Moles: What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them

Whether you’re dealing with molehills in the yard or unsightly moles on your face, many people have questions about these strange animals. Keeping reading to learn more about this secretive creature.

What is a Mole?

Moles are small animals that are members of the Talpidae family. While other types of moles are found around the world, the ones most commonly seen in yards and gardens in the United States are known as the Eastern Mole, which can grow up to 6 inches long and weigh as much as 4 ounces. They are dark brown in color and have a large head and strong forearms, which they use to dig burrows. Their powerful claws are well-adapted to breaking apart soil and rocks and their large, sensitive ears are excellent for keeping track of sounds.

Moles and Molehills

Moles spend their days burrowing through the soil in search of food. They use the tunnels that they create for protection from predators and extreme temperatures. As they dig, they push up the soil, resulting in the mounds known as molehills. These mounds of soil are typically found in high-traffic areas of lawns and gardens, such as pathways and flower beds.

Moles and Insect Control

Moles feed mainly on earthworms and other small insects, so their diet actually benefits your yard. By eating these insects, moles are beneficial to gardens and lawns by removing potential pests from the soil. So, while they may leave unsightly mounds of soil in their wake, they’re more helpful than they may seem.

How to Get Rid of Moles

If you’d rather not have moles in your yard, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of them. The most common method is to use a mole trap. This can be purchased at a home improvement store or online. Before using a mole trap, remove any existing molehills in the area. This will encourage the animals to find elsewhere to live. Once the mole trap is set, check it regularly so that you can release any animals caught within a reasonable amount of time.

You can also deter moles by installing metal mesh under the soil. It’s important to ensure that the metal mesh is laid properly and is deep enough that the moles won’t be able to dig around it. You can also remove potential food sources for moles by eliminating grubs, worms, and other insects in the lawn. Finally, applying castor oil onto the soil may also help to repel the animals.

Conclusion

Moles can be a nuisance in lawns and gardens, but they can also be beneficial when it comes to pest control. If you’d rather not live with these animals, there are a few steps you can take to deter them, such as using a mole trap, installing metal mesh, and eliminating potential food sources. Try one of these methods and you’ll be able to enjoy your yard without moles.