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There are several species of moles found in the United States, and consumers have various methods available to rid their gardens of moles. Consumers may be ready to end the damage to their beautiful landscapes by killing the moles, but they can also choose to merely drive them away. Either way, landscapers troubled by moles need to act immediately upon seeing the first molehill. Moles can dig quickly, and they create new molehills overnight. Molehills are easy to spot; they consist of fresh soil excavated from the tunnel system into a mound shape. For every species of mole found in the United States, the tunnel opening hidden inside the molehill will always be blocked by soil.

The two most common mole species in the United States are the eastern mole and the western mole. Eastern moles are found on the east coast, but they also live in many eastern, central and northeastern states. Western moles live solely in Northern California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada. Each of these species is an insectivore and live most of their lives within a shallow tunnel system. Moles have thick fur that insulates them from the cold ground, and they usually measure from 4 to 6 inches in length. They have a long, narrow nose and jaw containing sharp teeth for eating earthworms, grubs and other insects. Moles are equipped with large, strong front paws which allow them to push soil aside to create their tunnel system. Within dense populations, mole tunnel systems sometimes connect. Moles have a high metabolism, and they need to eat constantly to stay alive. They are also well adapted to living in a low-oxygen environment. They require less oxygen in their blood than many other mammals, and they don't hibernate. The mole's unique lifestyle often makes it difficult to control without special techniques.

Methods to rid your garden of moles are generally either chemical or mechanical. There are several poisons for moles available in pellets, granules and gels. The chemical composition of the poisons varies by manufacturer, but zinc phosphate is probably the most common. To use mole poison, simply place the poison into the tunnel system by digging into the tunnel and placing the poison inside according to the instructions. Safely cover the poisoned area to prevent accidental ingestion by other animals.

Landowners not wishing to use poison can choose a mechanical or chemical repellent. Mechanical repellent devices are able to emit a sound or vibration through the ground

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