How to Tell If You Have a Mole Problem
Moles can be a real nuisance, burrowing through your lawn and making it difficult to keep your yard looking nice. While there are a number of ways to get rid of these pests, you may not be sure if you have a mole problem or not. In this article, we'll provide some tips on how to tell if you have moles in your yard and how to get rid of them yourself, without contacting a Salt Lake City pest control company.
What are moles and what do they look like
Moles are small mammals that live in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are gray or black in color and have short fur. Moles have a number of unique characteristics, including their very large front teeth, which they use to dig through the soil.
A mole's front feet are wide and stuck to the sides of their bodies. They have snouts that act much like an elephant's snout but shaped like a star, perfect for holding down earthworms while they consume them.
Moles are blind by nature but have very sensitive hearing and can easily detect movement underground.
What do moles eat
Moles belong to the insectivore family meaning they feed on earthworms, grubs, insect larvae, crickets, slugs, centipedes and millipedes. They are able to tunnel through the ground quickly in search of food, which is why they can be such a nuisance when they burrow through people's lawns.
A common misconception is that moles like to eat the roots of your plants in your garden when in fact they are after the earth worms in your garden soil. According to Pest Strategies, they love earthworms so much that they can eat their body weight worth of earthworms on a daily basis.
What are their common habits?
Moles spend most of their lives alone and underground in their extensive burrow systems. These burrows can extend up to several miles in length and can be up to six feet deep. Moles will only come to the surface to feed or mate. They are such loners that 3 to 5 moles per acre is considered a lot.
How to tell if you have a mole problem
If you're not sure if you have a mole problem or not, there are a few signs you can look for. Mole hills or ridges in your yard are a sure sign of activity, as moles will push the soil up as they burrow. You may also see evidence of tunneling, such as loose soil or raised patches of grass. If you hear any scratching noises coming from underground, that's another sign of moles.
Are moles a threat to your health?
Moles are not a threat to your health, but they can cause damage to your lawn. Their tunneling can uproot grass and plants, and their burrowing can make it difficult to mow your lawn or walk on it without damaging the roots of your grass.
Common Myths on how to get rid of moles
There are a number of myths out there on how to get rid of moles, but not all of them are effective. For example, planting certain plants or using certain scents is not proven to work. The same goes for home remedies like using human hair, cat litter, peanut butter or even Juicy Fruit Gum. The latter few don't work simply because the mole's diet has evolved to become that of an insectivore. The best way to get rid of moles is to use traps.
What are the signs of a mole infestation
If you're not sure if you have a mole infestation or not, there are a few signs you can look for. Mole hills or ridges in your yard are a sure sign of activity, as moles will push the soil up as they burrow. You may also see evidence of tunneling, such as loose soil or raised patches of grass. If you hear any scratching noises coming from underground, that's another sign of moles.
DIY methods for getting rid of moles
If you do have a mole problem in your lawn or garden, there are a few DIY methods that people use to try to get rid of moles:
Using traps is a popular humane method. They can be purchased at most hardware stores and act as tunnels for mole to crawl into before closing, trapping the mole inside and letting you move it to a rural area at least 5 miles away from your home. Be sure to wear gloves when handling these types of traps.
Poison bait is another option, which will kill the moles once they eat it.
Sonic Spikes inserted into your lawn or garden will scare off moles by using an electronic pulse that creates sounds that moles dislike.
Digging trenches roughly 6 inches wide and 2 feet deep will control where moles dig. Once you've dug your trenches be sure to line them with wire mesh and fill the gaps in your lawn or garden with rocks. Not only will this help to solve your mole problem but it can be a great way for you to renovate your yard.
Moles are sensitive to loud noises so another method is to use a portable radio. To do this, place a portable radio in a ziplock bag, turn the volume up and place it near the entrance and exit points of the mole's tunnels.
Another, more invasive yet effective method, is using carbon monoxide. The exhaust from your car can be utilized by attaching one end of a water hose to your vehicle's exhaust pipe. Secure it with aluminum foil, then place the other end into the mole's tunnel. turn your vehicle on and in a short period of time, these harmful emissions will either exterminate your mole or persuade it to leave your lawn or garden.
Moles can be a nuisance in your lawn or garden and can cause damage to plants and grass. There are a number of ways to get rid of them, but the most popular and humane way is to use traps. If you're not comfortable setting traps or using poison bait, there are other methods like sonic spikes, trenches, or carbon monoxide that you can try. Keep in mind that each method has its own set of risks and rewards, so do your research before deciding which one is best for you.
If you have any questions or need help getting rid of moles in your lawn or garden, be sure to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to help you get rid of your mole problem in a safe and effective manner.
