Moles can dig up to 160 feet of ground in a single night. 

If you see raised dirt or piles of dirt near holes in the ground, you may have a mole. Mole extermination is important if you want to protect your lawn and garden, and prevent further damage. 

When it comes to how to get rid of moles, there are several tactics and methods of mole extermination that you can try. When you see the signs of a mole problem, you need to act fast. They will continue to cause damage as long as they are active in your yard. 

They do this by disturbing the ground, which can cause damage to the roots of plants and grass. The tunnels they leave behind can also allow too much air in, drying out your plants from the bottom up. 

Once you’ve discovered you have a mole, the next logical step is to consider how to get rid of ground moles. As you might imagine, with any solution there are possible drawbacks as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods available. 

1. Dig a Trench 

One way to keep the mole from returning is to dig a trench around your yard. This may seem extreme, but it will keep moles from being a problem forevermore. However, it is a lot of work as the trench needs to be around 3 feet deep and filled with impassable materials like rocks. 

Some people also use metal wire or mesh as well. This can help by preventing a mole from being able to move through the area. Of course, if the mole has moved into the yard then this method is ineffective as the mole will be trapped inside your yard. 

This barrier will also need to extend above ground around a foot. You can see the problem with this method, as it will forever change the way your yard works, and might not even be possible in all areas. If this isn’t a solution for you, don’t worry, there’s other methods you can try. 

2. Use Repellant 

When it comes to what keeps moles away, there are tons of options. From professional-based repellents that use castor oil to home remedies with red pepper flakes, you can find a ton of different ideas out there. The problem is, not all of these methods work, and even the ones that don’t work forever. 

As with any repellent, you should also consider environmental factors. You could chase off wildlife that you want to keep, or rain and other events might make your repellent ineffective. This means that you could simply be wasting your time. 

Before you try to use a substance as a mole repellent, it is a good idea to ask a professional. Sometimes old remedies for problems like moles are found to not work. You don’t want to waste time, you need to get rid of the moles right away. 

3. Poison 

One method that you can try is putting out bait with poison. This can be effective as if the mole comes into contact with even a small amount it will be fatal. Unfortunately, poison that works on moles also works on cats and dogs. 

If you are going to use poison, be very careful that no pets get close to the treated area. This can be very difficult depending on your situation and your pets. Moles are resilient and tough, so even a small amount of poison made for them can kill even large pets. 

Another problem is that the poison could kill other animals in your yard. Even children can be at risk when poison is applied all over the place. Be very careful if you do attempt to poison moles in your yard. 

4. Eliminate Their Food 

Moles love to eat insects, particularly those that are found in gardens. Grubs are often a favorite of moles, and having a lot of grubs will certainly attract them. The problem with this method is that it can be very difficult to remove all insects from your yard. 

Insects exist as part of any healthy ecosystem. This means that you can expect that there are tons of insects in your yard. This makes removal of all the insects a mole might be interesting problematic, as it can also unbalance the ecosystem of your yard. 

Another related problem with removing insects is that many insects help keep lawns and gardens healthy. If you remove them, you may find your lawn and garden suffering and dying, which was what you were trying to prevent in the first place. 

5. Mole Traps 

When it comes to mole control one of the oldest and most effective methods involves trapping. Trapping is when special traps designed to catch moles are placed around the yard where the mole is suspected of being and baited. This draws the moles into the trap. 

Mole traps are a humane way to get rid of moles, they don’t pose a serious risk to pets or children, unlike poison and other methods. You also get the added benefit of not having to dig a deep trench all the way around your property. This makes mole traps one of the most attractive options. 

Mole traps are also very cost-effective as they can be used again and again. However, if the traps aren’t placed correctly they won’t be very effective. This is why it can often save time and hassle by having a professional who understands mole behavior do the job for you. 

Mole Extermination Made Quick and Easy 

A professional mole removal service isn’t as hard to find as you might think. Spare yourself the hassle of having a torn-up yard. Don’t risk the use of harmful toxins and poisons either, it’s unnecessary for mole extermination. 

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment simply contact us. We are ready to get started and get your yard mole free. Then you can stop worrying about mole extermination and get back to enjoying your yard. 

Have you started noticing conical mounds of soil in your yard? If so, there’s a good chance you have a mole on your property.

Most of the time, this won’t be good news. Ground moles are best known for creating intricate networks of tunnels and ridges. In their tunneling, they damage or destroy any grass, plants, or tree roots in their path.

In smaller numbers, moles can be beneficial. Their burrowing helps aerate the soil and get rid of harmful insects hiding in the ground. If the ridges in your yard start multiplying fast, though, it’s time to act.

Do you believe you have a mole problem? Here’s how to make sure this is the case and what you can do to get rid of these creatures.

What Are Moles?

Contrary to popular opinion, moles aren’t related to rats or mice. Though they look somewhat similar, they’re very different creatures.

A ground mole is a small burrowing mammal. It spends most of its life underground, so its eyes remain undeveloped. A mole makes up for it with its sense of touch, as it has a very sensitive snout and long digits.

These clawed digits allow moles to be incredibly efficient diggers. An eastern mole, one of the most common U.S. species, can dig a 160-foot burrow in one night. They don’t always use the same tunnel twice, which is why they keep building more.

What Attracts Moles to Your Yard?

As they live underground, moles are more likely to frequent an area that offers the right conditions for feeding and burrowing.

When it comes to feeding, most moles are insectivores. Some species can eat up to their full weight in insects each day. They eat grubs, larvae, and earthworms, so they like areas where these insects are abundant.

Despite having poor eyesight, moles aren’t blind. This allows them to follow paths, fence rows, and other landscaping elements. That’s why most moles settle in a single yard or another protected area.

Moles also prefer moist and cool soil, as it helps them regulate their temperature. They aren’t nocturnal, but they’re active throughout both day and night.

Identifying Mole Damage

The easy way to identify a mole is to look for molehills and tunnels. When a mole digs a tunnel, it pushes the excess dirt to the surface.

This soil usually takes shape of a mound close to the tunnel entrance. These mounds look a lot like the ones gophers make. One difference is that gopher mounds are close to each other and molehills are about six feet apart.

Still not sure whether you’re dealing with a mole or a gopher? Examine the mounds for clumps of soil. This is a surefire sign of moles, as gophers will grind the soil into a powder.

How to Get Rid of Ground Moles

Once you’re sure you have a mole problem, it’s time to start thinking about reclaiming your yard.

There are two main ways you can go about ground mole removal. You can rely on DIY methods, most of which allow you to get rid of moles humanely. If that doesn’t work—or the damage is too serious—you may need to consult a professional.

DIY Methods

The DIY methods of mole removal tend to be easier to execute. Here are the four most effective ways to get rid of moles for good.

1. Remove Their Food Sources

As noted above, moles love their grubs. If you remove these insects from your yard, the moles will likely relocate in search of food. That said, some species may simply start to rely on other food sources.

The two best methods of controlling a grub population are milky spores and beneficial nematodes. If you want a faster solution, most insecticides will work as well.

2. Create a Plant Barrier

Moles aren’t fond of plants with strong smells, such as marigolds or daffodils. If you plant these species around the edge of your yard, they’ll serve as a natural mole repellent.

The main issue with this method is that it requires ongoing maintenance. Of course, it’s also a great addition to any yard or garden.

3. Apply a Repellent

Speaking of mole repellents, castor oil can be a good option as well. This vegetable oil won’t kill moles, but it will cause digestive issues. Pretty soon, the mole will realize that your lawn isn’t as appealing as used to be.

You can make a homemade repellent by combining three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. Mix four tablespoons of this repellent in one gallon of water. Then, use the mixture to soak any tunnels in your yard.

Commercial solutions will also do the trick. Repellents come in both granule and liquid form, and you usually apply them via a spreader.

Professional Methods

If DIY isn’t your style, you can always call a professional. With their tools and experience, mole control teams are well-equipped to deal with mole infestations. Here’s how they may tackle this issue.

1. Mole Trapping

Ground mole traps are a time-proven and effective way to get rid of moles. The control team will inspect your yard, identify mole runways, and place traps in the right spots. This method gets rid of existing moles and prevents them from coming back.

You can also get mole traps at a home improvement store. That said, knowing where to place them can be tricky. Plus, many traps require you to move them daily while you’re still noticing activity.

2. Exclusion

Exclusion is a humane way of keeping the moles away from your yard. It’s based on creating a barrier such as an underground fence. When a mole tunnels into a barrier, it will likely opt to dig elsewhere.

Exclusion is best used to protect smaller spaces, such as a veggie garden. Again, the control team will recommend the best exclusion method for your yard.

More on Ground Moles

As cute as they may seem, ground moles can present a real danger to your yard. If you don’t deal with them in time, you could have a mole infestation on hand. At that point, all bets are off.

Looking for professional help with your mole problem? You’ve come to the right place—we get rid of moles as efficiently and humanely as possible! Contact us here, and we’ll get back to you.

Imagine enjoying your home or backyard on a beautiful day. Now imagine that relaxing time being ruined by an unwanted pest!

Unfortunately, it’s happened to the best of us. Pests are a reality considering most homes and businesses are surrounded by nature. Fortunately, that’s why animal removal businesses exist. 

Animal removal services can be a lifesaver and the one thing that will lead you back to being comfortable in your home. 

Pests can hide out and multiply almost anywhere on your property. They can be underground, below your house, in your walls, in your attics, in your yard, in your basement, and burrowed under your grass.

This article is for you if your home or business has been raided by ants, moles, bats, snakes, mosquitos, or any other pests recently.

If you’re in the Ohio, Indiana, or the northern Kentucky area, read on to find out all about pest removal and animal removal services near you!

What Is Animal Removal?

Animal removal can be defined as the physical removal, management, or prevention of an animal or group of animals from a building or area. 

No matter where you live, you’re going to come in contact with a good amount of wildlife. There are ants, scorpions, spiders, roaches, and maybe even snakes if you’re in the desert.

If you live in a more forest-dense area, you may have to worry about raccoons, bats, moles, spiders, snakes, mice, and more. 

Either way, you’re going to have to deal with animals at some point. A couple of ants or one raccoon may not seem like a huge deal. However, if this leads to an infestation, you’ve got a real problem on your hands, and you’ll need a complete animal removal. 

A wildlife problem can cost a lot of money once it’s gotten out of hand. In some cases, it can even lead to sickness or injuries, especially if you have small children or pets in your home.

Animal removal may also include the removal of deceased animals that have become trapped in your home. You may want to google “dead animal removal near me” services just in case you come across a deceased animal on your property. It’s important that you don’t touch the animal yourself and instead let professionals deal with it. 

Now read on to learn about the different types of animal removal services that can help you and what to expect from them. 

Ant Removal

According to a Consumer Affairs survey, ants are the number one concern for homeowners and renters regarding pest control. 

One ant, or a few ants, is just a nuisance. A whole ant farm can actually pose a threat, though.

Carpenter ants can chew through wood and sometimes cause as much damage to property as termites. For people with allergies, being bit by fire ants can cause bad reactions. 

Pest control specialists may use gel bait as a means of removing and controlling the ant population. These baits are placed along the trails of ants so that the worker ants can carry them back to the rest of the colony and queen ant. This should eliminate the problem. 

Mole Removal

Have you noticed small mounds of dirt in your yard lately? If so, you may be facing a mole problem. These small mounds usually signify an exit or entrance of a mole’s underground tunnel.

Knowing the signs of a mole pest problem is important and time-sensitive. 

You may also notice raised ridges in your yard. These are the result of moles digging their tunnels in your yard, disturbing the layer of topsoil. As a result, your yard’s grass may develop brown spots or dry spots of dying grass. 

Moles can easily disturb grassroots, tree roots, and flower beds, causing cosmetic damage to your yard. 

Moles can also encourage weed growth in your yard. This occurs when the grass that has become dead from their digging mixes with the fresh soil that comes up, also from their digging. This makes the conditions perfect for weeds to grow.

Trap Your Moles can get rid of your mole problem easily and by using humane methods. Trap Your Moles uses traps to lure and seize the moles. After removing your moles, it’s important to take preventative steps to stop the problem from returning. 

Raccoon Removal 

Raccoons may be cute, but if they infest your home, they will be anything but cute.

A raccoon infestation can cause big problems and pose health threats. Raccoons have often made a home in unsuspecting homeowners’ attics and will sometimes keep their babies up there. You will probably be able to hear them if they are in your attic.

You’ll need to contact professional services for something like an animal removal from the attic. In certain places, like the state of Ohio, relocating a wild animal that can carry rabies, like raccoons, without a permit is actually illegal.  

Raccoons can pose several health threats. They can carry rabies, and their feces regularly carry eggs from the baylisascaris procyonis parasite, roundworm.

This parasite doesn’t harm raccoons but can create serious symptoms in humans if ingested – this is especially scary if you have small infants.

This parasite can invade the heart, liver, and brain. Some recover, but others can be left in a coma, blind, or with brain damage. Sometimes it is even fatal. 

Aside from health risks, you’ll know if raccoons live in your home because of the smell.

Their urine creates a strong stench that will seep through your walls and can even carry leptospirosis. This is a disease that can cause kidney and liver failure, fever, and vomiting.

As you can see, it is imperative to take care of a raccoon infestation if you are faced with one. You and your family’s health may be on the line.

 Let the Professionals Handle Your Pests 

Unless you are a licensed professional, it’s always a good idea to call an animal removal company to handle your pest problems.

If you’re wondering, “Where can I find animal removal near me?” and you live in the Ohio, Indiana, or the northern Kentucky area, look no further than Trap Your Mole. 

Contact the professionals at Trap Your Mole to ask how they can help you with your pest issues today! 

Your neighbor’s lawn looks great. It’s green, luxurious, and, if you’re honest, makes you a bit jealous. Why?

Because your lawn is a disaster, ground mole damage has turned your beautiful green lawn into a brown mud pit. Your friends never come over for barbeques, and you have difficulty setting up the grill without tripping over a molehill.

While we can’t help you with your friends, we can help with your mole problem! Here are some key tips for effectively using ground mole poison that will get your lawn back in shape in no time.

Use the Right Ground Mole Poison

Not all poisons are the same, and not all animal removal solutions involve poison.

Double-check what you are getting when you buy a mole or pest removal solution. Moles can be targeted in various ways, some of which don’t involve poisons at all!

Certain chemicals marketed for ground mole removal are simple animal repellents. These can be effective tools in the short run but will need to be reapplied every so often to continue keeping the varmints at bay.

If you end up getting mole repellent, realize that this will not kill the moles. This is fine, but it’s important to realize what you have and what you’re dealing with. A benefit to mole repellent is that it is (sometimes) safer for children and pets than true poison.

There are also poisons designed to kill mole’s diets. These can target worms, grubs, and other insects that moles feast on. Make sure you know whether your poison will target the moles themselves or just their food! 

Good ground mole poison will target and kill the animals directly, but you have to be careful! These poisons can be deadly for pets and children, which is why many people use less-lethal alternatives. 

Before you settle on using poison to get rid of your moles, consider these tips for mole removal, particularly if you have pets or children. 

Follow All Instructions

If you want to poison your ground moles to remove them, it is imperative that you read all included instructions with your poison. Read all the warnings and labels carefully, even going online if you feel that you need more information.

Mole poison is very toxic to dogs and other pets when ingested and can be much worse than a typical rat or mouse poison. You need to be careful to place your poison where pets can’t get to it or keep them indoors for as long as it’s potent and exposed.

Locate the Holes

The first step towards killing the moles is determining the best places to set poison. There are two main tunnels you want to search for: surface runways and deep tunnels.

Surface runways are those long, raised patches of bare dirt that you see in your yard. Moles create them by digging in the ground underneath, killing the grass above them.

Deep tunnels are indicated by large mounds of dirt piled aboveground in a somewhat mountainous shape. Depending on your region, moles may or may not form many deep tunnels like this.

You should test the tunnels to see if they are active tunnels or not. For runways, poke a stick carefully through the top, making a hole in the tunnel. Do this in several places and tunnels, marking the holes with flags.

Similarly, poke holes in the entrances for deep tunnels, making sure your stick goes in the same direction as the tunnel. This may take a bit of trial and error, but one direction should have much looser dirt than other directions.

Come back after 2-3 days, and check the holes you have made. If any of them have been resealed or filled in, you know this is an active mole tunnel. If they still have a hole, you know the mole hasn’t come that way for a while.

Bait the Moles

Once you’ve found active tunnels, it’s time to place your poison. These tips are for poisoned grubs and worms and may be different if you have a different type of poison.

The method is fairly similar for both surface runways and deep tunnels. You will want to poke a hole in the tunnel roof of an active tunnel, being careful not to collapse the tunnel. 

Insert one or two pieces of bait, settling them on the floor of the tunnel. You want to make sure it is accessible and won’t get missed, so cover up the hole you made to block out all light from the tunnel.

Repeat this process several times along different active tunnels and deep holes, placing the grubs in the tunnel and resealing the holes you’ve made. 

You can come back after a few days (depending on how long the poison says it takes to work) and repeat your testing process. Poke some holes in the tunnels you found to be active, and see if the holes get filled after a few days.

Ask the Professionals!

If you’re still struggling or want to know more about how to get rid of ground moles, it may be time to call in the big guns!

Companies like Trap Your Moles offer a variety of animal trapping services and have a lot of experience with these types of pesky creatures. You can call an animal control company to ask questions about your poisons and pest removal choices and get their expert advice on proper procedures.

There’s no need to attempt this until you’re certain you know what you’re doing! Especially with potent poisons, it’s always better to ask someone if you’re unsure. And if you decide you don’t want to use chemicals, they are also experts at ground mole trapping.

Get in Touch

If you decide that using ground mole poison on your own isn’t right for you, don’t worry!

You can contact us and let us know what issues you’re facing. Our team of trained professionals will be more than happy to talk with you and help you any way we can. You won’t regret letting us handle the problem for you!

Coming out to see your manicured lawn raised with surface tunnels or sporting a new molehill can be frustrating. Before you can fix the damage, you first have to take care of the problem. Getting rid of ground moles is easier said than done. 

Moles build underground tunnel systems and rarely come out into the daylight. It’s difficult to tell how many you have, and how big their tunnel system is. If you see signs of a mole, chances are there will be more rodents coming. 

When ground mole problems threaten to take over your yard, it’s best to call in the professionals, and here are seven reasons why. 

1. They Can Damage or Kill Your Yard

One of the first signs that you may need ground mole removal help is when surface tunnels, looking like veins, or dirt mounds show up around your yard. While they are vegetarians and don’t eat roots or grass, their daily movement and creating of burrows can kill your yard, ruin your garden and even affect bushes or trees.

Moles will dig around the roots of trees and bushes trying to get to insects and larvae. If it finds a good food source, it will dig more tunnels around the roots. This can cause soil erosion and lead to a lack of water getting to your vegetation. 

If you notice a previously healthy tree or bush beginning to die, check around the root system. Moles prefer to dig in loose and wet soil, so newly planted trees or bushes are at risk if you have signs of moles.

2. Other Rodents Like Mole Tunnels

Animals such as mice, voles, chipmunks, and shrews will all use mole tunnels for travel and potentially move into abandoned mole burrows. Getting rid of the moles before they can create an extensive network under your yard will help to keep other rodents away.

Voles will gnaw at tree roots and bark, causing damage to your yard. They will also eat vegetables, flowers, and grass. Voles live in colonies and can breed many times in a year, creating more young.

Mice will use the mole tunnels to gain closer access to food, outside or in. They can squeeze through small openings and are excellent climbers. They will eat almost anything and create nests in piles of leaves, hay, or thick gardens.

Like moles, other rodents will bite and carry the risk of disease.

3. Moles Are Difficult to Poison

Moles eat insects, grubs, and earthworms. They hunt through sound so they only eat live food. Most do-it-yourself mole poison kits are in the form of peanuts, fake worms, and seeds.

Even though the poison is lethal and would kill a mole, the chances of them ingesting the poison are almost non-existent. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a poisoned rodent is also difficult. They often crawl back into their tunnels or burrows when they die. It takes days and even weeks for their carcasses to decompose, leading to a bad smell, flies, and other unsavory side effects.

Due to the difficulty of poisoning them, ground mole trapping is a good option for you.

4. Humane Removal 

While you can try to use ground mole traps yourself, made for home traps can harm or kill the animal, especially if you are unsure how to use them.

They might be a pest to your yard, but moles are beneficial in their natural habitats. They keep the insect population under control and with their digging and tunneling, they provide homes to other animals.

Their digging also acts as a natural aerator to the soil which can help areas with vegetation growth and pull nutrients deeper into the ground.

Humane trapping used by professional mole trappers ensures that the mole is released into a different area. They will also know if the mole is a nesting mother and will make sure they capture all the young.

5. Mole Trapping Is Time Consuming

The process of trapping moles takes time and the process needs monitoring. It could take weeks or even months to get all the pests from your yard.

Boundaries for the mole tunnels need to be established as well as prevention methods to keep other moles or rodents from entering established tunnels. Removing molehills and filling in the tunnels is also important to maintaining your yard. 

Professional mole trappers have the training to find tunnels, burrows, and entry points. They have the proper equipment for catching the moles and know where to release them. 

6. Getting Rid Of Ground Moles Can Be Expensive

While mole poisons, traps, and other do-it-yourself methods are available, if you don’t succeed the first time, or you end up dealing with more than one mole, you may find yourself spending more money than you planned.

Working with a ground mole removal company can help your pocketbook in multiple ways. 

• They will give you a free consult and an estimate 
• Many offer packages or monthly services
• They have a guarantee of service to get rid of your problem
• May offer other services if you have more than just a mole problem

Not only will you save money and energy on removing your pests, but you can also learn how to prevent another infestation in the future. 

7. Untreated Infestations Can Damage Your House

If you leave a mole problem untreated or fail to get all the rodents, you could be looking at more than just a damaged yard. They can also cause damage to the foundation of your house.

If a mole digs tunnels under and around your home, water can pool inside these tunnels. The water freezes and melts which may lead to cracks in the foundation.   

The cost to fix a home foundation is much higher than making sure the problem is taken care of initially. 

Don’t Let Your Molehill Become a Mountain

At the first sign of mole trouble, make sure you contact a professional.

If you need help getting rid of ground moles or other nuisance animals, give us a call. After a conversation with a reliable mole trapper and an onsite visit, you’ll receive a personalized quote and options for making your problem disappear. 

A mole problem in your yard is time-sensitive, so it’s important to know what signs to watch for. If you act quickly, you can minimize mole damage to your lawn.

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the common signs of a mole invasion. This means that their yard suffers until the damage is significant such as a collapsed driveway.

In this article, we discuss mole damage and how to treat it. We also discuss mole damage vs vole damage to make sure you know the difference. Continue reading to learn how to save your yard.

1. Mounds of Dirt

Mounds of dirt are one of the first signs of mole damage to your lawn. These mounds signify either the entry or exit of an underground tunnel. Moles tunnel under your yard to access their underground homes or in search of food.

If you only notice a few mounds, your mole problem may be only starting. If you see many mounds, you might have more than one mole living in your yard. It’s common for two or three moles to share one acre of property. 

2. Raised Ridges

One of the most common signs of a mole problem is raised ridges in your yard. This occurs when moles dig tunnels underneath your lawn while they search for food. As they move, they displace soil, which can disturb surface soil.

If you live in a region with a lot of snow, it may be more difficult to detect this sign of mole damage in winter. They tend to dig deeper in winter as the surface soil freezes. 

3. Dead Grass

These tunnels are bad for the surface of your lawn because they displace the soil underneath. This disturbance causes brown spots in your grass. 

Dead or dying grass may outline the shape of the tunnels, but it can also be in larger patches. The longer you have moles, the worse the mole damage in your yard.

4. Sudden Growth of Weeds

Many homeowners are surprised that the sudden growth of weeds can be a sign of a mole problem in your yard. This occurs because of the disturbed and overturned soil. 

They make ideal conditions for weeds by killing grass and providing fresh soil. This makes it easier for the weeds to take root. 

5. Loose Soil

Another side effect of mole damage is loose soil. Loose soil is another problem caused by tunneling. If you notice soft spots in your grass, it’s likely there’s a tunnel beneath the surface.

If left to terrorize your lawn, a mole problem in your yard can result in extreme damage. Examples include collapsed driveways and ground pools. 

Moles tend to dig down around 10 inches below the surface where it’s easier to find food. However, they can dig further due to powerful front claws. 

Mole Identification

Because of the large amount of damage they cause, it’s surprising that moles are small in size. Their bodies are only about 5-6 inches in length and weigh 3-4 ounces. They are characterized by their dark fur, small eyes, a long, hairless snout, and disproportionately large webbed forefeet. 

Being able to identify a mole is important so you can use the right prevention and control strategies. Moles are sometimes confused with voles because of the similar name and the similarities in vole vs mole damage. 

Mole vs Vole Damage

The only similarity between voles and moles is that both tunnel underground. Voles look very different from moles in that that they look like mice with short tails.

Voles are also vegetarian while moles are carnivorous (they eat meat). This is evident when you compare mole vs vole damage.

The entrances/exits of a vole’s tunnels are typically found underneath the leaves of plants and in other areas of vegetation. They are likely to devour your garden from the roots. 

How to Fix Your Mole Problem

Once you’ve identified that you have a mole problem, your next goal is likely to prevent as much mole damage to your lawn as possible. Two key parts of treating a mole issue are removal through trapping followed by prevention.

Mole Trapping

The best way to get rid of moles is through trapping. Trapping is also a preferred method to poison. This is because poison bait rarely affects the moles. 

Once moles move into your yard, they don’t leave. The problem only worsens with time as does the amount of mole damage.

For these and other reasons, we recommend working with a professional mole removal company. At Trap Your Moles, we use humane methods to lure and capture the moles in your yard. Our testimonials show effective and reliable techniques.

Mole Prevention

After trapping, the next step is to prevent other moles from settling in. Start by considering why moles were attracted to your yard in the first place.

Oftentimes, moles chose yards because they have ample food supply. Check your soil for bugs and look into options for treating non-beneficial pests. For example, grubs can be treated with nematodes.  

You can also take measures to protect specific plants by surrounding them with underground wire mesh cages. Moles and rodents can’t chew through the wire mesh, keeping the plant safe. 

Watch Out for Signs of a Mole Problem

Keeping an eye out for signs of a mole problem in your yard is the best way to ensure they’re dealt with quickly. The longer they’re left to wreak havoc, the worse the mole damage to your lawn will be. 

Also, make sure you’re able to distinguish a mole from other yard pests. This will help you take proper steps in removing them and preventing them in the future. 

To get help with your mole problem, contact us today. 

Did you know that the word “mole” comes from the term mold-warpe, which means “earth-thrower?” That’s such an apt name for these insectivores, seeing as they can dig tunnels at a rate and speed of 18 feet per hour. They have paws powerful enough to move and turn even the densest clay soils.

What’s more, the US is home to several of the 42 known species of ground moles. These include the Eastern mole, Townsend’s mole, and Broad-footed mole, to name a few. The Eastern mole is the most prevalent, though, as you can find them all the way from the Atlantic to Ohio to Florida.

As incredible as moles are, these garden pests can bring a host of problems if you allow them to let loose in your yard.

To that end, we created this guide discussing the most common ground mole problems. Read on to discover what they are and why you’d want these critters out of your property.

Potential Disease-Bringers

According to scientists, some species of moles are zoonotic hosts. They carry zoonotic pathogens that can result in zoonosis or zoonotic diseases. Zoonosis, in turn, is an infectious disease that jumps from a non-human animal to humans.

Rabies is a potential but rare zoonotic disease that moles may transmit to humans. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are other health problems associated with moles. Moreover, some moles may be a host to a tick that carries Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

While it’s rare for moles to cause those diseases, they can nonetheless. That should be enough reason to invest in professional ground mole removal services. You don’t want to contract those illnesses, as some, such as untreated Lyme disease, can be deadly.

Unsightly Mole Mounds and Streaks

Some mole mounds are visible ground mole damages that look like tiny volcanoes on the soil. These raised, grassless soil patches usually connect to deep mole tunnels. These deep tunnels are long; a single eastern mole can create a 160-foot tunnel within just one night.

Moles also create runways, which appear as raised, grassless streaks on soil surfaces. These ugly marks result from moles throwing all that earth around as they explore or search for food.

Water Accumulation in the Yard

The tunneling activity of moles not only creates actual tunnels; it also aerates the soil. Both effects then make it easier for water to penetrate and seep through the soil. The water can remain within the hollow tunnels, giving rise to water pooling and building up.

If there’s always water pooling up in your yard, it can attract other pests, such as mosquitoes. These insects are more than just pesky buggers; they can also cause diseases like dengue. What’s more, health experts say they can carry the West Nile Virus, too.

Plant Destruction

Speaking of water accumulation caused by moles, too much soil in the water can also drown plants. When your lawn is always wet, plant roots can rot, the leaves can turn yellow, and plants look wilted overall.

What’s more, the tunneling activity of moles can destroy plant roots. Again, that’s because these garden pests paw through the soil, displacing rooted plants.

You don’t want your garden plants to die, especially not if you rely on them for food.

So, as soon as you see withering plants without a clear cause, have your garden inspected for moles. The sooner an animal removal expert catches a mole, the fewer chances it has of reproducing. This then helps lower your odds of having to deal with a whole mole family.

Foundation and Slab Damage

The water that seeps through mole tunnels can make it all the way to your home’s foundation and slabs. From there, the water can pool up near foundations, freeze, and then thaw. Experts say these effects can make such structures more prone to cracks and damages.

Keep in mind that foundation damages can compromise your home’s structural integrity. For example, it can cause walls to bow, floors to become uneven, and surfaces to sink. So, the more severe the foundation damage, the more cracks that can develop on the walls, too.

In addition, foundation damage can make it difficult to close your doors and windows. This is a security risk you don’t want to take on, seeing as about 7 million property crimes occur in the US each year. As such, it’s best to hire ground mole trapping experts if you suspect moles to have invaded your property.

Damaged Plumbing Components

Mole burrowing and tunneling activities can result in garden sprinkler heads becoming uprooted. These can also cause warping damage on and displacement of underground water lines. All these, in turn, put your plumbing pipes at risk of leakage.

Keep in mind that the average US household has water leaks wasting up to 10,000 gallons annually. One in 10 homes even have leaks that waste 90 gallons a day.

So, if your water bills are going up without an obvious cause, you may have leaky underground water pipes. Some of those leaks may, in turn, be a result of mole activity.

If some areas of your lawn are always damp and you also see tunnels and streaks, you might have a ground mole problem. It’s best to call a ground mole removal specialist as soon as you notice these signs. It’s also a good idea to contact a local plumber if you do have damaged plumbing pipes.

Remove Those Ground Moles Invading Your Property Today

The fact that ground moles can destroy your garden is a good enough reason to remove them from your home. More than that, think about the diseases and property damage they can bring. That’s why the earlier you can get them out of your home, the better.

If you suspect moles are in your property, our Ohio and Kentucky licensed trappers can help. We provide not only mole but also other nuisance animal containment services. Get in touch with us now to learn more and to schedule your home for ground mole removal.

You can’t be too sure but you think there might be a mole in your house. You’ve been noticing molehills in your yard on a regular basis, and you’ve seen something scurrying around under your countertops over the last few days. You know you want to get rid of the little guy, but you’re also wondering: do moles carry diseases? Are moles dangerous to human beings? 

Great question and one that we can answer in detail. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Do Moles Carry Diseases?

Put simply, yes, moles do carry diseases. That said, not every mole is going to spread disease. Some are harmless, and some can do some serious damage. 

For those that do carry disease, this is what they’re capable of spreading.

Rabies

Moles are infamous for carrying rabies, a disease that can cause everything from tremors to muscle spasms to mental impairment to paralysis to, in many cases, death. This disease is passed through animals’ saliva and is most commonly spread through biting. 

Rabies can be spread to both human beings and animals. So, if you have pets in your home, they are at risk of contracting rabies from a rabid mole. 

This disease alone is enough to justify getting rid of a mole immediately. Its effects are quick and brutal, not to mention, almost impossible to treat. 

Lyme Disease

In truth, it’s not that all that common for moles to spread rabies. This is because being bitten by a mole is fairly rare, even if there’s one in your home. 

However, there are a number of other diseases that moles can spread that you’re much more likely to come into contact with. Most of these are spread by fleas that have nested in the mole’s hair.

Perhaps the most prominent of these is Lyme Disease. This disease is carried by ticks, in particular. If an infected tick bites you, you are almost sure to get it. 

Some of the symptoms of Lyme Disease include rash, fever, nausea, joint pain, and general weakness. If not treated, Lyme Disease can cause death. It’s important to note, however, that the vast majority of Lyme cases are treated successfully with the use of antibiotics. 

Anaplasmosis

Another disease caused by the ticks on moles is anaplasmosis. Like Lyme, this disease is spread through tick bites. Its symptoms are similar to Lyme’s symptoms as well, and they include chills, fever, muscle pain, and headaches. 

In the most severe of cases, anaplasmosis can kill you (and animals like cats and dogs). Note, though, that early treatment of antibiotics will stave off the disease, allowing you to feel better within a few weeks of contraction. 

Nonetheless, this isn’t a disease you want to get. It’s uncomfortable to go through and does pose a possibility of death. 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Moles can also carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-carried bacterial disease similar to anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease. This disease causes rash, fever, and headaches, and, in severe cases, can lead to death. 

It’s important to note, however, that Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be completely treated with the use of antibiotics. The key is catching it early before the symptoms have taken over. 

Again, this is not a disease that you want to compete against. Even if it doesn’t kill you, it will put tremendous stress on your body, subjecting you to an experience that you’ll wish you never encountered. 

How Do Moles Get Into Homes?

Now, you might be curious: how did a mole get into your home in the first place? There are a number of different ways that a mole might have gotten in, including the following. 

Through Foundation Cracks

Moles spend almost all of their time underground, digging tunnel systems to help them get from place to place. As such, if they’re entering your home, it’s almost certainly through a spot that you can’t see. 

And what’s the one part of your home that’s underground? The foundation! So, if there’s a crack in that foundation, it wouldn’t be at all surprising for a mole to wiggle its way through it. 

Through Basement Windows

Located just above the surface of the ground, basement windows can serve as another avenue through which moles can travel into a home. Whether that window’s damaged or opened just slightly, it could offer enough room for a mole to makes its way through. 

As such, it’s generally best to keep basement windows shut. Not only do they serve as passageways for moles but for mice, rats, and a variety of other pests as well. 

Through Siding

If your home’s siding is close to the ground, there’s a possibility that moles could make their way through it. All they need is a little gap and they’ll dig their way right in. 

For this reason, you need to inspect your siding regularly and ensure that it’s covering the side of your home in its entirety. Make repairs as necessary to keep critters at bay.

Through Vegetated Areas

Moles are attracted to vegetated areas, as those are the areas where their prey — insects — tend to flock. Obviously, these areas won’t lead a mole into your home. However, if you have heavy vegetation around your house, moles are going to be hanging around it a lot more than they would otherwise. 

Keep garden and flower beds away from the base of your home. And consider buffering your home with a plant-less bed of mulch 

Need Help Ridding Your Home of a Mole?

And there it is, an answer to the question of “do moles carry diseases?” As you can see, moles are, indeed, quite capable of spreading disease, not only to humans but to dogs, cats, and other indoor pets as well. As such, if you have a mole in your home, you would be wise to get it out as soon as possible. 

Need help ridding your home of a mole? If so and if you’re in the Cincinnati area, we here at TrapYourMoles.com have you covered. 

Contact us now to discuss your problem! 

Moles are garden mammals with an average size and weight of 3.3 cm and 115 grams, respectively. They dwell in gardens, yards, and lawns, although they eat the insects and not the plants. While the presence of one ground mole in your property may not be bothersome, two or more moles may cause trouble.

Their invasion may damage your landscape, uproot your plants, and cause other adverse effects discussed in this article. Read on to know how you can identify the damage and what you can do to prevent the damages from becoming extensive.

Mole Identification

It’s essential to know a mole’s appearance not to confuse it with other pests. A ground mole resembles a mouse, although there are some slight differences between them. Here are a few traits which differentiate the mole from the other rodents:

• Tiny black eyes are hidden under the fur. You can’t easily see them
• No visible ears
• The tail is short and stubby. Some ground moles might not have the tail at all
• The feet are broad and pronounced

It’s worth noting that a ground mole feeds on insects, earthworms, and other small animals. It spends most of the time in the yard; you may never see it at home unless there is a tunnel within the home.

Mole Damage Appearance

There are many possible causes of damage to your garden’s appearance. So, how do you know that the damage is caused by ground moles? Here are the red flags that ground moles are responsible for the damage.

Mole Tunnels

Moles dig temporary surface tunnels, which they rarely use. In fact, most of the underground tunnels are never used more than once. They use those tunnels to hide from humans, adverse weather, and other animals.  

There are two main types of mole tunnels: shallow and deep tunnels. The shallow tunnels are the mole runways, while the deep tunnels are the mole mounds. Too many surface and underground tunnels may damage the appearance of your garden.

Uprooted/Withered Plants

Moles detach plants when digging the tunnels. The detachment leaves the plants looking lumpy, with some partly or entirely uprooted. At times, you may never know the cause of the problem, especially if the tunnel is underground. 

Don’t ignore any withered plants in your garden. Inspect the lawn to know the cause. 

More Weeds

Weeds increase when the plants are uprooted. Assuming that you had used fertilizer or organic manure, the weeds will consume it because the plant is no longer there. As a result, the number of weeds in the garden will increase at a high rate.

Mole Hills

Molehills are also known as raised ridges. They form as the moles continue to dig the surface and underground tunnels. The hills can damage the beautiful look of your ground and make movement quite hard.  

Where and When Mole Damage Can Occur

Moles are common in rich soil. They feed on insects and other microorganisms in the soils, and that’s why they cause damages while trying to get the contents of the underground soil. They feed throughout the year, and this means that they can invade your lawn anytime.

However, some ground moles prefer certain types of soil to others. For instance, you may find moles that prefer sandy to clay soil. Nevertheless, their presence can be unpredictable, and you may deal with them throughout the year if your soil is rich in nutrients.

Mole Damage Management

From above, it’s evident that you should not tolerate the presence of ground moles in your house. 

They might uproot your plants/flowers and damage the aesthetic appeal of your lawn. They don’t cause direct impacts because they don’t feed on the crops. But the indirect effects can be immense.

So, don’t assume they won’t be harmful to you. Instead, contact the ground mole control experts to inspect your ground and mitigate them. Here are mole damage management tips to follow:

Trapping

Trapping is the easiest, safest, and most effective method for removing ground moles. Since the moles are large, they will get into the trap if you add a bait inside. You can either buy the trap from a hardware shop or create one.

Ideally, you should place the trap at the end of the tunnel where the moles use to enter and leave the tunnels. 

You might need some time to determine the tunnels that the moles use most so that you know where to set the trap. Alternatively, you may seek mole trapping services to have the job done more effectively.

Repellents

There are plenty of mole repellent products. Most of the products contain garlic, castor oil, and other products that moles don’t like.  These repellents may not directly kill the moles, but they may make the pests less interested in living in the yard.

Caution: There are many mole repellents in the market. Consult a ground mole control expert to help you in choosing the best.

Chemicals

There are multiple chemicals for mole mitigation. They are as useful as repellents, but they can interfere with the chemical composition of your soil.

You should only use the chemical method when you don’t have other plants on the farm. Also, you should apply chemicals under the close supervision of an expert.

A Ground Mole Removal Expert Can Help You

Dealing with pests has never been easy. If the ground mole damages are becoming too much to bear, consult a certified ground mole removal expert. The expert should provide you with the right traps and even help you in the baby ground mole control process.

Just ensure that the person you hire is well known and experienced to accomplish the task within the shortest period.

Trapyourmoles.com is a reputable wildlife removal service firm. We offer both commercial and residential mole trapping services at affordable prices. 

We are certified, and our team is well-versed with all types of ground moles, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, and other animals. Don’t let the animals damage your yard. Request an appointment today to get the help you need.