Moles are a pest because of the serious damage they can cause to your yard and landscaping. Molehills and mole ridges can spoil lawns and flower beds, while their tunneling can damage the roots of young plants and expose stones that can harm lawn equipment. It’s helpful to understand the difference between mole vs. shrew vs. vole damage, as these small animals often impact yards in different ways. Unfortunately, little can be done to prevent moles from entering your property aside from eradicating the problem once the moles have appeared.
Let the experts at Ehrlich control all of your wildlife problems so you don’t have to. If you think you have a mole problem, contact your local Ehrlich office today.
Moles are attracted to areas with moist, loose soil and an abundant food source. Lawns rich in grubs, earthworms, and insects provide a perfect habitat. If your yard retains moisture and has healthy soil, it may become a hotspot for mole activity. Once present, they begin to dig extensive underground tunnel systems, leaving behind surface mounds and visible damage.
It is unlikely that you will see moles as they rarely come above ground. But if you do, you should not approach them as they have very sharp teeth and will bite. The first sign of a mole problem will be some damage to your yard, including several molehills or ‘ridges’ caused by tunneling.
A mole problem can develop quickly and cause significant damage to your yard including large quantities of molehills. Moles clear away the soil in your yard to dig their tunnels, causing the molehills to form. They then line the areas of their tunnels with grass and leaves to create their nests.
Moles create shallow tunnels just below the surface of the ground to search for worms, insects, and other invertebrates to eat. These shallow tunnels can be seen as a raised ridge in a lawn or flower bed.
Moles establish their own individual tunnel network and can dig at speeds of up to 14 or 15 feet per hour. Deep mole tunnels are about 4 to 16 inches underground, but can go deeper, and are typically shelter tunnels for the moles. Moles live in these deep tunnels during severe weather conditions and also use them to store food.
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Getting rid of moles starts with identifying active tunnels and disrupting their food source. Professional mole control methods may include baits, traps, repellents, and soil treatments. For persistent issues, hiring a pest control expert like Ehrlich ensures effective and humane removal. The sooner action is taken, the less damage your lawn will suffer. See our page on how to get rid of moles for more information about mole control methods.
To avoid a mole infestation, focus on lawn care that reduces their food sources. Apply beneficial nematodes or grub control treatments. Keep proper drainage to make the soil less inviting. Regularly check for raised tunnels or fresh dirt mounds in your yard. These may be early signs of moles in your yard.
Installing hardware cloth or metal mesh fencing buried at least 24 inches deep around garden beds can block underground tunnels, while raised beds with screens underneath protect plant roots. Ultrasonic spike repellents emit vibrations into the ground to disrupt mole activity, but may only be a temporary solution. Finally, planting natural deterrents like marigolds, daffodils, or alliums may help make your yard less appealing.
Although many homeowners like to try DIY options to eliminate pests, the results are often less than satisfactory. Minor problems can develop into larger ones and this is when many people seek the services of a pest control professional.
Professional mole removal is recommended at the first sign of moles in your yard. Although moles do not present a concern for transmitting diseases, one mole can quickly lead to more, resulting in major damage throughout your yard.
Ehrlich technicians understand the habits of moles and use that knowledge when developing a mole control program for your home. Your technicians will put a mole removal plan in place that will ensure you don’t end up with any more moles on your property.
If you would like further advice on moles or to arrange a visit by an Ehrlich technician, call us free at 800-837-5520.
Moles are not dangerous to humans or pets and do not typically harm building foundations. However, their tunnels and surface mounds can cause extensive lawn damage.
Moles dig tunnels in search of grubs, earthworms, and insects. These underground pathways help them move efficiently and catch prey.
Moles are most active in spring and fall when soil conditions are ideal for digging. Moist, cool weather promotes surface activity and the creation of new tunnels and mounds.
Most mole tunnels are 6 to 16 inches below the surface, though nesting and feeding tunnels may go deeper. The shallow tunnels are usually what cause the visible damage and dirt mounds in your yard.
Moles are attracted by a rich food source, such as insect-infested soil, and soft, moist conditions. Once they find an ideal habitat, they begin creating extensive tunnel systems.
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