Moles

Under a healthy lawn is healthy soil generally full of earthworms. The beneficial earthworms also attract moles. While seldom seen, moles are most anywhere earthworms are. Earthworms are the number 1 food source for moles, although moles being insectivores will also eat grubs, maggots and ants. 

Photo taken from MN Nuisance Wildlife Control

Unsightly raised patterns of grass and broken earth or mounds of dirt ranging in the size of a baseball to a basketball are signs of mole activity. Moles tunnel long straight tunnels to get around to various smaller feeding tunnels. Often the longer transport tunnels are along barriers such as a sidewalk or patio and since moles also eat ants we have found feeding tunnels under paver walks, patios and driveways are common. 

Mole tunnels can be a few inches to several feet below the surface and can effect a paver application. Signs of mole damage can be long or short areas of cave in or settlement. With a width of a few inches up to a foot. If you wonder, simply pull a few pavers and begin pounding a rod into the base. You will notice at some point the rod gives and pounds very easily indicating you have hit a tunnel.

A common misconception is because moles are insectivores that a grub control treatment will get rid of the moles. While the lawn will surly benefit, the moles will not be effected and still live happy and fat because their number 1 food source is earthworms.

Various methods are available for eradication of moles. Generally a DIY approach will not properly place or set enough traps to be effective. We recommend Suburban Wildlife Control, Inc. South metro 952-403-9223  North Metro 763-755-2569