Managing Moles and their Destructive Habits
A common Eastern Mole next to a Shrew (same size as a small mouse). Shrews are often mistaken for moles because of their similar looking snout.
Moles can be a source of great frustration to many homeowners. They dig extensive tunnel systems, and tear through your yard like a bulldozer at 10 or more feet per hour. While their tunnel systems help aerate the soil in prairies and pastures, they create hazards in the yard for humans and pets. Most have never seen a mole up close and are surprised at their size and strange features. They have cylindrical bodies, pointy snouts and powerful front legs equipped with oversized digging claws. Moles primary food is earthworms which makes yards with rich damp soil highly attractive.
Now that we understand a little bit more about them, let discuss how to control them.
Deterrents and Pesticides:
One proposed method involves using pesticides or other sprays to encourage them to leave. This may provide temporary relief but requires you to continually treat your yard with harsh chemicals that can contaminate the water supply. The effectiveness is questionable at best.
Poisons:
Another proposed control method is using poison baits such as MoleX or Talpirid. These products are designed to be ingested by moles. You place them in active tunnel runs and hope that the mole eats them. We don’t recommend this method because you are competing against live bait and it is difficult to know if you were successful. You also run the risk of poisoning other animals.
Trapping:
Wildlife professionals agree the most effective way to remove them is by trapping. There are many different mole traps on the market but we prefer to use puntage and talpex style traps. Both are mostly below the surface and do not cause harm to a dog or cat. Traps are placed in active tunnels throughout the property and are checked on a weekly basis. The placement of traps is the most important part of mole trapping and requires careful analysis of the property and surrounding landscape.
Homeowner Tips:
Homeowners who are attempting to trap moles should keep three things in mind to be successful. First ensure you purchase enough traps to cover most of the tunnels. For most situations you will need 5-15 traps. Next make sure you are placing your traps in straight long tunnels that are fresh. This gives you the best chance of catching moles. And finally, trapping takes patience and persistence. Occasionally a mole is caught within a day or two but it typically takes longer to be successful.
