Tell Me More About Moles

Problems

Moles are often blamed for damage caused by other species. On golf courses and lawns the evidence of mole presence is frequently seen in their excavations, either in small mounds of earth (molehills) resulting from deep tunneling or shallow surface tunnels or runs that collapse underfoot and may result in dead patches in lawns. Damage to lawns can also occur when the raised turf over the surface tunnels is hit with lawnmower blades.

Solutions

> Tolerance: Because moles feed on insects and earthworms below ground, it fits to reason that part of their diet should consist of grubs, which can be harmful to lawns. How much they help the homeowner in regard to grub control is not known. When moles are abundant and perceived to be a problem, harmful insects are likely to be abundant as well, and the removal of moles may expose the homeowner to an insect problem. In response to insect abundance, mole activity in a given area is also likely to be episodic or seasonal and often stops before any control action can be undertaken. Accordingly, we do not advise any direct efforts to control moles or their habitat as necessary, except in extreme cases.

> Habitat Management: Where a problem exists with mole tunnels that are the result of mechanical damage caused by a lawnmower hitting raised mounds of earth; this can be avoided by flattening the mole runs by foot or with a lawn roller before mowing. Overwatering lawns can keep earthworms and other mole prey near the surface and result in increased surface tunneling. Encouraging native plant species to establish themselves in the lawn and keeping lawn size to a minimum whenever possible are also good approaches to dealing with mole problems. “Natural” lawns that rely on native grass or forb plants that do not require fertilizer, frequent watering and herbicide and pesticide applications to be maintained in good health would aid tremendously, not only in minimizing conflicts with moles and other wildlife, but as generally sound environmental constructs. For some, the tunneling activity of moles is welcome because it turns the soil, increases biological activity and may, in the long run, improve the quality of a site.

> Exclusion: Barriers can be erected around flower or garden plots by burying hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh) in the recommended L-shaped footer configuration. Concrete edges buried 8 to 12 inches underground or similar barriers used, in addition to keeping weeds from spreading into flowerbeds, may repel tunneling moles. These approaches are labor-intensive and costly, however, and would be recommended only for exceptional situations or if the homeowner has other reasons to be using them, other than moles.

> Repellents: Castor bean or castor-oil plants are often recommended mole repellents, but need research to document when and to what extent they might be effective. A recently registered repellent sold under the brand name Mole-Med uses an extract of the castor bean plant as a spray to repel moles from lawns. Careless people put all sorts of things down hills to discourage them. This may discourage the mole from using that tunnel, but not address the problem. We do not recommend any of these sorts of solutions to problems with moles.

> Scaring Devices: Some success has been reported by using garden pinwheels that transmit vibrations into the ground and supposedly frighten moles sway from an area. Commercial battery-operated devices of this sort are available and claim effectiveness over areas of as much as 3,000 square feet. As with all such products and claims, the buyer is encouraged to be skeptical and seek money-back guarantees if the product proves ineffective.

Physical Appearance

Moles are torpedo-shaped mammals with velvety grayish fur, no neck, tiny eyes and ears, and spade-like front feet. The naked, pointed snout is a sensitive probe by which the mole senses its dark, underground world. The animals are about 6 inches long, including the short tail. As insect eaters, moles have sharp, white front teeth, unlike the yellow-faced nipping incisors of pocket gophers and other burrowing rodents. These are the only mammals with which they might be confused.

Habitat

There is just one species of mole in Colorado, and it is restricted to the eastern plains, where it lives in sand hills, on sandy flood plains, fields, lawns, cemeteries, and golf courses. Moles spend most of their lives underground and rarely make an appearance on the surface. Permanent burrows, which contain a nest of grass, are deep. Excavated soil is thrown from a vertical hole, which forms a circular mound. Because of their burrowing habits, moles help build soil, mixing rich material from near the surface with mineral soil from deeper tunnels. They can be a nuisance in lawns, however.

Feeding Habits

Moles prefer moist, loose soils of the sort favored by the grubs and earthworms that are their main source of food. Moles search for earthworms, grubs, insects, and other food along feeding tunnels near the surface of the soil, often pushing up a ridge of sod that marks their passing.

Mating & Breeding

Moles breed in late winter and early spring. After a gestation period of about five weeks, females have a litter of between 3 to 7 naked young in March or April. The young are born in a deeper burrow than those normally seen on the surface and become active within the burrow runs at about four weeks of age. Moles are very territorial and will not tolerate other adults in their territory, except during the brief mating season.

Predators

Although owls, carnivorous mammals, and snakes are known to eat moles, flooding may be the most common cause of death.

Public Health

Moles are not considered to be a significant source for any infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.

- Information provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife

- Information also provided by The Humane Society of the United States

Humane Society of U.S.| CO. Dept.of Health & Environment
Animal Control Home | Colorado Div. of Wildlife
Urban Wildlife Rescue | Table Mountain Animal Shelter