Eastern Moles
Order:
Insectivora
Family: Talpidae
Species: Scalopus aquaticus
The
Eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus,
has a widespread distribution in the eastern United States.
This mammal of the order Insectivora causes damage to lawns, playgrounds,
cemeteries and gardens.
Moles dig beneath the grass thatch to feed on earthworms and soil-inhabiting
insects.
This behavior creates underground tunnels and pushed-up mounds,
damaging lawns and plantings.
Moles are not rodents but are related to the shrew.
Biology and Habits
Adult moles measures from 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm) in length and have dark gray or brown fur. Its feet, pointed snout, and short tail are pink. The front feet are enlarged and equipped with stout claws for digging. Eyes and ears are small, often concealed by fur. Moles are able to distinguish between light and dark but cannot see objects distinctly.
Moles produce one litter a year in the spring, averaging three to four young. The young will stay with the female in her tunnels for about a month and then will begin tunneling on their own. Young develop very quickly and reach adult size in four to eight weeks. Young females will not breed until the following year. Populations fluctuate slowly, increasing when the habitat becomes favorable and decreasing when food is scarce.
The
Eastern mole will usually damage bulbs and roots while feeding on grubs
and worms. Generally, a network of extensive tunnels of varying depths
is created from this foraging behavior.
Shallow tunnels that appear as raised ridges are usually mole-feeding
tunnels. These tunnels are
used a few times and eventually abandoned.
Deep tunnels are used as living quarters and for raising young.
Moles are active at any time during the year but seldom appear
above ground.
Control
Although trapping is the most effective method of control for moles, it requires time, patience, and knowledge of the mole’s habits. The key to trapping is learning how to identify main runways. Look for tunnels that appear to connect two or more mounds in a straight path; that follow stationary objects such as concrete paths or fence rows; or that follow a tree line bordering a grassy area. Trapping is most successful in the spring and fall months.
Once the main runways are located, install harpoon, scissors or choker traps. To install a trap, dig a hole into the tunnel, leaving the loose dirt in the passageway. A trap should be set over or around this dirt. Generally, an average of 3 to 5 traps per acre are needed for quick results. Some traps might require repositioning after several days if they have been place in inactive runways.
There are a few baits registered for mole control. However, baits are rarely taken by moles since their diet chiefly consists of earthworms and insects. Fumigants registered for mole control usually provide limited results due to the mole’s ability to detect the gas and wall off treated tunnels. Check with local authorities to determine whether these products are state registered. Always consult labeling prior to pesticide application.
Control
of moles can be a difficult situation for even the experienced pest control
operator, but knowledge of the behavior, biology, and the variety of control
techniques available will make this formidable task much easier.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)