MOLES

WHAT ARE MOLES

Moles are small creatures that live underground, they dig their way through tunnels hunting for food. Moles have large paws that are adapted for digging, in return destroying lawns and gardens.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MOLES:

• Hairless
• Pointed Snout
• Small Eyes
• Ear Canals are Concealed by Fur
• Large Broad Forefeet with Webbed Toes
• Adults are about 7 inches in length

WHAT IS A MOLE’S FOOD SOURCE

They do not eat roots, but cause damage indirectly by eating earthworms, grubs and other small invertebrates in the soil. The mole runs are literally “worm traps” the mole senses when a worm falls in the tunnel and quickly kills and eats the worm. They do provide some positive contributions to the soil, gardens and ecosystem, including soil aeration and eating of slugs and other small creatures that do not eat plant roots.

MOLE REPRODUCTION

Breeding season is usually from February through May. Males search for females by letting a high pitch squeal and tunneling into new areas. Moles produce a litter of 2 to 5 pups between March and April. Pups leave the nest 30 to 45 days after birth to find their own territory.

TREATMENT TIMING AND PREVENTION

Grub insecticides should not be applied to control Moles. Learning to use repellents, traps and baits will greatly increase your ability to control moles. Trapping and baiting have become the best methods for mole control due to the feeding habits of moles. They feed frequently allowing effective batting or trapping in a few hours.