Identifying a Mole
Moles are peculiar animals. Although they are very similar to rodents, moles are a completely different creature with a different diet and different habits. In North America, the Eastern mole is the most prevalent, followed by the hairy-tailed Western North American moles. Moles will attack landscaping around homes and buildings; this can be very annoying for home and business owners who maintain a nice lawn!
Appearance & Habitat
Though moles are not known to surface often, and there a multiple species, moles are easily identified. Moles typically have the following descriptive characteristics.
- Small and nimble (roughly 6 in in length)
- Webbed front claws for digging
- Grayish-brown in color
- Soft silky fur
- Incredibly small eyes and ears
Moles spend a vast majority of their time building their homes underground for many reasons, including protection from predators, a safe environment to rear young, and to stay warm in the cold winter months. Moles are incredible diggers and prefer loose soils. Because of this, moles are usually found in meadows, grasslands, and woodlands. Human landscaping creates the perfect home for these little creatures and the tailored and damp ground is perfect for digging!
Mole Problems
Entry
Moles thrive underground and it is highly unlikely they would ever enter a home. Yards and gardens, however, are at great risk, especially those that use mole-preferred soil. Gardens tend to offer favorable conditions.
Damage
Because moles tunnel so close to the ground surface, they commonly leave behind mounds of dirt and kill grass and other plants when they burrow. As populations of moles grow, they are capable of more destruction and can ruin aesthetically pleasing fields, as well as destroy crop yields for farmers!
Mole Control
Control and Safety
Unless property owners have time to check traps and plant boundaries to exclude the small creatures from the area, professionals should be called to eliminate mole infestations. One method is to flood mole hills in the spring; unfortunately, adult moles can usually flee in time and then return to re-inhabit the area.
Trapping and Removal
Moles are difficult to trap and populations of the pest are hard to control. Individuals dealing with mole infestations should call Critter Control of St. Joseph, as we maintain experienced work forces that specialize in mole removal. Let our trained technicians use their expertise to eradicate mole problems quickly and efficiently.
We can help you get rid of mole problems! Call our St. Joseph office today! 816.654.6922.
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