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Moles feed primarily on soil invertebrates, especially earthworms and grubs (beetle larvae). About 20% of their food is plant material, which may include garden vegetables and small grains (Silver and Moore 1941). Voles and mice use the burrows of moles and can be responsible for some dam-age attributed to moles (Henderson 1994). Burrowing by moles may reduce production of forage crops by undermining and smothering vegetation, and by exposing root systems to drying. Their surface burrows can also plug harvesting machinery and contaminate hay and silage (Wick and Landforce 1962). Moles can damage lawns and golf greens extensively through burrowing.
The presence of moles can usually be detected by the mounds of soil thrown up from extensive tunnels dug in search of food and by the raised soil of surface burrows. Mole hills can be distinguished from pocket gopher mounds by their more rounded contour and the lack of a burrow entrance or soil plug (Eadie 1954).
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Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Generally not practical, except in very small, high-value areas where an aboveground and underground barrier (sheet metal, brick, wood) might restrict moles.
Cultural Methods
Packing the soil destroys burrows, and sometimes moles if done in early morning or late evening.
Reduction in soil moisture and food source removal by the use of insecticides discourages moles and generally results in lower populations.
Frightening
Ineffective.
Repellents
None are registered.
Toxicants
Strychnine alkaloid. Chlorophacinone is registered in some states.
Fumigants
Aluminum phosphide. Gas cartridges.
Trapping (most effective control method)
Out O’ Sight® Trap.Bayonet trap or harpoon trap (Victor® Mole Trap). Nash® (choker-type) mole trap. Easy-set mole eliminator. Cinch mole trap. Death-Klutch gopher trap.
Shooting
Not practical.
Other Methods
None tested have proven effective.
| Moles | Mole Overview | Mole Damage Assessment | Mole Damage Management | Mole Resources | Mole Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
