Are you tired of waking up to find your once pristine lawn dotted with unsightly mounds of dirt? Have you ever wondered who could be behind this seemingly endless cycle of destruction? Guess Who? It’s Groundmoles.
Groundmole are small mammals found throughout much of the world that can cause extensive damage in yards and gardens. They live underground, and their burrowing habits can uproot plants, damage foundations, and create large mounds of dirt on the surface.
Groundmoles may look cute and harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden in a matter of days. These small mammals are known for their digging abilities, which allow them to create an intricate network of underground tunnels and burrows.
In this article, we’ll delve into the characteristics of ground moles and provide you with tips on how to protect your home from their destructive behavior. You will learn about ground moles, the potential dangers posed by an infestation, and how to control them. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
Key Take Aways
- Groundmoles are small mammals that live underground and can cause extensive damage to yards and gardens.
- There are different types of groundmoles, including the Eastern Mole, Western Mole, Townsend’s Mole, Hairy-tailed Mole, Star-nosed Mole, and Broad-footed Mole.
- Groundmoles prefer open grassy areas, meadows, wooded areas, and landscaped lawns.
- Signs of a groundmole infestation include raised mounds, tunnels, and frequent mole activity.
- Groundmoles can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and structures, as well as carry disease-carrying parasites.
- Methods to control groundmoles include identifying mole activity, installing physical barriers, using mole repellents and vibrating stakes, trying natural deterrents, trapping, maintaining a healthy lawn, adjusting watering techniques, making landscaping adjustments, and seeking professional assistance if necessary.
What are Ground Moles?
These subterranean creatures belong to the Insectivora species, which include other animals such as moles and hedgehogs but differ from them in a few ways. Groundmoles generally have short snouts and long tails, and their fur comes in grey, brownish, or black colors.
”They have strong claws that they use to dig tunnels and burrow deep into the earth with ease. ”
Groundmoles also can grow very quickly; they reach maturity only two to three weeks after birth, and can live up to three years in captivity. Groundmoles primarily feed on worms, insects, and other small invertebrates but are not averse to eating some plant material when available.
They typically inhabit areas with moist soils and plenty of organic matter and prefer warm climates. Groundmoles can be found in grassy fields, woodlands, meadows, and even urban environments.
Types of Groundmoles
Groundmoles are small mammals with cylindrical bodies and short legs. They have small eyes and ears, as well as a long snout. Depending on the exact species, groundmoles will range in size from 5 to 10 inches in length.
There are six different types of groundmoles; the Eastern Mole, Western Mole, Townsend’s Mole, Hairy-tailed Mole, Star-nosed Mole, and the Broad-footed Mole. Each unique species has their own physical characteristics, diet and habitat.
Eastern Mole
Eastern Moles have dark brown to black fur and can be identified by their wide hind feet. They live mainly in the eastern United States, and prefer deciduous forests, lawns and meadows. Their diet consists of earthworms, insects, grubs, and other underground invertebrates.
Western Mole
The Western Mole is slightly larger than the Eastern Mole, and has grayish-brown fur. They inhabit open woodlands, meadows and lawns in the western United States. Western Moles feed on earthworms, insects, grubs, and other invertebrates found beneath the soil.
Townsend’s Mole
Townsend’s Moles have a light brown or grayish-brown fur and small paws with short claws. They live in western North America, from Alaska down to Mexico. Townsend’s Moles prefer moist and sandy soil near ponds and streams, and eat mainly earthworms and insects.
Hairy-tailed Mole
Hairy-tailed Moles have silver, gray or brown fur with obvious hairs all along their tail. They live in Canada and parts of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Hairy-tailed Moles prefer dry forested areas with deep and loose soil, and mainly eat earthworms and insects.
Star-nosed Mole
The Star-nosed Mole is easily identified by its pink, fleshy nose star. They live in eastern and central North America, in wet lowland areas near streams and marshes. Their diet consists of aquatic invertebrates, earthworms, and insects.
Broad-footed Mole
Broad-footed Moles have light brown to black fur and can be identified by their broad hind feet. They live mainly in the Pacific Northwest and have adapted to forested and semi-arid environments. Broad-footed Moles eat mainly earthworms, insects, and other underground invertebrates.
Where Do Groundmoles Live?
Groundmoles are small burrowing animals found in many parts of the world. They have adapted to living in a variety of different regions, terrains, and climates.
Groundmoles prefer open grassy areas, meadows, wooded areas, and landscaped lawns. They thrive in climates that experience variable wet and dry seasons and often live in areas with sandy soils or clay loam soils. Groundmoles are commonly found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
In the United States, groundmoles are most commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains. Canada is also home to several species of groundmoles, with populations concentrated mainly in northern areas and Prairies.
Groundmoles are found in other parts of the world as well. They are common in parts of Central and South America, as well as Europe and Asia. Some species of groundmoles have been introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where they have become an invasive species.
Signs and Symptoms of a Groundmole Infestation
Groundmole infestations can be difficult to detect due to the creatures’ secretive nature. However, there are several indicators that can alert you to their presence in your backyard or lawn. Common signs of an infestation include:
- Strangely shaped or raised mounds in the yard, typically surrounding areas where grass is absent.
- Tunnels leading from the mounds to various parts of the yard.
- Frequent activity from moles, such as resurfacing in multiple areas.
- Presence of other pests, such as grubs or worms, which groundmoles feed on.
If you suspect that you may have a groundmole infestation, it is important to act quickly. These creatures can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens, as well as creating structural damage if they burrow under buildings. Therefore, it is important to identify and control the infestation as soon as possible.
Dangers of a Groundmole Infestation
Groundmoles can cause messy and expensive damage to your home and garden. Their burrowing activity can create mounds of dirt that can ruin your pristine lawn and their tunneling can undermine the stability of building foundations and walls. In addition, groundmoles may also bring disease-carrying parasites to your yard.
Groundmoles can create unsightly piles of dirt in your yard, which can be a source of stress and frustration for homeowners. Not only are these piles unsightly, but they can also kill off nearby plants and erode away soil from around the mound. As well, the burrowing can cause damage to grass and other plants.
The tunnels made by groundmoles can also create problems. The tunnels can cause the instability of building foundations and weaken the structural integrity of walls. This can be especially dangerous if there is heavy rain or snow melt as the excess water can accumulate in the tunnels and put extra pressure on the foundation or walls.
Finally, groundmoles can also carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can make their way into your home and cause problems. These pests can spread disease and can make you and your family very sick.
Groundmole Control Methods
Groundmoles can cause a lot of damage to yards and gardens, leaving behind unsightly mounds and tunnels. Fortunately, there are several methods for controlling and preventing groundmole infestations. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand each one before deciding which makes the most sense for you.
- Identify mole activity: Look for signs of mole activity, such as raised ridges or molehills in your yard. Locating their active tunnels will help you focus your control efforts.
- Physical barriers: Install physical barriers like wire mesh or hardware cloth beneath your garden beds, lawns, or other areas where moles are active. These barriers can deter moles from tunneling into specific areas.
- Mole repellents: There are various mole repellents available on the market, including granules, sprays, and ultrasonic devices. Repellents usually work by emitting smells or sound that moles find unpleasant. Follow the product instructions for the best results.
- Vibrating stakes: Vibrating or sonic mole stakes can help deter moles by creating vibrations or sounds that disturb them. Place these stakes in the ground near active mole tunnels to discourage their presence.
- Natural deterrents: Some natural substances may repel moles. For example, castor oil-based mole repellents are believed to be effective in driving moles away. However, the efficacy of natural deterrents can vary, so it’s important to read reviews and follow instructions when using them.
- Trapping: Trapping is a more hands-on approach to mole control. Purchase mole traps designed specifically for catching moles and follow the instructions carefully. Proper trap placement is crucial, so it’s best to research and understand the trapping process thoroughly or seek professional assistance.
- Proper lawn maintenance: Maintaining a healthy lawn can discourage mole activity. Moles are attracted to grubs and earthworms, so reducing their food source can be helpful. Regularly aerate and dethatch your lawn, and consider using nematodes, which are natural predators of lawn grubs.
- Watering techniques: Moles prefer moist soil, so adjusting your watering practices can discourage their presence. Avoid overwatering your lawn and ensure proper drainage to discourage moles from seeking out your yard.
- Landscaping adjustments: Modifying your landscape can make it less appealing to moles. For example, create a barrier of gravel or rocks around garden beds or use raised beds to deter tunneling. Additionally, reducing dense vegetation can make your yard less attractive to moles.
- Seek professional assistance: If you’ve tried various methods without success or if the mole problem persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service that specializes in mole removal. They have the expertise and tools to handle mole infestations effectively.
FAQs
1. What is a ground mole?
A ground mole is a small mammal that lives underground and creates tunnels and burrows. They are also known as moles or lawn moles.
2. Why are ground moles considered pests?
Ground moles are considered pests because they can damage lawns by creating tunnels and mounds. They also feed on earthworms and other insects that are beneficial to the soil, which can cause further damage to plants and grass.
3. How can I identify if I have a mole problem?
You can identify a mole problem by the presence of surface tunnels and mounds in your lawn or garden. These are signs that a mole is actively burrowing and feeding in the area.
4. What are some ways to get rid of moles?
There are several ways to get rid of moles, including trapping, using repellent, or calling a professional mole removal service. Castor oil and certain baits can also be effective in eliminating moles.
5. Are there any effective mole control methods?
Trapping and using repellent are both effective mole control methods. It is important to know the species of moles in your area and their behavior patterns to select the most effective control method.
6. Can I prevent moles from entering my lawn or garden?
You can deter moles from entering your lawn or garden by removing their food source (insects and grubs) and using repellent or other deterrent measures. It is also important to maintain a healthy lawn and soil.
7. What are some characteristics of an active mole?
An active mole can be identified by the presence of fresh tunnels and mounds in your lawn or garden. They may also be seen above ground occasionally.
8. How do I catch a mole?
You can catch a mole by using traps. It is important to place the trap in an active mole tunnel and monitor it regularly.
Conclusion
This guide has covered the various factors that make up a groundmole infestation and the pest control methods you can take to prevent or control them. Groundmoles may be small, but they can create big problems if left unchecked.
Understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures is the best way to protect your home and garden from groundmoles. If the groundmole infestation you suffer on your property is severe, consult with a professional pest control service to determine the best course of action for safely and effectively getting rid of the moles.
