The best way to manage mole problems in Kentucky

April 25, 2012|By Roy Turley

Moles are remarkable animals known for their specialized abilities for life underground. They are seldom seen by humans and are often mistaken for pocket gophers, mice or shrews.

In fact, the mole is not closely related to any small mammal except the shrew, both belonging to the mammalian order Insectivora. Moles often come into conflict with homeowners when they burrow in yards.

Identification

Moles are not rodents and do not have characteristic rodent features such as large, sharp front teeth. Rather, they have sharp, pointed teeth — like a cat — used for catching and eating grubs and earthworms. The mole’s most remarkable features are its adaptations for life underground.

Mole facts and biology

The eastern mole is the most common and abundant mole in Kentucky and can be found in a variety of habitats dominated by loose, well-drained soil. Moles are found in lawns, cemeteries, golf courses, pastures, meadows, woodlands, sandy soils near streams and light, loamy soils in the Bluegrass region.
Since they are adapted for life underground, they construct extensive underground tunnels, using two types: shallow surface tunnels in the spring, summer and fall, and deep permanent tunnels used year-round as the main avenues of travel.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky studied the eastern mole and found that they are active any time of the day but are most active from 4 to 7 a.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. all year. Moles must be very active to meet high energy requirements. In fact, they can burrow as fast as 1 foot per minute. High energy mole food comes as grubs, earthworms, beetles and beetle larvae, insects and insect larvae, snails and spiders. Moles eat small amounts of plant parts occasionally.

A mole typically travels 1/5 acre. No more than three to five moles live on each acre; two to three moles is more common. One mole will usually use more than one person’s yard. For effective control, several neighbors may need to cooperate.

Controlling mole damage

The first step in controlling moles is to determine if a mole is the culprit. Because moles are insectivores, they do not routinely eat garden seeds and bulbs, although often blamed. The real culprits are probably voles, white-footed mice or house mice. If your garden has runways in it, the moles are looking for insects and earthworms.

Trapping

Because of the mole’s unique biological attributes, the most effective way to control moles is trapping. If you have an ongoing problem with moles, you may need to set traps during most of the summer.

Fumigation

This method is recommended only if the entire burrow system can be located and fumigated.

Repellents

If moles eat bulbs, an aversive taste repellent is available from a variety of sources including agriculture supply stores, feed and seed stores and garden shops. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Control methods not recommended for Kentucky

No known short cuts or magic potions are useful in controlling moles. One of the most common of these so called “sure-fire remedies” is to place chewing gum in the burrow. Research has shown that doing so has no effect on moles even if they eat it. Do not place broken glass, razor blades, rose branches, bleaches, diesel fuel, lye, sheep dip or human hair down the burrow system to drive the mole away.

Do not use poison peanuts. Remember moles eat insects and earthworms, not nuts.

Some people think that mole plants and castor bean plants repel moles. However, these plants’ repellent properties are doubtful. In addition, they are poisonous to humans. Also, because they easily escape cultivation, they may become a problem weed.

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