Moles can be a common nuisance in yards, but they actually play an important role in the ecosystem.
Why are Moles in Your Yard?
Moles are typically in your yard because they are searching for food. They live underground and tunnel through the soil in search of invertebrates like earthworms, grubs, and other insects. Yards with rich, moist soil and a plentiful food supply are more likely to attract moles.
Why Do Moles Push Up Soil?
The “mounds” or “push-ups” you see in your yard are created by moles as they dig tunnels underground. Moles create these mounds when they burrow just below the surface of the soil. As they dig, they push the displaced soil up to the surface. The tunnels are used for hunting food and for nesting. The raised mounds are often most noticeable in lawns, gardens, and other soft, well-drained soil areas.
What Are Moles Eating?
Moles primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates that live in the soil. Their diet consists mainly of:
- Earthworms
- Grubs (larvae of beetles, for example)
- Insects like ants and beetles
- Other soil-dwelling organisms
Moles can consume more than their body weight in food every day, and they spend most of their time hunting for food.
How Many Moles Are in an Area?
Moles are territorial animals, and their population density depends on the availability of food and suitable habitat. Typically, a single mole’s territory may range from 1/4 to 2 acres, depending on the richness of the food supply. On average, there could be 1–3 moles in an acre of land. However, these numbers can vary widely.
When Do Moles Breed?
Moles breed in the spring and early summer. Mating usually occurs from February to May, and female moles typically give birth to 3–5 babies after a gestation period of about 45 days. The young moles are born blind and without fur, and they begin to leave the nest in about 30 days.
How Can You Stop Moles?
If you want to stop moles in your yard, there are a few different methods you can try:
1. Repellents
There are various mole repellents available that claim to deter moles by using natural ingredients, such as castor oil or garlic. These products are applied to the soil or near active tunnels, and they make the area unpleasant for moles, often encouraging them to leave.
2. Traps
Trapping is one of the most effective ways to remove moles. You can use either “harpoon-style” traps or “scissor-type” traps. These are placed in the active tunnels, and when a mole runs through, the trap triggers and captures it.
3. Physical Barriers
Installing a physical barrier like mesh wire or hardware cloth underground around gardens or lawns can deter moles from digging in those areas. The barrier should be buried 12–24 inches deep to prevent moles from digging beneath it.
4. Vibration or Ultrasonic Devices
Some people use vibration devices or ultrasonic repellent devices that emit sounds or vibrations that moles are said to find irritating. The effectiveness of these devices is debated, and results may vary.
5. Habitat Modification
Reducing the food supply for moles can sometimes help. For example, eliminating grubs or other insects from your lawn or garden (through natural or chemical means) may make the area less attractive to moles. However, this approach can be costly and may not completely stop moles from seeking other food sources.
6. Professional Control
If you have a significant mole problem that isn’t responding to other methods, it may be worthwhile to contact Go Green Pest Control, pest control professionals. They can set up specialized traps or use other means to manage the mole population in your yard.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Moles aren’t inherently destructive; they don’t eat plants (they only tunnel), but their tunneling can damage lawns, gardens, and landscapes. This is often the main concern for homeowners.
- Eliminating moles entirely can be difficult because they are elusive and quick to move on if the food supply is depleted. It may require ongoing management.
If you’re dealing with moles primarily because of their tunneling, trapping and repelling them are likely your best bets. However, if the issue persists or is especially problematic, Go Green Pest Control can offer more targeted solutions.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/moles-back-why-randy-bilesky-gafvc