how do i get rid of the moles tearing up my backyard?

To get rid of them, Traps, flooding, and gravel, mesh or concrete barriers can be effective. You'd have to be careful with traps, but maybe you can find a way to place them deep enough into the holes that it would be too hard for pets to get to. A "pit trap" ...made from a large jar or coffee can would catch moles in a way that wouldn't harm pets. Here's a site that illustrates/explains pit traps, etc:

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-moles.htm

Many articles say using Castor oil is effective. Even the Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife site, which nixes the noise-scaring approach & other repellents, actually gives out a Castor oil recipe & after saying: "Commercially available castor oil–based repellents have been scientifically tested on moles in the Eastern United States with some success... then says this about a home-made Castor oil recipe:

"The repellent will be most effective where it can be watered into the moist soil surrounding surface tunnels made by moles. Areas that receive extensive irrigation will quickly loose the repellent to leaching. For best results, spray the entire area needing protection; moles will burrow under a perimeter treatment. The repellent may need to be reapplied before moles depart. Once moles move elsewhere, the solution usually remains effective for 30 to 60 days."

The Recipe:

Using a blender to combine 1/4 cup of unrefined castor oil (can be purchased at most pharmacies) and 2 tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid. Blend the two together, add 6 tablespoons water, and blend again. Combine the concentrated mixture with water at a rate of 2 tablespoons of solution to 1 gallon of water. Use a watering can or sprayer to liberally apply the solution to areas where moles are active. The above mixture will cover approximately 300 square feet.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/moles.htm

Besides Castor oil, some people even try pouring cat litter or human hair clippings into molehills & refill them until signs of the mole have disappeared, but this may not work.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Proven-Tips-for-Eliminat...

The Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife site also gives a more detailed explaination of using flooding, barriers, trapping & natural controls & states this about eliminating grubs to try to get rid of moles:

"It is often suggested that if you eliminate grubs from an area you will get rid of moles. Grubs make up only a portion of the mole's diet. During dry periods, moles are known to frequent well-irrigated lawns just for moisture. Thus, moles often are present even in grub-free yards. If all the earthworms, grubs, and other soil animals in a lawn are eliminated by repeated insecticide application, moles may be forced to seek other areas. However, the use of soil insecticides is an expensive approach with no immediate reduction of damage and little likelihood of long-term control. In the process, soil insecticides may poison the groundwater, kill beneficial soil invertebrates, and damage songbirds and other desirable wildlife."

Moles "favor white grubs when they can find them, but earthworms make up roughly 75 percent of a mole's diet." If you're having trouble with the white grubs that turn into Japanese Beetles ...there are natural organisms (such as Milky Spore) that can get rid of those types of grubs.

"There is also a mole repellent called Mole-Med that has shown to be somewhat effective in tests at Michigan State University...made from castor bean extract."

This source recommends traps & cats to get rid of moles:

http://www.post-gazette.com/homes/20010317quest5.a...

This is Bob Villa's site with suggestions from members:

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/GETTING_RID_OF_MOLES_IN...

Trying different approaches is your best chance of getting rid of moles.

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

plant a castor tree,they naturally repel moles and grow wild down here in alabama,you can order them through a seed or plat catalog.Or google for plants online,100% gurantee.

Get a cat.

Seriously though, I'd try drowning or bait trap.

my cats took care of mine, but google " sweeney`s poison peanuts" they are for your problem.