Mole Removal Services

Identify Mole Activity

Recognizing early signs of mole activity can help you take prompt action to prevent extensive damage. Here are the key indicators to look for

1. Surface Tunnels and Mounds

Fresh, raised ridges: Moles push soil to the surface, creating raised ridges that are usually 1-3 inches high.

Conical mounds: Look for small, cone-shaped piles of excavated soil at the entrance of tunnels.

Multiple tunnels: A network of ridges crisscrossing your yard indicates active mole activity.

2. Undermined Lawn and Soil

Soft, spongy areas: Moles loosen soil as they burrow, leading to patches that feel spongy or uneven.

Sunken areas: Over time, tunnels beneath the surface can cause depressions or sinkholes, especially after heavy rain.

3. Visible Tunnels on the Surface

Surface runways: Shallow tunnels that run straight or zigzag across your yard, often visible when the grass is pressed down or displaced.

4. Damage to Plants and Roots

While moles primarily feed on insects, their tunnels can disturb plant roots and disrupt healthy growth, leading to patches of dead or yellowing grass.

5. Nocturnal Activity Signs

Moles are most active at night and early morning. If you notice fresh tunnels or mounds appearing overnight, it’s a sign of recent activity.

The Moles Diet

Moles are fascinating creatures with a specialized diet that plays a vital role in their survival and ecological niche. Understanding what moles eat is essential for appreciating their behavior and managing their activity around your property.

Primary Food Sources:

 Beneficial Earthworms, are the cornerstone of a mole’s diet, making up a significant portion of their intake. Moles have a keen sense of smell and powerful forelimbs that allow them to excavate deep into the soil to hunt these wriggling invertebrates.  Why earthworms?  They are abundant in moist, loose soil—ideal conditions where moles thrive. Rich in protein and essential nutrients, providing energy for their subterranean lifestyle.

2. Insects and Insect Larvae: Moles are insectivores, feeding on a variety of soil-dwelling insects such as:Grubs (beetle larvae), Termites, Ants and their larvae,Beetles (adults and larvae), Caterpillars and their pupae.  Moles use their sensitive snouts and large front paws to detect vibrations and locate prey underground. They actively dig to capture these creatures, contributing to natural pest control.

3. Other Soil Invertebrates
Besides worms and insects, moles may feed on other invertebrates such as snails and slugs.

How Moles Hunt and Consume Their Food:

Moles are relentless foragers, constantly digging and exploring new tunnels. Their powerful forelimbs and sharp claws enable them to excavate extensive tunnel networks in search of food sources. They rely heavily on their acute sense of smell and vibrations in the soil to detect prey. Once located, they use their pointed snouts to grasp and consume their prey quickly.

Dietary Adaptations

Specialized Digging: Their muscular forearms and large paws are adapted to rapidly excavate soil and hunt effectively.

High Metabolism: Moles have a high metabolic rate, necessitating frequent feeding—sometimes several times a day.

Selective Diet: While earthworms are their favorite, they are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of soil invertebrates depending on availability.

Ecological Role of Moles’ Diet

By consuming large quantities of soil insects and worms, moles help control pest populations that might otherwise damage crops and plants. Their tunneling activity aerates the soil, facilitating plant growth and nutrient cycling.

Managing Moles Around Your Property

Since their diet depends on abundant soil invertebrates, reducing the attractiveness of your yard—such as by managing organic debris or soil moisture—can make it less enticing for moles. However, eliminating their food sources entirely is neither practical nor environmentally advisable, so professional removal is often the best approach to mitigate their presence.

Gopher Damage

Lawn and landscape damage:  Gophers dig just below the surface looking for food.  These are the pathways connecting different parts of the burrow system. They are usually 2-4 inches in diameter.  This will lead to soft spots where people, pets and livestock can trip and get injured.

Foundation and driveway damage:  Driveway damage from the constant burrowing can be very costly to fix or replace and becomes unsightly.  

Plant Damage:  Look for wilting plants, there might be a tunnel underneath them as they chew their way through your yard.

Protect your yard

How to Protect Your Yard Against Moles:  Moles can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and landscapes with their extensive tunneling and surface mounds. While they play a beneficial role in soil aeration and pest control, many property owners prefer to keep their yards free from mole activity. Here are effective methods to protect and deter moles from invading your yard:

1. Reduce Soil Moisture and Organic Matter:  Why?   Moles thrive in moist, loose soil rich in earthworms and insects. By making your yard less attractive, you can discourage their presence.

Tips:Improve drainage to prevent excess moisture.

Avoid overwatering your lawn.

Minimize organic debris, fallen leaves, and mulch that attract soil insects and worms.

2. Create a Less Attractive Food Environment:

Reduce Insect and Earthworm Populations:
While not always practical, reducing soil pests can make your yard less appealing to moles. Consider integrated pest management practices, but avoid chemical treatments that could harm beneficial insects.

3. Use Physical Barriers:

Install Underground Barriers:  Bury a galvanized wire mesh or hardware cloth at least 2 feet deep around flower beds, vegetable gardens, or the perimeter of your yard. Ensure the mesh extends several inches above ground to prevent moles from going over and start burrowing inside the protected area.  Benefits:  Creates a physical barrier that deters tunneling.  Protects specific areas from mole intrusion.

 Encourage Natural Predators:

Attract Predators:
Owls, hawks, foxes, and snakes naturally hunt moles. Installing owl boxes or creating habitat corridors can encourage these predators to visit your yard.

Call us!  Moles are on the move underground, eating all the benificial worms!  With 13 years of Gopher management we can get the job done.

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