Moles - Characteristics And Facts
Moles are small animals with velvety fur and tiny ears and eyes. They have very powerful forelegs that are meant for digging vigorously in the ground. Moles are known pests to human activities such as gardening and agriculture. However, they don't eat plant roots, but they can create fatal damages indirectly, as they eat earthworms and other small insects living in the soil. Although, while moles can be viewed as pests, they also can provide many positive benefits to the soil and the garden including soil aeration, feeding on slugs and other insects that are feeding on plant roots. Their bodies range between 6 and 8 inches. An interesting fact about the moles is they can survive in low oxygen environments such as burrows. Their saliva contains toxins that can paralyse earthworms. The star-nosed mole is able to detect, catch and eat their food faster than the human eye can follow. In some countries like Germany, moles are protected species, but they might be killed with a permit.
How To Know If I Have Moles In My Garden?
Moles prefer to stay underground and that's why it is almost impossible to see them, but if you got an infestation, you will certainly know about it. The most common signs are:
- raised ridges around an opening in the ground
- fresh mounds of soil
- uneven ground
- disturbed roots and grass areas
Moles often can make your garden look like a mess, which for a passionate gardener could be very frustrating.
Why Do I Have a Mole Problem?
Moles are usually found where the soil is rich in organic matter. Their appearance in large numbers might be due to the high population of soil pests.
Moles are usually found where the soil is rich in organic matter. Their appearance in large numbers might be due to the high population of soil pests.
How Serious Are Moles?
Moles don't pose a direct threat to your health or your pets, but having them on your property can create some damages to your lawn, garden or landscape. The tunnels they dig under the grass can weaken the earth surface, causing it to feel spongy. Moles can burrow holes into the ground that will leave little mounds of soil on your lawn and that could affect the roots system of your grass or plants. Having moles digging under your property can cost you a lot of money in landscaping repairs.
How To Keep Moles Away?
Some places are more likely to have moles. It's usually in rural or suburban areas. If you often have moles around and don't mind a few tunnels around your garden or lawn, you can try the barrier method to protect your veggie or flower garden. You can create an underground fence by burning a 20-24 inch metal cloth barrier at least a foot below the surface. Because moles prefer moist soil, you also can try improving the drainage in your property to prevent them.
How Can I Get Rid Of Moles?
If the damage to your lawn or garden just seems to be getting worse, it's best to take action to get rid of the vermin. A mole is a tricky creature to evict because it lives underground. You may have heard of some home remedies like spraying castor oil over the area and putting moles balls in the tunnels, but none of them are effective. If you have seen moles and soil mounds in your garden that lead to underground tunnels, contact the professionals from Archers Pest Control to find out how our pest control service can help.
