Dish soap removes moles by acting as a surfactant that helps castor oil penetrate soil and irritate the pest's digestive tract.

Dish soap helps get rid of moles by breaking the surface tension of water, allowing repellent mixtures to soak deep into the soil. When combined with castor oil, the soap ensures the mixture coats the mole's skin and food sources. This creates a physical irritant and digestive upset, forcing the pests to find a new habitat.

The Mechanism of Action

Dish soap serves as a surfactant. On its own, soap does not repel moles. Instead, it allows water and oils to mix thoroughly. This mixture reaches the deep tunnels where moles live and hunt for earthworms or grubs. Without the soap, the oil would simply sit on the surface of the soil and never reach the target area.

The solution coats the mole's primary food sources. When the animals consume these items, they experience digestive discomfort. Furthermore, the oily residue sticks to the mole's fur, causing skin irritation. Since moles prefer clean, quiet environments, this discomfort drives them to relocate away from the treated area.

Steps for Application

1. Combine six ounces of castor oil with two tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a small container.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the solution becomes thick and foamy.
3. Add two tablespoons of this concentrate to one gallon of water in a garden sprayer.
4. Saturate the areas of the lawn where active tunnels and mounds are visible.
5. Water the lawn lightly for five minutes to help the mixture penetrate the ground.

Comparison of Mole Control Methods

Best Practices for Success

• Apply the mixture when the soil is already moist, such as after a heavy rain.
• Focus application on the perimeter of the property to push moles outward.
• Repeat the process every two weeks until new mounds stop appearing.
• Avoid using soaps with degreasers or bleach, as these can harm the grass.