Best Garden Wildlife and Mole Repellers UK (2026)
An open-air ultrasonic speaker aimed at rabbits or foxes won't touch a mole problem, since moles live underground and need a dedicated ground-stake device that sends vibration into the soil instead. This guide compares both types, tested hands-on by Bob Vila across real home and garden use.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Broox Solar Animal Repellent
Best for above-ground wildlife
Bob Vila found this effective but not subtle: within a couple of weeks, a persistent rabbit that had been digging up the tester's yard stopped showing up. It stakes into the ground and combines ultrasonic sound with flashing lights triggered by motion, though it emits an audible chirp when triggered that can annoy neighbours, and dogs strongly dislike it too.
- Genuinely effective against persistent garden pests
- Quick, simple setup
- Combines sound and light deterrents
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broox Solar Animal Repellent | Best for above-ground wildlife | Motion-activated, solar or USB powered, ultrasonic sound plus flashing lights, ground stake | Check price |
| Ever Pest Indoor/Outdoor Pest Repeller (2-Pack) | Best versatile plug-in | 2-pack, plug-in, simple on/off switch, indoor and covered-outdoor rated | Check price |
| Nikand Ultrasonic Mole Repellent Stakes | Best for moles (ultrasonic) | Set of 4 stakes, solar-powered, 7,500 sq ft coverage each, pulses every 30 seconds | Check price |
| Animal Stoppers Mole and Vole Repellent | Best value for moles | Granular, castor and peppermint oil formula, covers 1,800 sq ft, lasts up to 30 days | Check price |
| Bonide Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent Granules | Best long-lasting for moles | Granular, covers 500 sq ft per pound, lasts up to 3 months, dustless formula | Check price |
| Essential Depot Food-Grade Pure Castor Oil | Best natural option | 100% pure castor oil, mix with dish soap and water, covers up to 20,000 sq ft | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best for above-ground wildlife
Broox Solar Animal Repellent
Bob Vila found this effective but not subtle: within a couple of weeks, a persistent rabbit that had been digging up the tester's yard stopped showing up. It stakes into the ground and combines ultrasonic sound with flashing lights triggered by motion, though it emits an audible chirp when triggered that can annoy neighbours, and dogs strongly dislike it too.
- Power
- Solar or USB
- Trigger
- Motion-activated
- Deters
- Rabbits, squirrels, deer and similar
Pros
- Genuinely effective against persistent garden pests
- Quick, simple setup
- Combines sound and light deterrents
- Adjustable settings
Cons
- Audible chirping noise can annoy people nearby
- Dogs react strongly to it too
Best versatile plug-in
Ever Pest Indoor/Outdoor Pest Repeller (2-Pack)
A straightforward, no-frills plug-in unit that Bob Vila found performed very similarly to the brand's top indoor model, running quietly to human ears with no maintenance once installed. Having two units makes it easy to expand coverage across different areas, though it needs a power socket so isn't suited to open garden beds away from the house.
- Units
- 2-pack
- Power
- Mains plug-in
- Rated for
- Indoor and covered outdoor areas
Pros
- Works both indoors and on covered patios
- Simple on/off operation
- No ongoing maintenance
Cons
- Needs a power socket, not suited to open garden beds
Best for moles (ultrasonic)
Nikand Ultrasonic Mole Repellent Stakes
Bob Vila's top mole pick, sending a 3-4 second ultrasonic pulse into the soil every 30 seconds to irritate moles, gophers, shrews and voles into leaving on their own. Each solar-charged stake covers a wide 7,500 sq ft and includes an off switch for winter storage, though performance drops in shaded areas and larger gardens may need multiple sets.
- Type
- Ultrasonic ground stake
- Coverage
- 7,500 sq ft per stake
- Power
- Solar
- Deters
- Moles, gophers, voles, shrews
Pros
- Solar-powered and easy to install
- Safe for children and pets
- Consistent pulses deter moles effectively
- Water- and corrosion-proof
Cons
- Less effective in shaded areas
- Larger gardens may need multiple sets
Best value for moles
Animal Stoppers Mole and Vole Repellent
An all-natural granular repellent that Bob Vila found drove away moles, voles and shrews without harming nearby plants, applied simply by shaking granules from the included jug over mole hills. It's odour-free and safe around children and pets, though heavy rain can reduce its effectiveness before the full 30 days is up.
- Type
- Granular
- Coverage
- 1,800 sq ft
- Duration
- Up to 30 days
- Deters
- Moles, voles, shrews and more
Pros
- Repels pests for up to 30 days
- Odour-free, safe around children and pets
- Easy shaker-jug application
Cons
- May lose effectiveness after heavy rain
Best long-lasting for moles
Bonide Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent Granules
Bob Vila highlights the long-lasting control here, covering up to 3 months per application versus the 30 days typical of other granular repellents, with a dustless, biodegradable formula. It penetrates deep into the ground to reach moles, gophers, voles, armadillos and rabbits, though the granules can be awkward to pour evenly from the bag.
- Type
- Granular
- Coverage
- 500 sq ft per pound (5,000 sq ft per 10lb bag)
- Duration
- Up to 3 months
Pros
- Control lasts up to 3 months
- Dustless, biodegradable, people- and pet-safe
- Penetrates deep into the ground
Cons
- Difficult to pour evenly from the bag
Best natural option
Essential Depot Food-Grade Pure Castor Oil
A completely natural repellent that Bob Vila notes can treat an unusually large 20,000 sq ft area once mixed with dish soap and water into a spray solution. It's safe around children, pets and other wildlife and specifically targets tunnelling animals, though it requires accurate DIY dilution and a separate sprayer isn't included.
- Type
- Natural oil (requires dilution)
- Coverage
- Up to 20,000 sq ft
- Deters
- Moles, voles and other tunnelling animals
Pros
- Fully natural formula
- Large jug covers a big area or repeated use
- Safe around children, pets and wildlife
Cons
- Requires careful dilution before use
- Sprayer not included
Buying guide
Will an ultrasonic speaker aimed above ground actually deter moles?
No — moles live and travel almost entirely underground, so an open-air ultrasonic unit like the Broox here mainly affects surface animals such as rabbits, squirrels and deer. Moles specifically need a ground stake, like the Nikand here, that sends vibration or ultrasonic pulses directly into the soil where the mole can actually sense it.
Ultrasonic, granular or natural for moles: which works best?
Ultrasonic stakes are the easiest to use, just push in and let them run on solar power with no reapplication needed. Granular repellents, like the Animal Stoppers or Bonide here, tend to last longer per application and don't rely on batteries or sun exposure. Natural liquid options like castor oil are the most DIY, needing mixing and more frequent reapplication, but avoid any device or chemical entirely.
Are moles, voles and gophers actually different problems?
Yes, and it affects which product to buy. Moles rarely surface and leave rounded, volcano-shaped mounds while feeding on insects and grubs. Voles look more like mice, spend time above ground and feed on plants near many small holes. Gophers are ground-squirrel sized, eat roots and bulbs, and leave fan-shaped mounds. Most repellents in this guide cover more than one of these pests, but it's worth confirming which animal you actually have.
Do repellents get rid of moles permanently?
Not on their own. Pest control experts note that repellents are a temporary solution since they drive moles away rather than eliminating them. For longer-term prevention, pair a repellent with habitat changes like regularly aerating soil and mowing the lawn, both of which make a garden less attractive to moles in the first place.
Sources
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