We have moles plowing up our yard, how do I get rid of them?
Around the home, mole damage consists primarily of tunnels in yards, gardens, and flowerbeds. These tunnels form ridges in the soil as the mole searches for food. An analysis of the stomach contents of 100 moles in the Midwest found white grubs in 64% of the stomachs, earthworms in 49%, beetles in 67% and assorted larvae in 69%. As you can see, moles feed primarily on subterranean insects. Moles have voracious appetites and will almost eat their weight (about 3 to4 ounces) in food each day.
Moles are usually solitary although females and young may share the same burrow. The tunnels that the mole uses while searching for food may be used once or it may be traveled repeatedly. Moles may be active during anytime of the day.
Since mole damage is usually isolated and of little economic consequence, localized control techniques are more practical than a whole sale eradication program. Lethal traps are usually of three types: the harpoon style, scissor-jawed, and choker. Any of these will work if set properly.
To set a trap find a location where the tunnel takes a relatively straight path and the soil appears to have been freshly disturbed by the mole. If using the harpoon trap allow the trap to spring into the ground several times before making the final set, this will ensure that the harpoons can travel unimpeded through to the soil. Do not tread upon or disturb other portions of the mole's tunnels.
Non-lethal mole control may be achieved by eliminating the food source. This can be accomplished by using insecticides for controlling grubs. Introducing milky-spore disease into the soil may control white grubs naturally. While these techniques are effective, they are not quick. It may take some time before the food supply is reduced enough to impact the mole population.
