ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

MOLES CAN CAUSE HAVOC IN THE HOME LANDSCAPE

AUBURN, NOV. 5---Moles in the home landscape can make a mess, especially as they dig tunnels in yards, gardens and flower beds. These tunnels form ridges in the soil as the mole searches for food. The tunnels can disfigure the lawn or garden and can cause injury if stepped into.

Southern moles are six to seven inches long and weigh three to four ounces. They are well-adapted for their tunneling lifestyle, with pointed noses that protrude about 1/2 inch beyond the mouth, small eyes and ear openings and large front feet, says Dr. Jim Armstrong, an Extension wildlife scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Their feet are webbed and have sharp claws to aid in digging.

Armstrong says moles have enormous appetites and may eat up to 100 percent of their body weight in a single day. White grubs, earthworms, beetles and assorted larvae are the principal foods of moles.

Moles are usually solitary, although females and young may share the same burrow. The tunnels that the mole makes while searching for food may be used only once or may be traveled repeatedly. Moles may be active during any time of the day and seem to prefer cool, moist soil.

Contrary to popular belief, moles don't eat roots and bulbs of flowers and vegetables. In fact, they may help these plants by feeding on grubs and worms that can damage them, Armstrong adds.

Repellents and toxicants are usually ineffective for controlling moles. One difficulty associated with toxicants is in getting the moles to accept the bait. Lethal or biological control efforts are the most effective.

Lethal traps are usually of three types -- harpoon, scissor-jawed and choker. Any of these will work well if set properly.

Biological, nonlethal mole control may be achieved by eliminating the food source. This can be done by using insecticides to control grubs.

Introducing milky-spore disease into the soil may control white grubs naturally. Armstrong says while these techniques may be effective, they are not quick. It may take some time before the food supply is reduced enough to affect the mole population.

For more information on mole control and traps, contact your county Extension agent.

SOURCE: DR. JIM ARMSTRONG. Extension Wildlife Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

(334) 844-9233