Moles and Their Control
Description
One of the most misunderstood pests around homes is the mole. This
creature is an insectivore rather than a vertebrate such as those of the rodent
family. Moles eat insects and other soil inhabiting organisms such as
earthworms. It is the quest for food that results in the raised mounds and
tunnels: the bane of many suburban homeowners.
The three major moles pest species include the Eastern mole, the Townsend's
mole (coastal Washington and Oregon states) and Broad-Footed mole. Eastern
moles range in size from 5 to 8 inches in length and have closely cropped hair
that is gray to silver in appearance. The Townsend's mole is 8
to 9 inches in length and is blue-black to gray in color. Finally, the
Broad-Footed mole is also 5 to 8 inches but is brownish gray in color.
All three species have other distinct characteristics including an elongated
snout, large padded feet with claws for digging and a short, nearly hairless
tail. Their design is well suited to pursuing their food.
Habitat
Moles create a series of horizontal and vertical runways. The ones seen
by people are shallow, horizontal runways which raise the soil under lawns or
under plants and the short, vertical runways indicated by the volcano like
mounds of soil. (Gophers make similar mound, but the soil is deposited
into horseshoe or fan shape.)
Deeper below the soil are the main runways which allow moles to travel
quickly within their realm. Soil removed from these areas is pushed to the
surface by using the vertical runways and creates the mounds on the surface.
Control
Grub control is frequently recommended for to help control moles.
However, it should be noted that since moles feed on organisms other than grubs,
even a good control product may not eliminate the problem. The products of
choice for grub control include carbaryl (Sevin) and triclorfon (Dylox).
There are harpoon type traps, baits and fumigants such as The Giant Destroyer
are used for moles as well. These products require a lot of time to set up
because active tunnels must first be identified prior to their installation.
Here at The Bug Clinic, we recommend
Whole
Control and Mole-Out, two repellents containing 100% castor oil, an
organically derived product. Whole Control is the liquid version and is
applied using a garden hose end sprayer. This product is the more
economical of the two and is best suited to treating large areas.
Additional water is used to wash the castor oil below the soil surface.
For smaller or garden areas,
Mole-Out,
the granular companion to Whole Control, may be applied and then watered in. As with Whole
Control, a copious amount of water is needed to wash the active ingredient below
the soil.
The concept of using castor oil is that while harmless to the environment and
non-target organisms, it contaminates the mole's food making it cause intestinal distress.
This discourages the mole from feeding in those areas and they will move on to
seek food elsewhere.
Note that castor oil is a repellent which remains effective for up to
three months. If moles return after that time, quarterly
applications of one of the two products may necessary. Application of a grub control along
with one of the castor oil products is recommended.
If you would like more information on either Whole Control or Mole Out, you
click on the link to visit the web site for the manufacturer, Dr. T's Nature
Products.
We're here for you...
If we can help you with any questions regarding moles or any other pest
control problem or concern, please feel free to write
to us by clicking on the link. You may also contact us during our
weekday business hours, 8 am to 4 pm ET, toll free at 800-433-1128. Our
local number is 845-356-2837 and our fax number is 356-2836.
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