Mole Problems in Lawns

Moles can damage healthy lawns.

There are six species of moles, Scapanus spp., in North America. Three of these species, including the eastern mole, the hairy-tailed mole and the star-nosed mole, may be found in your lawn. Moles can cause a host of problems for homeowners, and thus steps should be taken to get rid of moles.

Identification

Moles are characterized by their pointed snouts and short, spade-shaped limbs. Moles are commonly confused with the pocket gopher. You can distinguish between the two mammals by examining your lawn. Moles produce raised ridges and surface tunnels, whereas pocket gophers do not. In addition, moles construct a single cone-shaped mound, whereas pocket gophers construct several mounds.

Problems

Moles live almost entirely underground and spend much of their time searching for food. Consequently, moles dig a network of tunnels in your yard, resulting in a mound of overturned dirt and several raised ridges. Moreover, moles make tree roots accessible to animals that will chew on them, damage the root systems of plants and crops, and divert water through their tunnels.

Trapping

Moles can be trapped using a harpoon or scissor-jaw trap. Both traps kill the mole. To be effective, traps must be placed in an active burrow. You can determine which burrows are active by caving in a small section of the burrow. If the burrow is repaired within 48 hours, it is an active burrow. When setting a trap, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Traps can be set up at any time, though it is best to avoid early mornings and late evenings, when moles are most active.

Alternative Control Methods

In addition to trapping, repellents, available at most lawn supply stores, may be effective. Repellents are generally vibrating or sound-producing devices. Toxic baits, including warfarin anticoagulant bait, which is squeezed directly into the tunnel, may also be effective. Finally, fumigation and flooding have been used with varying degrees of success.

References

• University of Missouri: Controlling Nuisance Moles
• Internet Center for Wildlife Management: Mole Control and Management Information
• University of California: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
• Ohio State University: Effective Mole Control