Mole Control

Is your lawn littered with the telltale lumps of soil caused by a resident mole population? If so, mole control may be on your mind.  Moles are small animals that can create big problems.  Their constant burrowing can create damage both visible and not visible.  This pesky problem often leaves homeowners and groundskeepers scratching their heads trying to think of a solution. 

The first step in mole control is to learn more about the animal itself.  North America has several species of moles, three of which are most often found to be responsible for the majority of residential damage.  The mole is an insectivore which means its diet is comprised of insects.  Moles are about the size of a squirrel, usually weighing three to six ounces.  Female moles usually have a yearly litter of two to six.  Moles are very efficient diggers. Most moles can dig 12-15 feet of tunnel per hour.  Mole problems may go undetected for many years. They may only become apparent due to a declining soil level or large hollow areas.  A patch may not remedy the problem. Entire lawns have had to be replanted as the result of mole damage. 

If you are struggling with mole control, the unsightly mole hills on the lawn may be the least of your problems.  In addition to mole hills that could measure up to two feet in diameter and their accompanying tunnels that can destroy grassy lawns, moles can cause far more serious damage.  Many driveways and pools have fallen victim to mole damage. Tree roots and other plants can be destroyed.  Even concrete and shallow foundations have the potential to be damaged by moles.  Damage caused by moles can be very expensive to repair and may not be covered by insurance.  In some cases, the damage can be permanent. 

Mole control can be confusing.  Everyone seems to have some advice on how to deal with a mole problem. A great deal of advice seems to be in the form of home remedies.  Home and business owners with mole problems have been advised to use broken glass, pickle juice, bleach and human hair balls to control moles.  They have been told that red pepper or rose branches will surely solve the problem. These methods are ineffective and can make the problem worse. Some may even be dangerous.  If you have tried everything or want to get it right the first time.