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Why do the mounds caused by moles kill big patches of turf?

Last Updated: March 15, 2007

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Moles are insectivores, meaning that they eat insects such as earthworms and grubs. They do not feed on vegetation such as the roots of turf. However, tunneling through the soil can damage plant roots and cause the surface runs to dry out quickly, killing the turf. Mounds of dirt are often made by moles as they dig deeper runs. If these mounds are run over by a mower, large patches of grass can be killed. It is much better to distribute or spread the fresh soil by foot or rake, leaving only a surface hole that may be no larger than 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Mowing of the raised areas above burrows can result in scalping of the turf if the burrows are not pressed back down by rolling or by foot.

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