Question: How do I get rid of the moles in my lawn?
Answer: Call us!
We know that a prospective customer will do their research on mole control in order to make an informed decision and we encourage you to do so. However, it still amazes me how much bad information there is on various websites and forums. For your convenience we have listed some frequently asked questions and answers below. If you have any further questions or would like to request service please call or use our contact form.
Q. Why do I need to start a mole control program?
A. Effective mole control will not only help you maintain a beautiful lawn but it will help prevent root damage, dead and yellowed grass patches, the accelerated erosion of soil, tunneling and the large unsightly mounds of dirt which can greatly diminish property values. Likewise, a mole free lawn provides much more enjoyment for you and your family.
Q. Why do I have moles but my neighbor doesn't?
A. It's very likely that your neighbor has a mole problem as well. Moles will tunnel under several yards and find a good food source or nesting area and may stay awhile. Likewise moles will travel around seeking females during mating season. Mole activity may not be as obvious for the time being but left alone the moles will eventually occupy other surrounding lawns as well. It is for this reason that we offer a "Good Neighbor Plan". You can view this plan by clicking here.
Also, if your neighbor's lawn has a buildup of residual pesticides it may be temporarily repelling the moles. Click on the "Grub Control" tab for more info.
Q.Why should I choose RID-A-MOLE SM instead of an exterminator to get rid of the moles in my yard?
A.RID-A-MOLE SM provides safe, effective and poison free methods to capture and remove moles from your lawn. An exterminator generally uses restricted pesticides or toxic gas in an attempt to kill the moles but trapping and physically removing the moles ensures that the moles are actually gone and not just "driven off" or temporarily repelled only to come back later. However, exterminators do offer a valued service for other pests that may harm you or your home - such as spiders or termites.
Q. My lawn guy said he can kill the moles with "poison worms" or "poison peanuts". Is trapping better than using these things to kill the moles?
A. RID-A-MOLE SM respects and values the opinions of others. However, after studying mole biology and consulting with other mole trappers, conservation agents, county extension agents and University Biologists it is agreed that these types of poisons provide only limited results and firmly believe that trapping is much more effective. We also agree that under ideal conditions a mole might ingest and die from this type of product. However, using these types of products creates an opportunity for secondary poisoning to other wildlife, or even your own pet, if the dead mole is eaten. These "poison worms" are expensive, lose their effectiveness in a matter of days or if it rains, require repeated treatments and again there is no proof that the moles are dead. Perhaps they were just repelled by the unnatural item in their tunnel - only to come back in a few weeks. Even though you can buy these items, in many cases it is illegal to use poison to kill moles or other mammals. FYI - It just so happens that the manufacturer of one of the poison items has recently started marketing their own mole trap. Hmmm... not quite the best testimonial to their own product! If the moles have caused an extreme amount of damage then you may require aeration and seeding to help your lawn recover and come back healthy and green. There are a number of great lawn care companies that provide services such as mowing, edging, aerating, overseeding, fertilization, landscaping and more. If your lawn is in need of this I would be happy to refer you to a few companies that I know and trust.
Q. Do the traps pose any danger to my family or pet?
A. RID-A-MOLE SMuses mole traps that are small and compact devices designed to be used below ground. Some of the traps will have part of the device showing above ground which allows the operator to see if the trap has been tripped - generally meaning that a mole has been caught. The only time one of these traps would pose a problem is if a person pulled one out of the ground and stuck their hand in it. If you have pets that roam the yard we can make special accomodations to prevent the pet from disturbing the trap. Utilizing our very own "PET-SAFE" program we can help prevent the unwanted digging by inquisitive pets or other wildlife which helps ensure a safe mole capture. We also mark all traps with a bright orange flag to show where the sets are located. When we complete the setup, and before we leave your home, we will tell you how many traps were set, where they are located and to ask that you alert your family, visitors and landscaper of the marked sets. Please note that WE DO NOT USE ANY IMPALEMENT OR SPIKE DEVICES.
Q. Is mole control service expensive?
A. RID-A-MOLE SM services are very cost effective and have real value. When you consider the cost of turf repair or replacement, higher maintenance costs, wear and tear on mowing equipment and the depreciated property value you realize the importance of maintaining your lawn. Some of our customers have told us of having spent thousands of dollars on sod, irrigation and landscaping only to have moles tear up the new lawn. They realized the value of our services and were very pleased to have a mole free lawn again. Our service plans are very competitive and priced lower than many others in the industry. We offer prompt service, convenient terms and no long term contracts. You may cancel your service agreement at anytime without penalty.
Q. Once I choose a plan how soon can you start?
A. When we arrive at your home we are prepared to start immediately upon your approval. We will assess your mole problem and recommend a service plan to fit your needs and/or budget. Once the agreement is signed and the initial fee is paid you are on your way to a mole free lawn. Q. How long does it take to trap all of the moles in my lawn?
A. There is no specific length of time for the capture of moles. Many factors including mole density, the weather, mating season, soil conditions, food supplies and more will affect the trapping timetable. Successful mole trapping requires time, patience, experience and persistence. The mole is not an easy animal to trap. Even after careful placement they may dig around, plug, spring or even heave out the trap. Some folks will try to trap the moles themselves and finally just give up. We don't! We are like a "dog-on-a-bone" when it comes to moles. Sure, we get frustrated by stubborn moles who seem to predict our every move - but in the end we always win! Some moles may be caught overnight or within a few days and others may take a few weeks or even longer. The tunnel system can be very extensive and encompass areas under the house, driveway, patio, garden, along the fence row, over the river and through the woods...you get the picture. You may think you have dozens of moles in your lawn but just one or two moles can create an enormous amount of lawn damage.
Q. When is the best time to trap moles?
A. The best time to trap moles is when they are active in your yard. Mole activity increases substantially in late winter or early spring during mating season but moles are trapped throughout the year as they do not hibernate. Trapping does slow down in this region in July and August when the ground becomes dry and hard. During this seasonally hot time the moles will dig deeper in search of food that has gone down deeper to a cooler and moister environment. The small dirt mounds you see at this time are from the moles digging deeper and then pushing the dirt to the top and plugging the hole. This generally makes the moles harder to trap but still possible. As Fall sets in the cooler temperatures and rain will make the insects resurface and the moles will resume their surface feeding activities. Likewise, the moles will go deep again during extreme cold and when the ground becomes frozen, which is generally late December or early January. However, weather in the Ozarks can change at any moment so we accept all service requests and continue trapping as weather permits. By late winter or early spring mole activity will increase substantially and you will definitely see the results of their "courting" activities! Please note that your service agreement includes free set up for the length of your service agreement. So... if you see any new mole activity during this time we will come out and set up again for free and you will only be charged per mole capture as shown on your original agreement. Will the competition do that for you?
Please don't hesitate to call us at 417-434-7669 should you have further questions.
This activity appeared overnight within a few days of snow melting proving, once again, that moles can be active at any time during the year.
Moles become very active in the Fall as well as the Spring. This huge mound was over two feet across!
These two mole runs ran side by side for a combined total of around 300 feet.
"PET-SAFE" mole control. A mole was caught in each of these traps.
Our "PET-SAFE" service at work again
"Catch of the day". One of several male moles captured. During mating season the male moles will seek out females and you may see considerable lawn damage. Some moles will mate as early as late December but most will mate in the early Spring.
"Poison Free Mole Control"
Did you search for "How To Get Rid Of Moles", "How To Trap Moles", "How to Kill Moles",
"Mole Tunnels", "Mole Mounds", "Mole Traps" or "Eastern Mole" ?
GET RID OF MOLES in Joplin, Duquesne, Loma Linda, Carthage, Webb City, Carl Junction, Briarbrook, Battlefield, Oronogo, Monett, Aurora, Mount Vernon, Republic, Ozark, Nixa, Springfield, Willard, Strafford and the surrounding communities. Safe, effective and poison free mole and vole control! Please call to check on availability in your area.
