Moles

Moles are industrious, subterranean mammals whose presence often leads to a homeowner’s frustration due to their extensive underground tunnels that create unsightly ridges and mounds on lawns.

These fascinating creatures, commonly found where moles occur in suitable habitats, are uniquely adapted for a life of digging with powerful forefeet, extremely soft velvety skin, and fur that allows for easy movement within mole tunnels. Unlike most mammals, their reliance is on a keen sense of touch and smell rather than their very small eyes and ears to navigate and find prey, with their natural color usually being grayish-brown or black. Understanding their habits is key to addressing the damage lawns suffer and implementing effective mole control.

Notable Mole Species Across North America, Including Ohio Varieties

Across North America, several mole species expertly navigate their subterranean worlds, each with unique characteristics. In Ohio, homeowners are most likely to encounter the Eastern Mole, Star-Nosed Mole, and Hairy-Tailed Mole.

Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

This is one of the most moles commonly found and is prevalent in Ohio, responsible for significant lawn damage. Eastern moles prefer moist, loamy, or sandy soils rich in earthworms and grubs. These solitary diggers create extensive networks of both shallow surface tunnels and deeper tunnels. Female moles typically have one litter annually after a gestation period of about 4-6 weeks. Their presence often means many moles are not far if conditions are ideal.

Star-Nosed Mole (Condylura cristata)

Also found in Ohio, the star-nosed mole is instantly recognizable by the 22 pink, fleshy tentacles on its snout, which act as highly sensitive touch organs. It prefers wet, marshy areas and is a proficient swimmer. While its tunnels might be less conspicuous than those of the Eastern mole, it is an equally adept tunneler.

Hairy-Tailed Mole (Parascalops breweri):

This species, also occurring in Ohio, is distinguished by its short, hairy tail. It favors well-drained, loose soils in forested or open areas. The Hairy-Tailed mole is a solitary creature that forages in shallow burrows for insects and earthworms and may even forage on the surface at night.

Coast Mole (Scapanus orarius)

Found along the Pacific coast, the Coast Mole inhabits a variety of soils, from forests to grasslands. It is similar in appearance to Townsend’s mole but generally smaller. They create complex mole tunnels and can be active day and night, feeding primarily on earthworms and insects.

Townsend's Mole (Scapanus townsendii)

As North America’s largest mole, Townsend’s Mole prefers rich, moist soils in lowland areas, pastures, and fields, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. They are known for creating large mounds and extensive tunnel systems. Their diet is mainly soil invertebrates but can include some plant matter.

Broad-Footed Mole (Scapanus latimanus)

Also known as the California Mole, the Broad-Footed Mole is found in areas with moist, friable soils, including grasslands, forests, and gardens, primarily in California and parts of Nevada and Oregon. As its name suggests, it has broad front feet adapted for digging its underground tunnels. They are active year-round and are often seen after heavy rain. Like other species of moles, they are insectivores.

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Effective Mole Control Strategies

When mole tunnels and mounds begin to mar your landscape, mole control becomes a priority. Various methods exist, with varying degrees of success:

Trapping

Considered one of the most effective methods, specialized mole traps are placed in active surface tunnels.

Baits

Poison baits that mimic natural food can work but must be used carefully around pets and children.

Repellents

Castor oil repellents and sonic devices may deter moles, but their effectiveness is often unreliable.

Habitat Modification

Reducing grubs may discourage moles, but since they also eat beneficial earthworms, total removal isn't ideal.

Barriers

Installing underground barriers around small, specific areas like gardens can prevent moles from entering.

Professional Assistance

For persistent mole issues, a professional can identify active tunnels and apply the most effective solutions.

While moles play a role in aerating the soil and consuming potentially harmful insects as part of the natural resources of an ecosystem, their tunneling activities often come into direct conflict with human landscaping preferences. By understanding their biology and behavior, homeowners can make informed decisions about how to manage and control mole populations, minimizing the damage to their lawns and gardens and restoring peace to their outdoor spaces. If you’re seeing signs of more moles and escalating damage, it’s time to take action.

Understanding Mole Behavior: A Life Underground

Moles live almost entirely beneath the soil, creating a complex network of tunnels. These mole tunnels serve various purposes: shallow surface tunnels, often visible as raised ridges on lawns, are primarily for foraging, while deeper tunnels provide protection and living quarters. The constant excavation of these tunnels is what leads to the characteristic damage lawns experience. You might notice more mole activity after a heavy rain, as the softened soil is easier to dig and earthworms may come closer to the surface. The presence of many moles or even just a few can quickly lead to extensive disfigurement of turf.

Ready to protect your lawn and garden from mole damage? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote, and let our experts provide a lasting solution to your mole problems!