Evaluating Our First Year of Mole Control: What We’ve Learned & What’s Next

As we wrap up the first full season of our mole control program, it’s time to take a clear look at how the process performed and—most importantly—how we’re improving it moving forward.

Anytime you introduce a new product or approach, especially one that works very differently from traditional methods, there’s a learning curve. We followed all recommended guidelines for the product closely; however, those guidelines were originally developed for agricultural use, not residential lawns. This past year was the first major rollout of this material across residential and commercial landscapes—meaning we’re helping shape the standards for how it should be used in the real world.

And the good news? We now have much more data than we did at the start.

Across the country, product usage has expanded rapidly. There are currently 16 independent studies underway, plus adoption by multiple lawn-care companies throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. Several large school districts in Northern California are also using it with very encouraging results. This growing pool of information has helped us refine our approach and make some important updates to our program.

Key Improvements Coming to Our Mole Control Program

1. More Frequent Applications Deliver Better Results

The agricultural model called for two initial applications two weeks apart, followed by a fall treatment—and a similar pattern the following year. While this worked well for some clients, others did not see the level of success we expect.

New residential landscape studies show a different formula works far better:Two initial applications, followed by ongoing treatments every three months (quarterly).

This schedule provides more consistent pressure on mole activity and leads to significantly higher success rates.

2. Higher Material Rates Improve Effectiveness

We’re also adjusting the application rate. Research demonstrates that a slightly increased use rate improves overall control—so we’ll be implementing that as part of the updated program.

3. Mole Control Is a Two-Year Process

This product does not kill moles or their food source. Instead, it creates an environment that signals “danger,” encouraging moles to relocate safely outside the treated area. Because it's a behavioral repellent—rather than a poison—the results naturally take longer.

Here’s what the data shows:

• Year 1: 50%–80% reduction in mole activity

• Year 2: 95%–100% reduction

It’s a slower curve than agricultural applications, but the trade-off is significant:This is the safest material we’ve ever used.It affects only burrowing mammals, with zero impact on people, pets, wildlife, soil microbes, or beneficial insects.

In short—results improve over time, and patience pays off.

A Note on Rare Program Failures

Even with updated guidelines, there have been a few rare cases nationwide where results were less than expected, and researchers still don’t have a clear explanation. We will continue to keep a close line of communication with our product vendor and manufacturer as new insights emerge.

For now, we remain committed to offering the updated mole control program—and to adjusting our approach whenever new, validated data becomes available.

Looking Ahead: Grubs, Larvae & Protecting Your Turf

One important consideration is what happens after moles are moved out. Moles feed on soil-dwelling insects like grubs and larvae. In some situations, removing the moles could allow these pests to reach damaging levels.

If this occurs, we may recommend pairing the mole control program with an insect control treatment to protect the health of your lawn. As always:

• We will only use EPA-registered products approved for residential landscapes.

• We will communicate with every client before applying any additional product.

• Approval from the homeowner will always be required first.

Our goal is not just to remove moles, but to protect your lawn as a whole ecosystem.

Moving Forward Together

This first year has provided invaluable insight into how best to use this innovative mole control technology in residential settings. With updated application schedules, improved use rates, and ongoing research from across the West Coast, we’re confident these program adjustments will produce stronger, more consistent results.

We continue to have very high hopes we have finally found a profoundly safe, effective way to offer mole control to our clients.

Thank you to all our clients who participated during this first season. Your trust has helped push the entire landscape industry forward in understanding safer, more sustainable mole control.

If you have questions about the updated program, want to evaluate your property, or are ready for your next round of treatment, we’re here to help.