Moles: Controlling Nuisance Wildlife

Moles: Controlling Nuisance Wildlife

Georgia, with its lush greenery and thriving ecosystems, offers a haven for diverse wildlife. However, amidst this natural beauty, one tiny creature often wreaks havoc in yards and gardens – the mole. These subterranean mammals may seem innocuous, but their tunneling activities can cause significant damage to your landscape. In this guide, we’ll delve into what moles are, how to identify them, signs of their presence, the damage they can cause, and most importantly, effective methods for mole control.

Understanding Moles

Moles, small mammals belonging to the Talpidae family, are expert diggers equipped with powerful forelimbs and specialized claws for tunneling underground. Typically measuring around 5 to 8 inches in length, moles have velvety fur and small eyes, adapted for a life spent primarily underground. Contrary to popular belief, moles are not rodents but are more closely related to shrews.

Identifying Moles

Spotting moles in your yard might prove challenging due to their subterranean lifestyle. However, their telltale signs are often visible. Look out for raised ridges or mounds of soil resembling miniature volcanoes, which mark the entrance to their intricate tunnel systems. Additionally, you might notice surface tunnels or ridges created by their underground passages.

Signs of Moles in Your Yard

Aside from visual cues like mole mounds and surface tunnels, there are other signs indicating mole activity in your yard. Wilting plants or patches of dying grass may result from moles disrupting the root system while tunneling. Furthermore, the presence of grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects in abundance might attract moles to your yard, as they constitute their primary food sources.

Damage Caused by Moles

While moles primarily feed on insects and earthworms, their tunneling activities can wreak havoc on your yard and garden. Besides uprooting plants and disrupting the root system, their tunnels can create air pockets in the soil, leading to water runoff and soil erosion. Additionally, mole tunnels can provide easy access for other pests like voles and mice, exacerbating the damage to your landscape.

Effective Mole Control Methods

When faced with a mole problem, it’s crucial to tackle the issue promptly to prevent further damage. Here are some effective mole control methods:

  1. Mole Repellents: Various repellents are available in the market, ranging from castor oil-based solutions to ultrasonic devices. While repellents may deter moles temporarily, their effectiveness can vary, and repeated applications may be necessary.
  2. Natural Predators: Introducing natural predators of moles, such as domestic cats or certain species of birds of prey, can help keep mole populations in check. However, relying solely on predators may not be sufficient for complete mole control.
  3. Mole Exclusion: Installing barriers like underground fencing or hardware cloth can prevent moles from accessing specific areas of your yard. However, this method requires careful planning and installation to be effective.
  4. Habitat Modification: Eliminating the factors that attract moles, such as excessive moisture or an abundance of grubs, can discourage their presence in your yard. Proper lawn care practices, including regular mowing and watering, can help create an environment less conducive to moles.

Choosing a Professional Mole Control Company

While DIY mole control methods can yield results, severe infestations may require professional intervention. When selecting a mole control company in Georgia, consider the following factors:

  • Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with extensive experience in dealing with mole infestations and a proven track record of success.
  • Licensed and Insured: Ensure that the company is licensed to operate in Georgia and carries adequate insurance to cover any damages or liabilities.
  • Humane Practices: Opt for a company that employs humane methods for mole removal, prioritizing the safety and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
  • Guarantee: Inquire about any guarantees or warranties offered by the company regarding their mole control services.

By enlisting the services of a reputable mole control company, you can effectively address the issue and safeguard your yard from further damage.

Moles, with their incessant tunneling and voracious appetite for insects, can pose a significant challenge to homeowners in Georgia. Identifying the signs of mole activity early on and implementing effective control measures are crucial for preserving the integrity of your yard and garden. Whether opting for DIY methods or seeking professional assistance, addressing a mole problem promptly is essential to minimize damage and restore your outdoor space to its former glory. With the right approach and persistence, you can bid farewell to these subterranean nuisances and reclaim your yard once more.

Remember, if you’re facing a mole problem that seems insurmountable, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted mole control company for assistance. With their expertise and specialized tools, they can help you eliminate moles and restore peace to your outdoor oasis.

Why Are Moles Invading My Yard?

Why Are Moles Invading My Yard?

Moles can be one of the most destructive pests for yards. Once these creatures invade, they will dig and destroy your yard! One of the best steps for mole prevention on your property is understanding what’s bringing them there in the first place.

Moles are looking for one thing on your property – food! Moles need a plentiful food source to survive and tend to eat various lawn insects, including grubs, earthworms, and other bugs. If you have available food sources in your yard, they will dig through to get it and leave behind tunnels, holes, and mounds of dirt. Moles can dig up to 18 feet per hours and as they are digging will detach the roots of plants to not only allow weeds to grow but will also kill the lawn, plants, and trees too.

Some common signs that a mole has invaded your yard include,

  • Surface tunnels
  • Dying grass and plants
  • Increase of weeds around your property
  • Molehills or piles of dirt less than 6 inches tall and shaped like footballs

Mole Prevention Tips

Mole prevention starts with reducing the sources that are attracting them in the first place. Check out our do-it-yourself mole control tips:

  • Eliminate their food source: Eliminate moles primary food sources including earthworms, grubs, ants, mole crickets, and other lawn insects. Consider utilizing products that are labeled to treat these pests or contact your local pest control provider to help you eliminate the lawn pest.
  • Reduce water sources: Moles tend to prefer damp earth so it’s best to not overwater your lawn to limit moles and other lawn pests like earthworms. A good rule of thumb is to only water your lawn with 1” of water per week.
  • Apply repellents: Moles do not like the smell or taste of castor oil so look to utilize this around your property. It’s always best to use this repellent monthly while these creatures are active.
  • Call a wildlife professional: Moles can be difficult to eliminate and control so it’s best to contact your local wildlife control company for help. These wildlife technicians will be able to track the mole, utilize the best bait, monitor the tunnel to ensure moles are removed, and provide recommendations on treating the tunnels.

If you suspect a mole infestation on your property or other wildlife creatures, contact your local pest control company for a free evaluation.

Dealing with A Mole Infestation in Your Georgia Yard

Dealing with A Mole Infestation in Your Georgia Yard

Georgia homeowners take pride in their yard and spend money and time to perfect it, which is why having a mole infestation can be so frustrating. Moles are looking to your home for a food source and will dig up your manicured lawn in the process! Understand moles and how you can prevent them from invading your Georgia property in this blog.

What Are Moles?

Moles are small animals, ranging between 4 and 11 inches in length, can weigh up to 8 ounces, and have a grey to brown body color. They have a small pair of eyes, and no external ears and are often known for their long, thin, and hairless snout. Moles don’t have the best vision but have an exceptional sense of smell. These creatures also have large front feet with webbed toes, which helps them burrow underground and search for food.

Why Are Moles Invading My Yard?

Moles invade yards for one reason – to search for food. If they’ve sensed food on your property, they will dig underground to find it. Moles’ diets consist of many lawn pests, including grubs, earthworms, mole crickets, and ants. These creatures also prefer damp earth as well. Once they’ve found a food source in your yard, they will create tunnels underground, damaging root systems of your grass.

How Can I Prevent Moles?

The best way to avoid moles is to make your yard undesirable to them. Check out our top mole prevention tips for Georgia yards:

  • Remove excess water: The overuse of sprinklers and irrigation systems can provide an ideal environment for moles. Loose and damp soil will make it easier for moles to create a tunnel through your yard.
  • Install barriers: Consider using physical barriers, like hardware cloth liners, around your flowerbeds or across the top of the bed to prevent mole digging. You can also place these barriers around the bases of the trees too to deter moles away.
  • Lay mulch in the fall: During the colder weather, mulch can become an insulator for plants and moles. Consider installing mulch after the first frost instead of earlier in the fall. Hopefully, moles and other lawn pests have found another environment by the time you’ve laid your mulch.
  • Eliminate their food source: Most mole infestations arise because of a grub problem. Look to eliminate grubs and other pests from your yard to help control the mole population and protect the overall health of your lawn.

A mole infestation can happen quickly and can be difficult to control and eliminate. The best and most effective way to remove and control moles is to contact your local wildlife control and pest control company for help. These pest professionals will set you up with an ongoing pest control service and schedule visits to identify the mole problem early and provide you with a treatment and prevention plan.

Do I Have Moles in My Yard?

Do I Have Moles in My Yard?

A perfectly manicured yard can be destroyed by moles in an instant! These creatures dig tunnels in search of lawn pests in your yard, including grubs, earthworms, and other bugs. Once moles invade, it can be difficult to control and remove them from your property as they can go undetected for long periods of time. One of the best ways to understand mole prevention is understanding the signs of their activity in the first place. We break down common mole signs and the preventative measures to place at your home to avoid their destruction.

Common Mole Signs

There’s no one sign that can pinpoint moles in your yard but there’s several to lookout for if you suspect you’ve got a mole infestation, including:

  • Molehills
  • Yellow or damaged grass
  • Tunnels and runaways
  • Overturned soil
  • Small craters
  • A spongy ground when you walk on it

If you’ve noticed any or all of these signs on your property, it’s likely that you have a mole in your yard.

Preventing Moles

There are several methods you can utilize to avoid mole activity. Consider the following mole control tips and tricks:

  • Moles feed on grubs and insects so it’s important to eliminate these lawn pests to not only help reduce mole activity but also keep a healthy lawn.
  • Use nontoxic mole repellent in your yard by mixing three parts castor oil, one part dish soap, and water. Castor oil will upset mole’s digestion and encourage them to find a food source somewhere else.
  • Owls are one of the biggest mole predators. Consider installing an owl nesting box on your property in the late winter or early spring when owls begin looking to nest. Owls will help control both the mole and small rodent population on your property.
  • To keep moles out of a specific area, such as a garden bed, create a trench around the perimeter. Dig this trench about three feet deep and fill it with rocks or wire mesh to extend to the bottom of it.

Since moles live underground, it can be difficult to prevent and control them. The best treatment for moles is target elimination through baiting, which is best done by a professional wildlife control company. These expert professionals will be able to track the mole, strategically place traps, utilize effective baits, treat the mole tunnels to avoid another mole infestation, and monitor the tunnels to ensure all moles have been removed. If you suspect moles in your yard, call your local wildlife control company for a free evaluation.

5 Signs of Moles in Your Yard

5 Signs of Moles in Your Yard

Moles can destroy your perfectly manicured lawn in a matter of days. These small, burrowing insectivores can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia. While they don’t actually eat plants and roots, their burrowing causes significant damage to both lawns and flower beds. Moles can dig up to 18 feet per hour and are most active in early morning and evening.

Moles are small in size, ranging between 4 and 11 inches in length and weighing up to 8 ounces. They are most notable for their long, thin, hairless snouts, small eyes, and lack of external ears. They are usually greyish-brown in color. Moles have large, powerful front feet with webbed toes that they use for burrowing underground while their hindfeet are narrow with slender claws. Moles are nearly blind but they make up for their lack of vision with an exceptional sense of smell.

Moles come into your yard in search of one thing – food! Their diet consists primarily of earthworms and grubs but they will eat other soil-dwelling insects, as well. Moles leave behind a trail of damage when they burrow in your yard, leaving visible trails and brown patches and holes in your lawn. Their tunnels cave in easily, leaving you at risk for injury when you step on them.

Some of the most common signs of moles in your yard are:

  • Raised ridges that crisscross across your yard
  • Areas of discolored or dead grass
  • Raised mounds of dirt (molehills) that mark the entrance/exit of tunnels, usually less than 6″ tall and shaped like a football or volcano
  • Areas of loose or squishy soil on your lawn
  • An abundance of weeds; moles detach plant roots when they burrow, allowing weeds to take over and flourish

Because moles live underground they can be extremely difficult to prevent. The best treatment for moles is targeted elimination usually through trapping or baiting. It is also important to treat existing tunnels so new moles don’t replace the previously removed moles.

If you have a problem with moles or any other pests, contact your local pest control company who can properly assess your situation and treat it appropriately.

 

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