Few things frustrate a gardener more than waking up to a yard full of fresh mole tunnels.
Those raised ridges and mounds can make a beautiful lawn look like it’s been plowed overnight.
While moles don’t actually eat your plants, their digging disrupts roots, weakens the soil, and leaves an uneven surface.
Gardeners have tried everything to stop them such as traps, poisons, sonic devices, even castor oil sprays.
But there’s one unusual trick that keeps popping up in backyards and garden forums: killing moles with marshmallows.
As odd as it sounds, many swear by it. Let’s look at how this quirky method is supposed to work and how you can try it in your own yard.
Understanding the Mole Problem
Moles are not rodents like mice or voles, they’re insectivores. Their diet is made up of grubs, beetles, and especially earthworms.
Because of that, they’re constantly digging in search of food, creating long tunnels just beneath the soil surface.
Signs you have moles include:
- Raised ridges or soft soil that give way when you step on them.
- Molehills, or small piles of loose dirt where they’ve pushed soil to the surface.
- Disturbed root systems in gardens or flower beds.
While moles don’t usually eat plant roots directly, their constant tunneling can ruin lawns, dry out soil around delicate plants, and create hazards in high-traffic areas.
It’s no wonder gardeners look for quick fixes.
The Marshmallow Method Explained
The marshmallow trick has been around for years, passed between gardeners who prefer simple, low-cost solutions.
The basic idea is when placed in their tunnels, moles may eat them while foraging.
Marshmallows contain sugar and preservatives that moles can’t properly digest. The belief is that the marshmallows upset their digestive system enough to kill them.
It sounds strange as moles are meat-eaters, not sugar lovers but enough people have reported results that the method remains popular in backyards.
How to Apply Marshmallows in Mole Tunnels
Step 1: Locate Active Tunnels
You need to flatten all visible tunnels by stepping on them, then wait 24 hours.
Tunnels that pop back up are the ones currently in use.
Step 2: Open the Tunnel
Use your hand or a small spade to carefully remove a plug of soil from the active run without collapsing it completely.
Step 3: Place Marshmallows Inside
Drop two to three fresh marshmallows into the tunnel. Some gardeners say jumbo marshmallows work best since they’re harder to ignore.
Step 4: Cover the Tunnel
Replace the soil plug gently so the tunnel stays intact.
Moles dislike open air in their tunnels, so this helps them discover the marshmallows while repairing.
Step 5: Repeat
You should do this in several active tunnels around your yard. The more you treat, the better your chances of reducing mole activity.
Why People Believe That Marshmallows Can Kill Moles
It might sound silly at first but the idea has stuck around for a reason.
Gardeners love tricks that are cheap, easy, and don’t require a trip to the hardware store. A bag of marshmallows costs just a few dollars, and you can toss them straight into a mole tunnel without any special tools.
There’s also the simplicity factor. No baiting traps, no messy repellents.
You just drop them in the tunnel, cover it back up, and wait. For anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with equipment or chemicals, it feels refreshingly straightforward.
Of course, what really keeps the method alive are the stories people share. Some homeowners swear that after scattering marshmallows, the tunneling stopped within days.
And then there’s peace of mind. For folks who feel uneasy about poisons or handling traps, marshmallows seem like a kinder option.
They’re harmless-looking, easy to handle, and a little less intimidating than sharp metal contraptions.
Tips for Success
First, always use fresh marshmallows. Old ones that have dried out will crumble or get ignored.
Next, don’t just treat one tunnel. Moles travel across wide networks underground, so placing marshmallows in several active runs gives you better odds.
Keep checking activity, too. Flatten the ridges of a tunnel and see if it pops back up the next day, that’s your cue that the mole is still busy in that spot.
It also helps to think beyond the marshmallows. If you can reduce grubs and other soil insects (a mole’s main diet), they’ll be more likely to investigate the sweet surprise you’ve left behind.
And finally, be patient. Moles are stubborn little diggers. It may take a few tries before you notice less activity in your yard.
Conclusion
Killing moles with marshmallows might sound more like a campfire story than a gardening tip, but it remains a popular backyard remedy.
While there’s little scientific proof behind it, many gardeners keep trying it because it’s simple, inexpensive, and sometimes surprisingly effective.
If mole tunnels are turning your lawn into a mess, a bag of marshmallows might be worth experimenting with.
