Across Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria, the mole is one of the most frustrating garden visitors a homeowner can have. Overnight, a neat green lawn turns into a moonscape of small brown mountains. Flower beds collapse. Roots come up half-eaten. But what most people do not realize is that in many parts of Europe, the mole is officially a protected animal — and trying to kill one can earn you a serious fine. The good news is that you do not have to. We have gathered the 15 best natural tricks that politely send the mole packing — without breaking a single law.
Why You Cannot Just Kill It (And the Fine If You Try)
The European mole is strictly protected under federal nature law. Trapping, poisoning, or killing one can cost you up to 50,000 euros in fines. France protects moles in many regions as well, and Switzerland has similar rules. The mole is considered an important part of the natural soil system. The law is not bending on this. So forget the spring-loaded traps in the hardware store — almost all of them are illegal to actually use on a live mole. The good news is that mole-removal does not require killing.