Moles may seem like cute, harmless creatures, but for many homeowners, they can be a frustrating and costly problem. These small mammals burrow through lawns and gardens, leaving unsightly mounds of dirt and uprooting plants in their wake. While there are numerous methods available for controlling mole populations, many people overlook one key factor: diet. By understanding what moles eat and how different foods can impact their behavior, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent and control infestations. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of diet on mole behavior and offer tips for effective mole control.
Understanding the Diet of Moles
As gardeners, it is important to understand the behavior of moles to effectively control their presence in your yard. One crucial aspect to consider is the diet of moles. By comprehending the diet of moles, gardeners can gain insight into the reasons behind their destructive behavior. Knowing what types of food moles consume can help you prevent them from damaging your garden and lawn. In this section, we will explore the importance of a mole’s diet and how it affects their behavior. We will also discuss commonly consumed foods and the effects of various foods on mole behavior. To learn more, continue reading about understanding the nutritional needs of moles or what do moles eat.
1.1 Importance of diet in mole behavior
The diet of moles plays a crucial role in their behavior. Moles are insectivores and their diet solely consists of insects, grubs, earthworms, and other small creatures found underground. Their diet is critical in determining their activities, movements, and habits. When moles have access to their preferred diet, they are likely to be more active in a given area. On the other hand, limited access to their preferred food sources may drive moles to areas with better food availability.
It’s important to note that a mole’s diet is fueled by their high metabolism, making them consume large quantities of food every day. Without a steady source of food, they will seek out new areas which often results in damaging your yard or garden. Additionally, their diet influences their tunneling pattern. Areas with abundant food sources will have a dense network of tunnels compared to others with limited sources.
Understanding the importance of diet in mole behavior is critical in controlling their activities and preventing damage to your garden or lawn. By managing their food sources, you can successfully control their movements and encourage them to seek food elsewhere.
1.2 Commonly eaten foods by moles
Moles have a varied diet that consists mainly of insects, grubs, worms, and other small creatures. However, they are also known to eat plants and seeds when their preferred food sources are scarce. Below are some of the commonly eaten foods by moles:
- Insects: Moles feed on a variety of insects, including earthworms, grubs, beetles, and ants. They detect their prey through their acute sense of smell and by feeling their vibrations in the soil.
- Earthworms: Earthworms are a staple in a mole’s diet as they are a good source of protein. Moles are known to eat earthworms that are larger than themselves.
- Grubs and Beetles: Moles feed on grubs and beetles, which are found in the soil. Grubs are the larvae of beetles and are fat and juicy, making them an ideal food source for moles.
- Ants: Moles do not eat ants as frequently as they eat other insects, but they do sometimes snack on them.
- Plants and Seeds: Although moles are not herbivores, they are known to eat plant roots and seeds occasionally, especially when their preferred food sources are scarce.
Knowing what moles commonly eat can help you control their population in your yard. By removing their food sources, you can make your yard less appealing to these burrowing critters.
1.3 Effects of different foods on mole behavior
The diet of moles can have a significant impact on their behavior. Different foods can affect their physical health as well as their reproductive behavior. Here are some of the effects of different foods on mole behavior:
- Earthworms: Earthworms are a staple food for moles, and their abundance in the soil can affect mole behavior. A lack of earthworms in the soil can cause moles to search for food elsewhere, resulting in damage to yards and gardens. Eating earthworms can also increase the reproductive activity of moles, as they provide the protein needed for healthy reproduction.
- Insects: Insects are another important food source for moles. They can provide a variety of nutrients that help maintain the mole’s health. However, research has shown that a diet high in insects can also increase the aggression of moles. This can lead to increased fighting between individuals, which can be a problem if moles are present in high numbers.
- Grubs: Grubs are a common food source for moles, but their effects on behavior are not well understood. Some researchers believe that eating grubs may cause moles to dig more shallow tunnels, as grubs are often found closer to the surface of the soil. This can result in more visible damage to lawns and gardens.
- Plant roots: While moles are primarily meat-eaters, they will occasionally consume plant roots. However, a diet high in plant material can cause digestive issues and lead to decreased reproductive activity. Additionally, moles that consume a lot of plant material may be more likely to dig near the surface of the soil, where roots are more abundant.
- Small rodents: Moles will prey on small rodents like mice and voles if they are available. A diet high in small rodents can provide the protein needed for healthy reproduction, but may also lead to more aggressive behavior as moles compete for food resources.
It is clear that the diet of moles can have a significant impact on their behavior. Understanding what moles eat and how that affects their behavior can be an important part of developing an effective mole control strategy.
Control Moles by Understanding Their Diet
Now that we understand the diet of moles and how it impacts their behavior, we can use this information to effectively control them. By removing the mole’s food sources from our yard, using repellents, setting traps, and seeking professional help, we can limit the damage caused by moles. However, it’s important to keep in mind that controlling moles may require a combination of methods, and it may take time and persistence to achieve the desired results. Let’s explore each of these control methods in more detail.
2.1 Remove a mole’s food source from your yard
One effective way to control mole infestations in your yard is to remove their food source. By eliminating what moles eat, their population will decrease naturally. To do this, you need to understand a mole’s diet and the foods they commonly consume.
Table: Common Foods Eaten by Moles
| Food Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Insects and Grubs | These are the main part of a mole’s diet. They feed on various insects, including beetles, ants, and earthworms. |
| Small Rodents | Occasionally, a mole may eat small rodents such as mice or voles. |
| Plant Roots | Moles eat plant roots, including those of grass and ornamental plants. However, they do not typically eat the above-ground parts of plants. |
Once you know what moles are eating in your yard, you can take action to remove their food source. This may involve proper lawn maintenance to keep the grub and insect population in check. A few ways to achieve this include:
- Use Organic Pest Control: Organic pest control products can be used to kill grubs and insects without harming other wildlife.
- Mow Your Lawn Properly: Keeping your lawn at an appropriate height will discourage insects from taking up residence in the grass.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: Reduce hiding places for insects and small rodents by raking up leaf piles, trimming bushes, and removing debris from your yard.
By removing the mole’s food source, you can naturally decrease the mole population in your yard, and discourage other moles from moving in.
2.2 Use mole repellents
One effective way to control moles in your yard is by using mole repellents. Here’s a table detailing the different types of mole repellents, their effectiveness, and how to use them:
| Repellent Type | Effectiveness | How to Use |
| Castor Oil | Good | Mix 6 ounces of castor oil with 2 gallons of water and spray the mixture over lawn and garden areas. |
| Ultrasonic Devices | Mixed | Plug into the ground and let the device emit high-frequency sound waves that moles may find annoying or uncomfortable. |
| Mole Deterrent Granules | Good | Spread granules over lawn and garden areas. The scent and taste may deter moles from hanging around. |
| Mole Gels | Good | Apply a thin coat of repellent gel over lawn and garden areas. The scent and taste may deter moles from digging in the area. |
| Mole Smoke Bombs | Good | Ignite the smoke bomb and place it in the mole’s burrow. The smoke and fumes will irritate and encourage the mole to vacate the burrow. |
It’s important to note that not all mole repellents may work for your specific situation. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the best repellent(s) for your yard. Additionally, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. For optimal control, you may also want to combine mole repellents with other control methods, such as removing a mole’s food source or setting up traps.
2.3 Set up traps
One of the most effective ways to control a mole infestation is by setting up traps. There are various types of traps available, including harpoon traps, scissor-jawed traps, and tunnel traps. The most commonly used trap is the scissor-jawed trap, which is designed to capture the mole when it comes to the surface.
To increase the chances of capturing moles, it is important to place the traps in the right location. Moles tend to follow the same paths when tunneling, so it is crucial to identify these paths and place the traps along them. One way to do this is by stomping down the tunnels and checking them the next day to see which ones have been re-opened.
It is important to handle traps with care to avoid injury to both humans and moles. Always wear gloves when setting traps and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Once a mole is captured, it should be released at least 5 miles away from the original location to prevent it from returning.
Here is a table showing different types of traps and their characteristics:
| Type of Trap | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Harpoon Trap | Spring-loaded trap that spears the mole when triggered |
| Scissor-Jawed Trap | Spring-loaded trap that closes on the mole when triggered |
| Tunnel Trap | Placed in the mole’s tunnel and triggers when the mole passes through |
It is important to note that trapping moles is only a temporary solution. If the root cause of the infestation, such as a readily available food source, is not addressed, moles will continue to return. It is recommended to use trapping in conjunction with other methods, such as removing their food source and planting natural repellent plants.
2.4 Seek professional help
One of the most effective methods for controlling moles in your yard is to seek help from a professional pest control service. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools required to safely and effectively get rid of moles from your property. They can assess the severity of the mole infestation and create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Here are some of the advantages of seeking professional help:
| Advantages of Professional Mole Control |
|---|
| 1. Customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs |
| 2. Use of safe and effective mole control methods |
| 3. Access to specialized equipment and tools |
| 4. Expertise in identifying and locating mole burrows |
| 5. Long-term solutions to prevent future mole infestations |
Professional mole control services may involve the use of fumigants, traps, or repellents depending on the severity of the infestation. These methods can be expensive and time-consuming, but they are often the most effective way to get rid of moles quickly and prevent them from causing further damage to your lawn and garden.
When choosing a pest control service, make sure you choose a reputable and licensed company that uses safe and humane methods to control pests. A good pest control service will also provide you with information and advice on how to prevent future mole infestations and maintain a healthy, mole-free lawn and garden.
Preventing Moles From Ruining Your Garden
If you have a garden that you’ve put your heart and soul into, the last thing you need is pesky moles ruining all of your hard work. Fortunately, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to keep these burrowing pests at bay. Let’s take a closer look at a few effective strategies for preventing moles from ruining your garden.
3.1 Install physical barriers
Physical barriers are an effective way to prevent moles from ruining your garden. These barriers can be installed underground or above ground to keep moles from burrowing or feeding in your yard. Here are some types of physical barriers to consider:
- Wire mesh: Placing wire mesh barriers around your garden can prevent moles from burrowing and accessing your plants. The mesh should be buried at least 1-2 feet deep and extend up above ground level to prevent moles from crawling over it.
- Hardscaping: Installing hardscaping elements like rocks, bricks, or paving stones around your plants can make it difficult for moles to burrow and reach their roots. However, be sure to leave enough space around your plants for their roots to grow.
- Fences: Putting up a fence around your garden can keep moles out, but make sure it is installed deep enough to prevent burrowing and high enough to prevent climbing.
Keep in mind that these physical barriers can be labor-intensive and may require some expertise to install properly. However, they can be a long-lasting solution to mole control, especially if combined with other preventative measures.
3.2 Plant natural repellent plants
One effective way to prevent moles from taking up residence in your garden is by planting natural repellent plants. These plants are a natural way to keep moles away without harming them. Here are some types of plants you can consider:
- Daffodils: Daffodils are a favorite among gardeners and can be used not only as a natural mole repellent but also to add color to your garden. Their toxicity helps to ward off moles and other rodents.
- Caper Spurge: Caper Spurge contains a sap that is poisonous to moles and other burrowing pests. It is a hardy plant that thrives in most soils and is drought-resistant.
- Fritillaries: Fritillaries are known for their unique bell-shaped blooms and have been used for centuries as a natural mole deterrent. The plant contains alkaloids which produce a strong odor that moles dislike.
- Alliums: Alliums, such as garlic and onions, have a strong repelling effect on moles. Planting these in and around your garden can help keep the pests out.
It is important to note that while natural repellent plants can be effective, they may not completely solve the problem of moles. You may need to use a combination of methods to keep your garden mole-free.
3.3 Keep soil healthy
One effective way to prevent moles from damaging your garden is by keeping the soil healthy. A healthy soil not only promotes healthy plant growth but also discourages moles from burrowing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a healthy soil:
- Test Your Soil: It’s essential to test your soil to determine its pH levels and nutrient content. This will help you determine what type of fertilizer or soil amendments to use. Most crops grow best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Add Organic Matter: Adding organic matter like compost, leaves, and grass clippings to your soil is an excellent way to keep it healthy. Organic matter helps to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and adds nutrients to the soil.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering your plants can lead to waterlogged soil, which can create a perfect environment for moles to burrow. Make sure you water your plants according to their needs and avoid overwatering.
- Maintain Proper Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged. You can achieve proper drainage by adding drainage tiles or installing French drains in your yard.
- Rotate Your Crops: Rotating your crops is an excellent way to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. It also helps to keep the soil healthy by reducing the depletion of nutrients.
By keeping your soil healthy, you not only promote healthy plant growth but also discourage moles from burrowing in your yard. Following these tips will help you keep your garden healthy and mole-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the diet of moles and how it impacts their behavior is crucial for effective mole control. By removing their food sources and using repellents or traps, homeowners can successfully rid their yards of these troublesome pests. However, prevention is also key in preventing mole damage to your garden. Installing physical barriers and planting natural repellent plants are effective preventative measures. Additionally, keeping soil healthy can deter moles from settling in your yard. By following these tips and taking action against mole infestations, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and mole-free yard. Remember, early detection and intervention is necessary to prevent damage and the spread of moles. Act quickly and take control of your yard’s mole population.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can moles see well?
Moles have very poor eyesight and rely mostly on their sense of touch and smell.
2. How can I tell if moles are causing damage to my lawn or garden?
You can spot mole damage by looking for raised ridges and mounds in your lawn or garden beds. These are commonly known as molehills.
3. Do moles only eat insects?
No, moles also eat earthworms, grubs, and other small creatures found in soil. They may also occasionally eat seeds and plant roots.
4. Can moles carry diseases?
While moles themselves are not known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, their tunnels and burrows can create safety hazards and increase the risk of tripping or falling.
5. Are there any natural ways to get rid of moles?
Yes, planting natural repellent plants or using homemade repellents made from castor oil or garlic can help deter moles from your yard or garden.
6. How long do moles typically live?
Most moles live for about two to three years in the wild.
7. Is it true that moles are blind?
No, moles are not blind. However, their eyes are poorly developed and they have poor eyesight due to their subterranean lifestyle.
8. What is the difference between a molehill and a gopher mound?
Molehills are smaller and more dome-shaped than gopher mounds. Gopher mounds are also surrounded by crescent-shaped dirt flung outward from the gopher hole.
9. Do moles hibernate during the winter?
No, moles do not hibernate during the winter. However, they may tunnel deeper underground to avoid cold weather and forage for food in lower soil layers.
10. Can moles swim?
While moles are not adapted for swimming, they are capable of doing so for short distances if necessary.
