Rodents be gone
Moles
What are Moles?
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that belong to the family Talpidae. Known for their subterranean lifestyle, moles are adept diggers with powerful forelimbs and large, spade-like paws. These solitary creatures are often found in lawns, gardens, and fields, where they create extensive tunnel systems in search of insects, worms, and other invertebrates. While moles play a beneficial role in soil aeration and pest control, their tunneling can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens.
Eastern Mole:
- Common in eastern North America.
- Prefers loose, sandy soils for easy digging.
Star-Nosed Mole:
- Recognizable by the star-shaped appendages on its snout.
- Found in wet, lowland areas and near water sources.
How to Identify Moles
Appearance:
- About 12-15 cm in length.
- Velvety fur, usually gray or brown.
- Small eyes and ears, large forelimbs with webbed paws for digging.
Signs of Presence:
- Molehills: Conical piles of soil on the surface.
- Raised ridges: Tunnels just below the surface creating visible ridges in the soil.
Behavior:
- Active year-round, with increased activity during spring and fall.
- Solitary and territorial, each mole typically inhabits its own tunnel system.
Common Areas:
- Lawns, gardens, and fields with loose, well-drained soil.
- Areas with abundant food sources like earthworms and insects.
How to Help Prevent Mole Infestations
Soil Management:
- Reduce soil moisture to make the environment less attractive to moles.
- Compact soil in problem areas to make digging more difficult.
Remove Food Sources:
- Control insect populations with appropriate treatments.
- Avoid over-watering lawns and gardens to reduce worm activity.
Physical Barriers:
- Install underground fencing around gardens and flower beds.
- Use mole netting or mesh to protect vulnerable areas.
Repellents and Deterrents:
- Apply mole repellents, such as castor oil-based products, to lawns and gardens.
- Use sonic devices to deter moles with sound vibrations.
By implementing effective control measures, you can minimize mole damage and maintain a healthy, attractive lawn and garden. Trust the pest nerds to help you manage and prevent mole infestations, call us today to get started.
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