Moles Treatment

There are more than 30 molespecies worldwide, and 7 of them are found in North America. If they didn't tunnel, we would find them beneficial instead of annoying. Moles perform vital functions such as aerating soil and feeding on grubs, which are (to some) a dreaded lawn pest. Moles do not eat plant bulbs or plant roots as commonly perceived, but can be destructive in lawns, gardens, nurseries, parks, golf courses, and cemeteries. As moles burrow, mounds and ridges are produced and this can disfigure lawns, dislodge plants, and injure plant roots.

Around here, the eastern mole is the only mole species of concern. The following is a discussion based on the biology and habits of this species.

Moles are physiologically built for digging underground. They have shovel-like front feet that are more broad than long. The backs of the feet face each other, have outward facing palms, and are equipped with heavy claws. To get through the soil, the mole uses a swimming motion. When soil is most adequate for tunneling, after a rain, they can travel up to 18 feet per hour.

Although equipped with good hearing, moles lack external ears to prevent interference when burrowing. Their eyes are covered with fused eyelids and can't do more than distinguish between light and dark.

Moles mate during February and March and give birth to litters of 3 to 5 young after a 6-week gestation period. Young moles grow rapidly and attain the appearance and behavior of an adult by one month of age. Young moles may use their family's burrow system for anywhere up to six months. After that, they begin branching off and establishing their own territory and burrows nearby.