Moles eat primarily earthworms, which make up the majority of their diet. They also eat grubs, beetles, and other soil insects. Earthworm populations are sustained by healthy, moist soil with organic matter — conditions that cannot be eliminated without destroying the lawn itself.

Does Grub Control Get Rid of Moles?

Q: Does grub control get rid of moles?

No. Grub control reduces one food source for moles but does not eliminate them. Moles eat primarily earthworms — which make up 70-80% of their diet — and grubs are a secondary food source. Eliminating grubs does not make a property unattractive enough to moles to drive them away. Active mole infestations require trapping or carbon monoxide treatment.

Q: Will grub treatment stop new moles from coming?

Possibly reducing grub populations may make a yard slightly less attractive to moles over time, but it will not prevent moles from entering a property that has earthworms. Since earthworms are the primary food source and cannot be eliminated, grub control alone is not an effective mole prevention strategy.

One of the most common pieces of lawn care advice for mole problems is to apply grub control — the theory being that eliminating grubs removes the moles' food source and drives them away. This advice is well-intentioned but does not work in practice. Here is why grub control does not get rid of moles, and what actually does.

What Moles Actually Eat

The core flaw in the grub control theory is a misunderstanding of mole diet. Moles are insectivores, and their primary food source is earthworms — not grubs. Earthworms make up an estimated 70-80% of a mole's diet. Grubs are a secondary food source, eaten opportunistically when encountered during tunneling.

This matters because earthworm populations cannot be eliminated from a healthy lawn. Earthworms are sustained by moist soil and organic matter — the exact conditions that make a lawn green and healthy. You cannot make a yard unattractive to moles by eliminating earthworms without destroying the lawn itself.

Why Grub Control Alone Does Not Work

Even a perfectly executed grub control application that eliminates all grub activity in a lawn will not drive away moles already present. The moles simply continue hunting earthworms through the same tunnel systems. You will still see fresh ridges and mounds after grub treatment — the moles have not left.

Grub control may have modest long-term value as part of a broader lawn pest management approach, but it is not a substitute for active mole control. A lawn with no grubs but plenty of earthworms is still highly attractive to moles.

What Actually Gets Rid of Moles

The only reliably effective mole control methods are physical removal through trapping or carbon monoxide treatment:

Trapping. Specialized mole traps placed in active surface tunnels intercept moles on their regular travel paths. The critical step is identifying which tunnels are currently active before placing traps — our technicians press down raised sections and check the next day to confirm activity. See our full guide on mole control services.

Carbon monoxide. CO injected into active tunnel systems fills the entire underground network and eliminates moles throughout. Effective for large or complex tunnel systems where multiple trap placements would be needed.

Both methods address the moles directly rather than trying to manipulate food sources. Both produce confirmed, verifiable results. And both are safe for pets and children — no surface residue, no toxic bait. Read more in our complete mole pest control guide.

The Problem with Mole Repellents and Home Remedies

The same logic that undermines grub control also applies to other popular mole remedies. Castor oil repellents, vibration stakes, ultrasonic devices, and mothballs are all commonly recommended online. None produce reliable results for the same basic reason: they attempt to make the yard less attractive or create discomfort without actually removing the moles. A mole with an active earthworm-rich tunnel system will tolerate a lot of minor irritants before abandoning it.

If you have tried grub control, castor oil, or vibration stakes and still have moles, that is the expected outcome. The solution is professional trapping or carbon monoxide — not more repellents.

When to Call a Professional

If you have active mole ridges in your lawn and grub control or repellents have not worked, it is time for professional mole removal. Rodent Guys provides mole pest control throughout Southern California with a 60-day guarantee. Most residential mole problems are resolved in 2-3 service visits.

Call 909-599-4711 for a free estimate or view our service area list to confirm we serve your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does grub control get rid of moles?

No. Moles eat primarily earthworms, not grubs. Eliminating grubs removes one minor food source but does not drive moles away from a lawn with abundant earthworms.

What do moles eat?

Primarily earthworms — about 70-80% of their diet. Also grubs, beetles, and other soil insects. Earthworm populations cannot be eliminated without destroying the lawn.

Will grub treatment stop new moles from coming?

Not reliably. Since earthworms are the primary food source and cannot be eliminated, grub control alone is not an effective mole prevention strategy.

What actually works for mole control?

Professional trapping in active surface tunnels and carbon monoxide treatment. Rodent Guys provides mole control throughout Southern California with a 60-day guarantee.

Call 909-599-4711 for professional mole control anywhere in Southern California. Free estimates, chemical-free methods, 60-day guarantee.