Did you know that Americans spend around 70 hours a year and over $50 billion on their yards? Lots of that love, attention, and money goes into making sure they have a perfectly manicured lawn. If that describes you, then you know the crushing feeling of seeing that lawn torn to shreds by… moles!
They haven’t a clue they’re a nuisance, but boy do they know how to wreck a yard. But the problem is that this particular pest infestation isn’t always easy to identify. You might not know whether you’re dealing with voles, moles, gophers, or something else entirely.
Join us as we dig (sorry) into 6 signs that you have moles in your yard.
1. Molehills
Molehills are small mounds of dirt that seem to magically appear on your lawn overnight. In line with the old saying, they’re pretty small – only about two inches in height. But they can destroy the pristine appearance of a lawn.
Moles do occasionally surface via molehills. But they’re formed by the excess dirt that moles move out of the way while excavating.
Moles are carnivores, so they spend their lives in search of worms. That’s why they’re constantly burrowing – they’re hunting down their slow-moving prey.
Is it really important to get rid of moles? It is, especially if you’ve got pets.
The question is, do moles carry rabies? has a chilling answer. Yes, they do and if one of them bites your cat or dog, it’s bad news for everyone. Pets with rabies have to be put down before they spread it to other animals and humans.
Calling a pest control company for moles may feel a little extreme, but actually, it’s a very measured response. Don’t take the risk with your pets or your family’s health.
2. Tunnels
Along with molehills, you may see tunnels appear beneath the surface of your lawn.
These may collapse but are more likely to be slightly raised areas where the mole has excavated a path for him or herself beneath the lawn. You’re more likely to see them after a rainy night. During the rainy period, all the little critters living in your lawn head for the surface.
This is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for moles. They’ll boogie on down to your lawn and tunnel away, feasting all night long.
3. Damage to Plants
As mentioned, moles are generally carnivores. So most of the damage they do to plants is unintentional. But as they burrow their way through your backyard, they unintentionally cause a lot of damage to the roots of your plants.
They also displace dirt, meaning there’s not enough left for plants to thrive. And if they feel like a trip to the salad bar, a hungry mole may also nibble on roots and bulbs, causing further damage.
No one wants to replace plants all summer long as part of their home maintenance program. Call pest control and let them take care of the problem for you.
4. Mole Sightings
What’s the difference between a mole, a vole, and a gopher?
Sorry, it’s not the start of a joke, but spotting a mole is one definitive way to identify your enemy. Moles and gophers have a few things in common, namely the fact that they love to burrow. But moles are smaller, typically a maximum of 8 inches in length.
Gophers can measure up to a foot in length and are rodents, so have that family’s characteristic appearance. Moles are members of the shrew family and have a pointed nose like their foraging cousins. Moles also have huge front paws that do an excellent job of destroying lawns.
Voles, on the other hand, do not burrow. They leave tracks on your lawn called ‘runways’ because they run back and forth along the same lines.
This should help you understand exactly what’s causing your home infestation!
5. Stones on the Lawn
When you consider that moles are only a few inches long, they are outstanding excavators. Sometimes they excavate stones and rocks and kindly deposit them on your lawn. You might not realize this until you heard that sickening clunk when you mow the lawn.
If you’ve had to call a pest control service for a mole infestation, check your lawn afterward. As well as repairing the tunnels and molehills, you may need to rake up any rocks that could wreck your lawnmower.
6. A Well-Watered Garden
If your garden is dry as a bone, you’re unlikely to attract moles. But by watering your garden religiously, you’re unwittingly creating a mole-friendly environment.
Moles, like the rest of us, love to take the path of least resistance. They love moist, loamy soil that’s easy to move through. Not surprising when you consider that they practically ‘swim’ through the soil. They use their strong front claws like flippers to pull themselves along.
So if your garden is meticulously watered from spring onward, you may want to think about dialing it back a little.
How to Handle That Pest Infestation
A pest infestation is no fun, especially if it’s destroying your pride and joy!
Moles are cute little critters, but unfortunately, they get in the way. Don’t let their tunnels and hills destroy your enjoyment of your backyard this summer. Call pest control and they’ll find a solution without making a mess.
Have you enjoyed this article? We’re so glad! With fresh articles added regularly, there’s always something new to find out!
Head over to our Real Estate Talk section today for more tips on making the most of your home.
