The mole is protected by nature conservation laws — and that's exactly what makes life difficult for many garden owners. Few people are happy about the countless mole hills that disfigure their once pristine lawn. But which measures are permitted in light of nature conservation? In this article, you'll learn everything about the legal situation surrounding moles and nature conservation, which methods are legal, and how you can humanely deter these animals.
Moles and Nature Conservation: The Legal Framework
The European mole (Talpa europaea) enjoys special protection in Germany under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). Specifically, it is a specially protected species under § 7 Abs. 2 Nr. 13 BNatSchG. This classification has far-reaching consequences:
What is prohibited?
- Killing: Deliberately killing moles is an administrative offense and can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros. In serious cases or with specially protected species, criminal charges may apply.
- Trapping: Catching and relocating moles is prohibited without official permission.
- Pursuing: Deliberately searching for and following moles in their burrows is not allowed.
- Destroying breeding and resting sites: Intentionally destroying mole burrows and tunnels is also prohibited.
What is permitted?
Nature conservation does not prohibit every form of interference with moles. The following measures are generally legal:
- Deterrence: Driving away animals using unpleasant stimuli (vibrations, odors, sounds) is permitted as long as the animal is not injured.
- Removing mole hills: You may remove mole hills and spread the soil in your garden.
- Preventive measures: Installing mole barriers when creating new lawns is permitted.
- Natural fertilizing: Using fertilizers that have the side effect of deterring moles is legal.
Important: In exceptional cases, you can request special permits from the responsible nature conservation authority — for example, if a mole is proven to cause significant economic damage (such as on sports fields or in agriculture). For a normal home garden, such a permit is typically not granted.
Legal Methods for Mole Deterrence
Despite strict nature conservation, there are effective and legal methods to encourage moles to relocate:
Vibration Devices — the Most Effective Method
Moles have extremely sensitive hearing and react strongly to ground vibrations. Special mole repellents create regular vibrations that are transmitted into the soil, disturbing the mole so thoroughly that it relocates its burrow.
The MoleChaser Motor Mole Deterrent creates consistent ground vibrations that encourage moles to relocate. The device is 100% animal welfare compliant and compatible with the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Simply insert it into the ground and switch it on — the mole typically leaves the area within 2–4 weeks.
Odor-Based Deterrence
Certain odors are unpleasant for moles and can encourage them to relocate their territory. Particularly effective are special granules and fertilizers that slowly release foul-smelling substances into the soil.
Talpax Fertilizer is a fertilizer that also works as a mole deterrent. The granules release odorous substances into the soil that moles find unpleasant, while simultaneously nourishing your lawn with essential nutrients. Dual benefit, completely legal and animal welfare compliant.
Mole Barriers When Establishing New Lawns
When creating a new lawn or redesigning garden beds, you can preventively lay a fine-mesh mole barrier (mesh size 15–20 mm) under the grass layer. The barrier prevents the mole from pushing soil hills to the surface. It can continue to dig in deeper layers and forage for food — only the visible hills are eliminated.
Mole or Vole? The Important Difference
Many garden owners confuse mole hills with vole hills. This distinction is important because voles are not protected and can be actively controlled.
- Mole hills: High and symmetrically raised, the tunnel goes straight down. No plant debris in the soil. Opening directly in the center of the hill.
- Vole hills: Flatter and irregular, the tunnel goes off to the side. Often plant debris and roots in the soil. Opening offset to the side.
A simple test: Probe the hill from above with a stick. With a mole hill, you'll hit the vertical tunnel directly. With a vole hill, the tunnel goes off to the side.
Important: If you have voles in your garden, you are permitted to actively control them. Moles, however, are protected by nature conservation law and may only be deterred.
Why the Mole is Protected by Nature Conservation
The mole's need for protection has good reasons:
- Beneficial insect: Moles eat their own body weight in pests daily — grubs, slugs, wireworms and larvae. They provide free biological pest control.
- Soil improvement: The mole's tunnel system aerates the soil, improves drainage, and promotes soil life.
- Ecosystem: Moles are part of a complex ecosystem. Their disappearance would impact numerous other species.
- Population decline: Intensive agriculture, pesticides, and land development have greatly restricted the mole's habitat in recent decades.
The excavated soil from mole hills is excellent as potting soil, by the way — fine, crumbly, and free from weed seeds. Many experienced gardeners collect the soil and use it for sowing and plant containers.
Also read our guide Home Remedies for Moles: Myths and Facts for additional tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What penalty applies if I kill a mole?
Killing a mole is an administrative offense under the Federal Nature Conservation Act and can result in a fine of up to 50,000 euros. In particularly serious cases, criminal prosecution may also apply. The amount of the actual fine depends on the circumstances of the individual case.
Can I trap a mole in a live trap?
No, catching and relocating moles is also prohibited without permission from the responsible nature conservation authority. Such permits are only granted in justified exceptional cases, for example, if the mole has proven to cause significant economic damage.
Do vibration devices really work against moles?
Yes, vibration devices are among the most effective legal methods of mole deterrence. Moles react extremely sensitively to ground vibrations since they use them for orientation. Regular vibrations disrupt their life rhythm and prompt them to relocate their territory. Results typically appear within 2–4 weeks.
Is the vole also protected by nature conservation?
No, voles (common voles) are not protected and can be actively controlled. Make sure to correctly identify the soil hills before taking action. If in doubt, have identification performed by a specialist.
Can I obtain an exemption permit for mole control?
Theoretically yes, but in practice exemption permits are rarely granted for private gardens. You must prove that the mole causes significant economic damage and that all reasonable deterrence measures have been unsuccessful. For sports fields, golf courses, and agricultural land, the chances of success are better.
