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Moles

Identification
Biology
Inspection
Control
Pro Tips & Video

Identification

  • Moles have a naked, pointed snout, which extends nearly a half-inch in front of the mouth opening. Their tiny eyes and ear holes are concealed by fur. Moles have large, broad forefeet and their palms are wider than they are long. Their toes are webbed to the base of the broad claws. Moles’ hind feet are small and narrow, with slender, sharp claws. The average length for a mole is 7 inches and they weigh about 2-4 ounces. The most common moles in the area we service are the Eastern Mole, Hairy-Tailed Mole, and Star-Nosed Mole. 

Biology

  • Breeding period: February- March
  • Gestation:  28-42 days
  • Birth period:  March- April
  • Litters per year: 1
  • Litter size:  2-5
  • Feeding period: Anytime
  • Moles thrive in loose, moist soil that is abundant in earthworms which, in addition to insects and grubs, make up most of their diet.
  • Range
Star-Nosed Mole Range
Hairy-Tailed Mole Range
Eastern Mole Range

Inspection

  • Moles are a type of nuisance wildlife common throughout the Varment Guard service territory.  Customers will commonly call for mole service due to the damage done to lawns.
  • Remember to use the information provided by the customer as a starting point for inspection. This may come from direct communication with the customer or the notes from client service detailed in the work order/proposal. 
  • On initial inspection, start by walking the yard.  Look for tunnels and mounds of dirt.  Mole damage is usually quite obvious.  Make sure to check mulch beds for activity also.  
  • Moles do not thrive in dry or hard soil. Moles seldom come out of their burrows, and are almost never seen. Moles do not hibernate and remain active even in the winter months.
Mounds of Dirt from Mole Activity
Mole Runs
Mole Runs

Control

  • Lethal trapping methods are commonly used to control moles.
  • Scissor traps, spear traps, NoMol traps, Moleinator traps and GopherHawk Traps are all options for lethal trapping.
  • Fumigants may be an option in some situations. For this type of control use the Burrow RX.
  • Lethal baits such as Talprid can be placed in burrows as well.  
Scissor Trap

Pro Tips & Video

  • Lethal traps should be set in travel runs to be most successful.  Travel runs can be identified by finding the long, straight runs. The runs that branch off are typically feeding runs and the mole may never return to those.  Think of it like a tree and set the traps in the trunk portion of the runs.
  • Moles will also use landscape barriers, sidewalks and driveways and tunnel along the edges.  Always check these areas.
  • Throughout most of the year, moles will not overlap home ranges as they are highly territorial. 1-3 moles per acre would be typical, however their tunnel systems will not overlap, nor will they share runs unless breeding in early spring. On average a single mole can tunnel 16-18ft an hour. That's an average across soil types so in moist loose soil or mulch they can create even more damage in a shorter time. One mole can practically destroy a yard in less than 24 hours and make it seem as if there were many moles present to the untrained eye.
  • When mounds are present and moles are not being caught, the Burrow RX is a useful tool to take care of activity in the deeper runs.
  • The Burrow RX is included in the trapping service and can be used to keep customers happy with service. This is an easy option for taking care of call back services.
Burrow RX Machine