Oh, the Moles are back!!

Ground moles, also known as common moles or lawn moles, are small mammals. They are adapted to living underground and are characterized by their cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, small eyes, and powerful front limbs equipped with large claws for digging. So here we go:

1. What are ground moles? Ground moles are burrowing mammals that spend most of their lives underground. They are known for creating tunnel systems in lawns, gardens, and other grassy areas. Moles primarily feed on earthworms, grubs, and other small invertebrates found in the soil.
2. Why do ground moles exist? Ground moles play a role in ecosystems by aerating the soil and controlling insect populations. Their digging activities can improve soil drainage and nutrient circulation, which can benefit plant growth in some cases.
3. What good are ground moles? While ground moles can be considered pests when they damage lawns and gardens, they do provide ecological benefits by:
4. Whey do lawn moles tunnel and push up mounds of soil? Primarily for feeding and shelter purposes. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
5. Feeding Behavior: Moles are insectivores and primarily feed on earthworms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. Their tunnels allow them to search for and capture these prey items. As they dig through the soil, they create shallow tunnels near the surface where they can easily detect and consume their prey.
6. Shelter and Nesting: Moles also create deeper tunnels that serve as shelter and nesting sites. These tunnels provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. The deeper tunnels often have chambers where moles can rest and store food.
7. Soil Aeration and Nutrient Cycling: While not their primary intent, moles indirectly benefit the soil by aerating it through their tunneling activities. This can improve soil drainage, root growth, and nutrient circulation. The soil mounds (or molehills) created by moles are composed of excavated soil pushed to the surface as they dig their tunnels.
8. Behavioral Patterns: Moles are solitary animals and can cover large areas in search of food and suitable nesting sites. Their tunneling behavior can result in visible molehills or ridges on lawns and gardens, which can be considered a nuisance by humans.
9. So what do we typically use to effectively get rid of moles? Here are some strategies commonly employed by mole control experts:
10. Assessment and Identification: Professionals start by assessing the extent of the mole infestation and identifying active tunnels and feeding areas. This helps in determining the most effective methods for control.
11. Trapping: Live traps are often used to catch moles. These traps are placed in active tunnels identified by professionals. Trapping is considered one of the most humane methods of mole control because it allows the moles to be captured alive and relocated away from the property.
12. Exclusion: Professionals may recommend installing barriers or exclusion methods to prevent moles from entering certain areas of the property. This can include burying hardware cloth or mesh underground to block tunnel entrances.
13. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/oh-the-moles-are-back/
14. https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/oh-the-moles-are-back/
15. Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF
16. President at Go Green
17. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7208530745097687040/