How much grief moles bring to the owners of suburban areas! Tireless diggers, they annoy both gardeners, undermining root crops and berries, flower growers, disfiguring flower beds, and lovers of green lawns, plowing up their well-groomed English lawns.
How to free your acres from such annoying pests? Do they absolutely need to be caught and destroyed? Or is it enough to purchase an effective mole repeller - a device that allows you to drive out unwanted settlers without causing them much harm?
Questions like these are among the most popular on any gardening forum. To the credit of our gardeners, it should be noted that most of them are increasingly leaning towards the “bloodless” method of dealing with these, in general, useful animals. Moreover, there is a huge selection of repellent devices on sale, of a wide variety of designs.
It remains to find the answer, which mole repeller is better and in what cases?
How do they differ from each other, how to choose and correctly install such a device in order to get the expected result. Wanting to understand, let's look at the operating principles of these devices and reviews of the best mole repellers from various manufacturers.
The effect of ultrasound on animals
The well-known fact about moles’ poor vision or even its absence is not entirely correct. The structure of their head is distinguished by the presence of unusual ears, which allow them to normally hear and perceive all sound waves. Being underground, they are even capable of feeling, by the vibration of the soil, how people walk above. When communicating with each other, they also make certain signals and sounds.
Interesting!
Moles have an unusual structure: their very fine hearing allows them to perceive a wide sound range with frequencies of ultrasound above 20 kHz and infrasound, i.e. below 15 Hz. According to some reports, animals are able to sense the approach of an earthquake earlier than people, sensing tremors and vibration of the soil.
Moles may be frightened by some strong sounds that create discomfort for them, which is why they are able to move away from a certain area. Moreover, they can react to any unpleasant sound, but ultrasonic waves for scaring off moles and shrews are different in that they cannot be felt or heard by the human ear. This means that this will not affect the peace or relaxation of the owners at their summer cottage. Some people may hear this signal as a faint squeak.
Calling professionals to fight moles
If pests have been living on the site for a long time, and the gardener simply does not know how to get rid of moles, because known methods do not help, you can simply call specialists. Of course, you will have to pay professionals for their work, but such services provide a guarantee. The cost of exterminating moles ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 rubles. If it is necessary to maintain the site throughout the year, the cost increases by 2-3 times.
If the methods you know do not help, you can simply call specialists
Experts can use different means to kill moles. This could be chemical treatment of animal tunnels, installation of traps or repellers. The destruction method can be discussed in advance in order to choose the most suitable one for yourself, especially since the use of chemicals, for example, if not only adults, but also children and animals live in the country, can be dangerous. So all the nuances should be discussed before payment.
Operating principle and types of repellers
Mole repeller
The design and operation of the mole repeller is quite simple. Its main element is a generator that reproduces sound vibrations of a certain frequency, inaudible to the human ear. Moles perceive these sounds as annoying within a radius of 700-1500 square meters. m depending on the power of the device. Due to discomfort, they are forced to look for quieter places to live. However, their care does not occur immediately after installing the mole repeller, but after 1-1.5 months.
On a note!
The main advantage of such devices is that they are harmless to humans and the environment, including plants and insects. It is an environmentally friendly means of combating moles.
The radius of effective repelling of moles is 35-45 m, but in the absence of obstacles: ditches, wells, stones, buildings, etc. If they are, then it is recommended to install several devices: this will make it easier to get rid of moles faster.
Types of repellers:
- sound, operating at a frequency in the range of 400-100 Hz;
- ultrasonic, the signal of which is reproduced at a frequency of more than 20 kHz.
Many anti-mole devices have several modes of operation, periodically changing the sound frequency or turning on vibration mode.
The effectiveness of repellers does not always depend on power or other technical characteristics. Sometimes strong ultrasound does not give the expected result due to animals becoming accustomed to noise; for example, when a busy highway passes nearby, moles adapt to the sounds and vibrations from cars.
On a note!
You should also know that there are many cheap Chinese models on sale that have very low power and therefore have virtually no effect on underground inhabitants.
Types of repellers
Many devices operate in several modes. Provide the user with the ability to manually or automatically select the frequency of sound or vibration waves. The efficiency of the device depends on the power and other technical parameters.
8 best DIY mole repellers
Types of repellers:
- Mechanical.
- Electrical.
- Ultrasonic.
The approximate period for expelling moles after installing the device is one and a half months. There is a possibility that after the device is turned off, the digging animals will return to the site. In this case, traditional poison traps are used.
Repelling moles is a relatively ineffective way to expel them from a cultivated area. Animals often adapt to infrasonic or other generated radiation. If there is a busy highway near the site, animals get used to constant noise and vibrations. They stop responding to the effects of waves.
Mechanical repellers
The basis of the design of such devices is a disk eccentric. The mechanism produces special oscillatory pulses. Resonance of the desired frequency occurs due to the displacement of the disk relative to the central axis of the shaft. Some models are equipped with an electromechanical vibration element. They create a double burden on digging animals.
Electrical devices
Such devices generate electromagnetic pulses, to which moles are sensitive. Devices of this type are powered by a solar panel or built-in battery. Modern repellers have a nice design. Fighting moles with electricity gives good results.
Ultrasonic devices
Such devices operate thanks to a special built-in emitter. The wave propagation range depends on several factors and reaches 50 meters. The devices do not interfere with pets, but become an insurmountable barrier for digging animals.
Sound repellers: operating modes
The principle of operation is to periodically reproduce sounds and vibrations. They look like pegs stuck into the soil that squeak, buzz and vibrate, which makes moles nervous and less active in the area, and then they may leave it completely.
The devices have maximum efficiency:
- making periodic sounds rather than monotonous sounds;
- when alternating sound frequencies in a random sequence, so that animals do not get used to them and perceive them as a danger;
- combination with vibration, which is mechanically transmitted to the ground.
Mole repellers
On a note!
The most popular sound mole repellers: Ecosniper, Grom-Profi, Molechaser LS 997 Motor Random, Weitech 0675, Skat-49 and others. The price of such devices is lower than that of powerful ultrasonic repellers: about 1800-2000 rubles. However, they are highly specialized and act only on moles, which is their advantage.
Some devices are powered by a solar battery. Another advantage of them is their pleasant design, which is not capable of spoiling the appearance of the site, unlike homemade devices made from bottles, etc.
Mole: find and neutralize
The diet and preferences of moles are not directly related to the harm that it causes. It's more of a cause and effect. Moles are predators and prefer to eat worms, larvae and other animal foods. But he lives underground.
It has its own well-developed infrastructure of passages, which causes damage. By building its passages underground, it disrupts the root system of plants.
It is easy to detect the appearance of moles. The first visual sign is molehills. These are mounds that the mole leaves on the surface of the ground when it makes its moves. You can also see a live mole - but this is a rare occurrence. The rodent on the surface of the ground immediately freezes to assess the situation and begins to back away to return to its underground world.
Range of repellers and reviews
The most popular among gardeners are ultrasonic mole repellers in the form of columns that need to be dug into the ground. Their power is low, but they are quite effective due to their penetration to the underground level, closer to the moles.
Chiston-3
This vibration device is equipped with an advanced electrical circuit that creates “sonic booms” with a frequency of 400 Hz and an interval of 30-40 seconds. This allows you to get rid of moles over an area of 500 square meters. m, range of action – up to 12 m. The repeller runs on batteries, a set of which lasts for 4-6 months. The housing is moisture-proof, economical and easy to use.
The price of Chiston-3 is about 890 rubles.
There are similar devices: Grad A500, Tornado, RemiLing, etc., designed to scare away rats, mice, moles, and birds.
Repeller Weitech WK-0675
Manufactured in Belgium, the principle of operation is the production of ultrasonic vibrations that act on the nervous system of underground rodents (moles, mice, etc.), causing them feelings of fear, panic and danger. Emits sounds with a non-repeating rhythm, which reduces the likelihood of pests becoming accustomed to them.
Absolutely safe for people and pets. It is resistant to sun, rain and snow. To operate the device, you need to install 4 batteries, then stick it into the ground. Batteries are replaced every 4-6 months. The price of the device is 3000 rubles.
Antikrot devices
Mole repellers
Antikrot and Antikrot Maxi are repellers that act on moles and rodents by generating low-frequency oscillations, have a plastic case, and operate on 2-3 batteries. Must be installed in the ground. Effective impact area: up to 800 sq. m. Price 640-770 rub.
Antikrot Maxi Solar is a model with a solar battery. Price 1100-1200 rub.
Review
I bought Antikrot several years ago, and since then it has been saving our dacha from the invasion of earth-moving pests. The only drawback: although the lid closes tightly, rainwater sometimes gets inside, so you have to clean and dry it.
Elena, Smolensk
Ecosniper
The device generates sound waves in a wide range of frequencies at different time intervals (15-75 seconds), has a motor for mechanical vibration transmitted through the soil, range of action is 45 m; price about 2000 rub.
Sititek Thunder-Plus
Pest repellers Ecosniper and Thunder
Range of action - 20 m, emits ultrasound from moles, mice, shrews, which scares them away and forces them to change their territory of residence. The action is based on the reproduction of low-frequency ultrasonic vibrations (400 Hz) with a frequency of 35 seconds. Powered by 4 batteries, the body is made of plastic. It has the shape of a “peg” for penetration into the soil, height 35 cm, diameter 4.4 cm.
On a note!
To increase efficiency, several devices should be installed around the site at a distance of 20-30 m between them in places where the number of pests is maximum. Price 1600 rub.
Another model SITITEK Grom-Profi LED+, manufactured in Hong Kong, operates from solar panels at a frequency of 400-1000 Hz with an interval of 30 seconds, the impact area is 600-70 sq.m. Price 3000 rub.
Its advantages:
- autonomy and charging from sunlight, battery capacity is 800 mAh, which ensures continuous operation for 3 days even in cloudy weather;
- generates signals with a non-repeating sequence, which reduces the likelihood of moles becoming accustomed;
- The dust- and moisture-proof housing allows it to be used under any negative environmental influences (rain, snow);
- Can also be used as a night lamp.
Review
I bought a Thunder repeller to get rid of a mole infestation. However, one post was not enough, I had to buy 2 more, then I managed to get rid of their presence throughout the entire territory of the dacha. The seller explained that several devices are needed if there are buildings or other obstacles on the site.
Alexey, Pskov
Sweeney's Set (USA)
It consists of 2 posts that are stuck into the ground to protect the garden from underground pests. Sound pulses are generated at intervals of 30 seconds. The manufacturer promises that moles, gophers and mice will leave the area 7 days after installation. Price 3900 rub.
Tornado OZV 03
Vibroseismic electronic mole repeller with a hybrid power system: parallel from a solar battery and 4 batteries. The principle of operation is electromechanical and is based on creating vibration with a frequency of 350-450 Hz, which spreads underground every 5-20 seconds. Impact area – up to 1 thousand square meters. m, however, if there are existing obstacles (buildings, fences, wells, etc.), it may be necessary to install several repellers.
Mole repeller Tornado
The case has good protection against moisture and temperature changes. Such a device is installed in the ground in the middle of the garden plot. It repels moles and other earth-moving pests, which after 2-3 weeks move away from the source of discomfort. Price 2600 rub.
How to choose a mole repeller
Of course, you should first decide on the scale of the problem and only then move on to choosing a model. For example, if only a couple of holes are found in the garden, you can get by with a net, which is buried in the places where the hole exits to a depth of 20 cm. But if there are many holes, then it is better to purchase a repeller. What criteria are used to make a choice? Let’s list the main ones.
- Charging method. The operating time directly depends on how the model is charged. Therefore, first of all, compare the power supply method with the operating time of the device.
- Device type. Sound directly affects the rodent's hearing. Vibrosonic – creates soil vibrations. Electromagnetic devices operate on the basis of transmitting impulses through electricity.
- Qualitative characteristics of the soil. The denser the soil, the longer it will take for the wave to propagate.
- Availability of underground facilities on the site. Everything from the foundation of the house to the well and cesspool are obstacles that will complicate the operation of the device.
Rules for choosing a repeller when purchasing
To achieve the maximum expected efficiency, when choosing a repeller, you should adhere to some rules, especially at their low price:
- purchase a device that has already been tested by neighbors and has shown its ability to repel moles and mole rats in the country;
- pay attention to the presence of several operating modes, including the optimal one – Random, in which sounds of random height and duration are generated;
- give preference to devices manufactured in Russia, Europe, but not in China;
- read reviews about the repeller you plan to buy;
- When purchasing, be sure to inspect the device and the quality of its assembly, pay attention to the tightness and absence of cracks in the case, the smoothness of the threads when tightening the lid - this will help prevent rain moisture from penetrating inside.
Before installing the repeller in the ground, you should carefully read the instructions and follow them exactly, taking into account some nuances:
- when installed in dry soil, the effect of the device is reduced compared to operation in wet soil;
- many devices cannot be repaired and have a short warranty period, so it is better to handle them with care and caution;
- The repeller must not be left in the ground over the winter;
- During the work period, it is recommended to periodically change the location of the “columns” on the site.
Among such a variety of devices, choosing the best mole repeller is a rather difficult, but feasible task, the implementation of which will help drive out underground pests from the territory of a garden or summer cottage.
Device selection rules
The main recommendation is to evaluate the model by its simplicity and ease of use. What else to pay attention to:
- Power source type. If you choose an Antikrot unit, you won’t have to think about replacing batteries. However, battery-powered devices are more reliable in terms of efficiency during cloudy (night) times of the day. If there is a clear lack of sun in the region, you should not take a solar-powered repeller.
- Type of device. An electronic battery-powered repeller can be plugged into any area of the garden; a mains-powered device will only have to be installed with an extension cord or near the house. In the latter case, it is worth giving preference to units with a large coverage area or using biological capsules as an auxiliary “weapon”.
- Coverage area. It is important to choose a mole repeller exactly according to the size of the area. If the device is worn out, it will quickly fail. Excess power is only needed if there is a neighboring area being processed nearby. If a forest belt begins behind the dacha, then the impact of the unit will lead to the expulsion of moles from their homes.
- Type of vibrations. Devices operating in a constant range are not as effective as those with a changing soundtrack. In the latter case, the moles will not be able to adapt to the signal and the vibration repeller will work 100%.
- Landscape, soil features on the site. For loose soil, powerful units are needed; in dense soils, you can get by with fewer devices. Powerful devices are also necessary if there are obstacles underground that interfere with the passage of sound - rock debris, an extensive root system of plants, etc.
The presence of other pests is also taken into account - a vibration repeller will help repel moles, rodents, reptiles and other parasites. Technical parameters: frequency range, coverage area, the ability to generate a signal with a change in sound wave are indicated in the units’ passport.
A universal solar-powered repeller, capable of operating from conventional batteries, requires replacement of drives every 4 months. This is a convenient, energy-independent, high-power model.
