Unfriendly Environment for Moles
Moles prefer loose, moist soil that is easy to tunnel through. Making small changes to your yard can discourage them from settling in.
Keep the soil dry: Moles thrive in moist conditions, so avoid overwatering.
Install underground barriers: Bury hardware cloth or metal mesh 12 inches deep around gardens and lawns to prevent burrowing.
Use vibrating mole stakes: Battery or solar-powered stakes create vibrations in the ground, disturbing moles and encouraging them to move elsewhere.
A combination of these strategies will provide the best results in keeping moles out of your yard.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Marshmallows for Mole Control?
There is no scientific proof that marshmallows are an effective way to kill moles. Since moles primarily consume insects, they are unlikely to eat marshmallows, making this method unreliable and ineffective.
Instead, consider using tried-and-true mole control methods such as:
Castor oil-based repellents to drive moles away naturally
Humane traps to capture and relocate moles
Grub control to reduce their food supply
Physical barriers and deterrents to prevent tunneling
Taking a proactive, strategic approach to mole control will yield better, longer-lasting results than relying on unproven home remedies.