Mole Facts
- All moles can be damaging but the Eastern mole is by far the most widespread and is widely found here in the Ozarks. It is better described as the common or gray mole. This mole is the strongest of the group and is most often associated with the tunnels and mounds found by property owners. Eastern moles are active year-round and do not hibernate. Since moles don't hibernate they can cause severe lawn damage until the lawn surface freezes in winter. Cold temperatures will force the mole to burrow deeper, generally below the frost line, in order to find food and warmer temperatures. At this point in time you may think the moles have left the area - but they haven't. Moles generally have one litter per year but have been known to have more depending on the climate and location with an average of two to five young per litter. Some moles will mate in late winter but the peak mating season is in early spring. At this time you will notice an increase in activity, usually during February and March, when the males are seeking females. The gestation period is approximately six weeks and newborn moles grow very rapidly and are generally weaned after four weeks. At this time the young are chased away from the immediate area and will seek out their own territory - sometimes using the abandoned tunnels of other moles. At this time you will see a "second wave" of new activity as they begin tunneling as well. The young will mate the following spring and the cycle begins all over again. As the summer heat dries out the ground the temperature and moisture changes will make the mole's food sources go deeper in search of cooler temps and moisture rich soil. Likewise the moles will follow their food source and once again you may see less activity - but don't think they have left. A good rain that softens up the soil will usually make them resurface again as they follow their food source back to the top. Likewise, an irrigated lawn will always be a draw as the worms are drawn to the moist soil as well.
- The tunnel system consists of surface tunnels, main travel tunnels and nesting areas. The surface tunnels are the ones you find on the lawn surface. This tunnel is created when the mole is foraging for food and may never be used again. The main travel tunnel or "run" is a lengthly tunnel that takes the mole to different parts of it's territory and is deeper than the surface tunnel. These tunnels can be hundreds of feet long and may extend over a few acres. There are also tunnels that lead to nesting areas as well. The nesting areas are usually created well below the surface and in, under or around protected areas such as root structures, mulch beds, stumps, fence rows, patios, driveways and rock structures. The moles create these nesting areas by enlarging part of a deeper tunnel and lining it with bits of leaves or grass.
- Moles are not rodents as some believe, but belong to a group of mammals called insectivores. Moles have a high metabolic rate and must consume large amounts of foods - sometimes eating up to 2/3 or more of their body weight each day. A mole's diet includes ground invertebrates such as grubs, beetles, millipedes and ants with the mole's primary food source being earthworms. Rich, moist soil and compost attract earthworms and other insects and this is one reason why moles “zone in” and wreak havoc on lush fertilized flower beds or gardens. Moles will take the path of least resistance preferring to feed and tunnel through loose soil as compared to that which is hard and dried out. Likewise they run along roots, foundations, driveways, landscaping stones and curbs because this helps shore up their tunnels. (I recently found a run that followed a curb for two blocks and cut under two streets).
- Moles are well adapted to living underground and the moles blood processes oxygen and carbon dioxide much differently than you or I. They can actually rebreathe the air in the tunnel for quite some time while continuing to dig. Moles are very strong and have large, pan-shaped feet with long claws that allow them to dig and move through loose soil quickly and easily - sometimes tunneling up to 100’ per day! Some experts state that "pound for pound" a mole has 30-40 times the strength of a human. They can also travel or "swim" both forward or backwards at up to 80' per minute. Some moles may reach 6"- 8" long depending on the species but may be smaller depending on gender and age. Moles do have eyes but since they are of little use underground they remain concealed by a thin layer of skin generally only differentiating between day and night. Moles have a very sensitive nose and a keen sense of smell. Even without large external ears moles have very sensitive hearing. The tail, feet and head are lined with hair that is very sensitive to vibration. These extreme senses allows them to smell, hear and feel the movement of insects in the soil. And yes…moles do have teeth - although very small ones at that. They do not have lower incisors so they don't really bite off their food like a rodent. (This is the main reason poison baits are relatively ineffective).
- Depending on the season moles will work in cycles - digging, eating and sleeping at various intervals throughout the day and night and lactating females may be more active while nursing their young. Moles are somewhat territorial and mark their area with their scent as they travel throughout their homerange. Once a mole is trapped, and is no longer leaving it's scent in the tunnel, it is very likely that another mole in the immediate area may move in and use the tunnel system. Likewise, young moles may travel some distance to form a territory of their own or may just use these same abandoned tunnels. This is known as recolonization and an extended or seasonal service plan will help prevent this. Moles will also migrate to different parts of their territory as they deplete their immediate food source but usually only for a short time and may return once the biomass has built back up.
- The mole has very few predators as it spends most of it’s life underground. However, should the mole surface it may be captured and eaten by hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, skunks, snakes and other wildlife. Dogs and cats will sometimes capture moles as they can sense the movement of the soil as the mole digs. This, combined with the musky odor, allows the dog or cat to stalk the mole and capture it when it breaks the surface. Due to this musky odor and taste many animals refuse to eat the mole once it is captured.
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