Thus, they can be valuable in prairie areas and other natural grasslands.
But for homeowners seeking a beautiful lawn, moles can be annoying.
What Are Moles?
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Moles are small burrowing mammals from the Talpidae family.
Moles produce two types of tunnels (runways) in your yard.
Too much watering may make your lawn very attractive to moles, especially if surrounding areas are quite dry.
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Certain landscaping features may also attract moles.
The runways they form tend to follow fence rows, paths, and other manmade borders.
Volcano-Like Mounds or Hills
Moles produce two types of tunnels (runways) in your yard.
One runway runs just beneath the surface.
These are feeding tunnels and appear as raised ridges running across your lawn.
As moles carve out their tunnels, they disrupt any root systems of all nearby grasses.
This causes the grass blades to die at the surface.
Look out for any sudden discoloring and make a run at treat the grass before it dies.
Mole mounds are volcano-like in appearance, whilevolesleave behind no mounds at all.
Instead, voles construct well-defined, visible runways at or near the surface, about 2 inches wide.
Slightly larger than moles, gophers have similar spade-like front paws and feed primarily on plant roots.
Gophers have incisor teeth that are visible, and small but clearly identifiable ears.
Moles, on the other hand, have no visible ears and their teeth do not protrude.
4 Ways to Get Rid of Moles
1.
Eliminate Their Food Source: Grubs and Beetles
Moles need food to survive.
Trap the Moles
The most reliable method of getting rid of moles permanently is to use kill traps.
The problem with live-trapping is that you still have to release the live mole.
In some states, the relocation of vermin animals is actually prohibited.
Kill traps are generally the more recommended, and the most effective, method.
Trapping in the early spring can get rid of pregnant female moles, effectively preventing greater problems later.
Where you place the trap is critical to successit’s important to set traps in active tunnels.
To use it:
3.
When the mole eats these worms, it induces convulsions that kill the mole.
Another product is the traditional rodenticide warfarin, a chemical that causes creatures who ingest it to bleed internally.
Finally, there are mole baits containing zinc phosphide.
Tip
Many homeowners don’t know that moles are super sensitive to loud noises.
Use Natural Remedies
It can’t hurt to implement some natural measures to help with your mole problem.
Moles dislike certain plant species so filling your yard with these where it makes sense is a good strategy.
Scattering the grounds over their holes and covering them with soil will drive away varmints who hate the smell.
Additionally, old fish scraps in the tunnels can repel moles through the smell.
Similarly, soaking tunnel areas with a solution of castor oil and dish soap can help.
This is a safer alternative to a poisonous spray.
Some raptor birds, especially the red-tailed hawk, may also occasionally catch a mole that strays above ground.
Moles are not generally considered serious vectors of disease, but they can potentially transmit infectious diseases.
Take care not to touch trapped moles with your bare hands when disposing of them.
These are “professional” diggers and they will simply create more quickly.
Controlling Damage from Moles and Voles.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Earthworms in Lawns.University of Georgia Extension.
Secondary Poisoning From Bromethalin Toxicants For Moles - Should You Be Concerned?.
Zinc Phosphide General Fact Sheet.
National Pesticide Information Center.
How Do I Protect My Pets While Using Mole/Gopher Baits?.National Pesticide Information Center.
