Do you have moles in your walls? These small animals can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. In this article, we’ll explain how to identify and get rid of moles in walls, so you can keep your home safe and sound. We’ll go over the signs of moles in walls, how to prevent them from entering your home, and how to get rid of them if they’ve already infiltrated your walls. With the right knowledge, you can make sure your walls are free of these pesky critters.
What Are Moles in Walls?
Moles are small, burrowing animals that can be found in yards, gardens, and even inside the walls of homes. While most moles live outside, some have been known to enter houses and cause damage to walls and insulation. Here are some interesting facts about moles in walls:
- Moles are a type of rodent that can burrow through soil and create underground tunnels. They typically feed on earthworms and other insects.
- Moles don’t usually enter homes, but they can enter through small openings in walls and foundations, or through gaps in pipes and ducts.
- When moles enter a home, they can cause damage to the walls, insulation, and wiring. They can also cause leaks and mold growth.
- Moles in walls can be a sign of an infestation of other pests, such as mice, rats, and other rodents.
- If you suspect a mole infestation in your house, you should contact a professional pest control company for help.
Moles can cause significant damage to homes, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of a mole infestation and to take steps to prevent them from entering your home.
Signs of a Mole Infestation in House
Burrows in the Ground
Moles create burrows in their native soil, and these can be easily spotted due to their size and shape. The burrows are usually round and can be up to 8-10 inches in diameter. The entrances of the burrows are often marked by small mounds of soil, and the interiors can be filled with loose soil or stones.
Tunnels in Foundations or Walls
Moles can also create tunnels in the foundations or walls of your house. These tunnels are usually small and can be difficult to spot. If you have any wall cracks or crevices, it is a good idea to check them for tunnels.
Molehills and Mounds
Molehills and mounds are another common sign of mole activity. These are usually piles of soil pushed up from the ground and can be up to a foot high. The mounds can be scattered throughout the yard and can be a nuisance if left untreated.
Damage to Landscaping and Gardens
Moles can cause significant damage to landscaping and gardens. This damage is usually caused by the tunnels and burrows they create, as well as the mounds of soil they push up. The tunnels and mounds can disrupt the root systems of plants and can make it difficult for them to take up water and nutrients.
Damage to Structures
In some cases, moles can also cause damage to structures, such as foundations and walls. This is usually due to their tunneling activities and can lead to cracks in the walls or even foundation collapses. If you notice any cracks or other damage to your house, it is important to investigate further for possible mole activity.
What Causes a Mole Infestation in House?
Moles are one of the most common pests when it comes to infesting homes. Moles feed on grubs, worms, and other insects, and can cause extensive damage to your lawn and garden. They can also cause damage to the inside of your home if they find their way in. Here are some of the common causes of a mole infestation in your house:
- Poorly-maintained soil – Moles prefer to dig in soft and moist soil, so if your soil is not properly maintained, it can attract moles to your property.
- Food sources – Moles will often come onto your property if there is an abundance of food, such as grubs and worms. If your lawn or garden has a large number of these creatures, it can draw moles to your yard.
- Close proximity to other moles – Moles are social creatures, and if you have other moles living close by, they can spread and increase the population of moles in your area.
- Open entry points – If there are any openings or cracks in your walls or foundation, moles can get in and start to tunnel through the walls and into your home.
By understanding the causes of a mole infestation, you can take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. Be sure to regularly inspect your property for signs of moles, and take steps to address any food sources, open entry points, or other attractants.
How to Identify Moles in Walls
1. Check for visible tunnels or mounds of dirt
Moles are notorious for digging tunnels and leaving mounds of dirt around. Look for these tunnels and mounds, particularly near the base of your walls.
2. Look for raised bumps or ridges
Moles create tunnels under the surface of the soil, which can cause the surface of the soil to become raised. Look for bumps or ridges in the soil by your walls.
3. Look for raised patches in your walls
Moles can cause damage to your walls by digging tunnels underneath them. Look for raised patches or bulges in your walls, which could be signs of a mole infestation.
4. Listen for unusual noises
Moles can be heard scratching and digging in the soil. Listen for these noises and try to track down the source.
5. Look for mole tracks
Moles leave behind tracks in the soil. Look for these tracks near your walls and in the soil around them.
How to Get Rid of Moles in Walls
- Remove Food Sources: Remove food sources which are attracting moles to your walls and yard. Get rid of grubs, earthworms, and other insects by using insecticides.
- Trapping: Trap the moles using a cage trap. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure the moles are trapped properly.
- Repellents: Use repellents to deter moles from coming back. There are many commercial repellents available on the market. Use them according to instructions.
- Physical Barriers: Install physical barriers such as fence or netting to prevent moles from entering your yard. Make sure the barrier is deep enough so that the moles cannot dig underneath.
Prevention of Moles in Walls
- Tighten the soil around the foundation: Make sure that the soil around the base of the foundation is tightly packed. This will prevent moles from entering your house.
- Install a wire mesh barrier: A wire mesh barrier can be installed around the perimeter of the house, at least 8 inches below the ground. This will act as a physical barrier to keep moles away.
- Use repellents: Repellents can be used to deter moles from entering your house. These repellents include castor oil, predator urine, and garlic oil.
- Remove mole attractants: Remove any mole attractants from your yard, such as grubs, worms, and other insects.
- Eliminate food sources: Remove any food sources that moles may be attracted to, such as compost piles and pet food.
- Use traps: Traps can be used to capture and remove moles from your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some telltale signs of a Mole Infestation in Walls?
Mole infestations in walls can be identified by several telltale signs, such as:
• Tunnels: Mole tunnels are typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter and are often visible on the surface of the ground.
• Humps: Mounds of soil are often left in the wake of a burrowing mole as it creates a tunnel.
• Damage: Moles can damage plants, trees, and roots, as well as foundations and walls.
• Noise: Moles can make noise as they dig and create tunnels.
• Droppings: Moles leave behind small, oval-shaped droppings.
If any of these signs are present, it is likely that a mole infestation has taken place. It is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible to identify and remove the moles.
Can moles cause structural damage or harm to my home?
- Tunnels: The tunnels moles create in the soil can cause damage to the foundation of your home and shift the structure. This can lead to cracks in the foundation or walls, and can eventually cause the entire structure to become unstable.
- Gardens and lawns: Moles can cause damage to gardens and lawns by creating tunnels and disrupting the root systems of plants. This can cause plants to die or be stunted in growth.
- Pipes: Moles may also dig tunnels underneath pipes, which can cause them to break. This can lead to water damage or flooding in your home.
Moles can cause significant damage to your home and property if left unchecked. It is important to take steps to prevent and control moles before they cause damage.
Are Moles Dangerous to Humans or Pets?
The presence of moles in your walls can be a cause of concern, but the good news is that they are not dangerous to humans or pets. While moles may dig tunnels and burrows that can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and flower beds, they are generally not aggressive and do not pose a threat to people or their pets.
Here are some of the reasons why moles are not dangerous:
- Moles are rarely seen above ground, as they primarily live underground.
- They have small, weak teeth and claws and cannot cause harm.
- They do not carry any diseases that can be passed on to humans or pets.
- They are not known to attack humans or pets, as they are solitary and shy creatures.
- The most they will do is make a loud squeaking noise if they are trapped or disturbed.
While moles may cause some inconvenience and damage to your property, they are not dangerous to humans or pets, and can be removed without the need for any physical contact.
What are the Most Effective Methods for Getting Rid of Moles in Walls?
Trapping: Trapping is one of the most effective methods for getting rid of moles in walls. This involves using a cage or box trap and baiting it with worms or grubs. Once the mole is caught, it can be safely relocated.
Repellents: Repellents such as castor oil, garlic, and predator urine can be used to deter moles from entering a particular area. These repellents should be applied directly to the soil or applied as a spray.
Flooding: Flooding the area with water can also be effective in getting rid of moles in walls. This is because moles are unable to swim and will be forced to move elsewhere in search of food and shelter.
Fumigation: Fumigation is another option for getting rid of moles in walls. This involves releasing a gas into the tunnels that moles have created, which will cause them to flee the area.
Are there any home remedies or natural solutions for getting rid of moles in walls?
Moles can be difficult to remove from walls, but there are some natural and home remedies that may help. Traps and repellents, such as castor oil, garlic, and peppermint, can be used to get rid of moles. Additionally, natural predators, like owls, snakes, and coyotes, can help keep mole populations in check. Finally, making sure your lawn is well-maintained and limiting areas where moles can hide can help reduce the number of moles in your walls.
Conclusion
Moles can cause a lot of damage to the walls of your home. If you think you have moles in your walls, identify them first, and then take the appropriate steps for getting rid of them. This may include using a variety of traps, poisons, or home remedies. Taking the necessary precautions will help ensure that your walls remain safe from moles.
References
- Controlling Moles in Indiana (Purdue University)
- Moles (USDA)
- Moles in Walls (Critter Control)
