Mole Facts
- Moles are insectivores. They are no rodents! They will consume grubs and insects, but get the vast majority of their dietary needs from earthworms.
- Don't be fooled by companies that tell you because you have a mole problem, that you also have a grub problem. You may just have a mole problem.
- Moles have an incredibly high metabolism. This means they have an insatiable appetite and are always on the lookout for food. In fact, they consume 80% - 100% of their body weight every day.
- Moles use/create tunnel systems as the means to locate food. They can move rapidly through existing tunnel systems but can also create up to 100 feet of new tunnels in a day... causing extensive lawn and landscape damage.
- Moles do not hibernate and are active year-round.
- Moles are anti-social and typically do not coexist within the same tunnel system. The one exception is for reproduction. Moles typically breed in late winter/early spring. After the young are weaned, 7-12 weeks after breeding, you are likely to see the highest levels of activity.
- Moles live their lives underground, rarely coming to the surface. Expected life span for a mole is approximately 2-3 years.
- Moles will reoccupy a vacant tunnel system if food is abundant.
Types of Tunnel Systems
Primary Run
Generally long and relatively straight tunnels that can be frequented by a mole as many as 3 times a day.
Exploratory Run
Generally spider web-like in shape and are often abandoned after digging. These are used to identify new feeding areas.
Deep Tunnels
Often found up to 3 feet underground and can also comprise a mole's living areas, food storage, and latrine area.
"TIP:" It is important to clearly identify the type of tunnel system involved as the product is tailored to the specific nuances of each tunnel type.
Mole Pest Management
Preliminary Evaluation
Inspect the lawn and record mole tunneling and damage.
Evaluate surroundings to determine if this is a mole prone area.
Proceed with the mole service. Punch assessment holes within all mole tunnels and mark the holes (lawn markers, paint, flags, etc.). This will help you identify holes and reduce overall baiting service time.
Evaluate surroundings to determine if this is a mole prone area.
Proceed with the mole service. Punch assessment holes within all mole tunnels and mark the holes (lawn markers, paint, flags, etc.). This will help you identify holes and reduce overall baiting service time.
Baiting Application
Return to the site 24-48 hours after preliminary evaluation to inspect assessment holes.
If a mole tunnel is active, moles will repair or "plug" assessment holes. Plugs help you identify the most active runs and allow you to make the most of each bait placement.
Create new holes 1-3 feet on each side of plugged assessment holes.
Carefully pinch the hole closed or cover with soil, being careful to minimize damage to the tunnel
Re-open the original assessment hole, this will help you determine success during the follow-up.
If a mole tunnel is active, moles will repair or "plug" assessment holes. Plugs help you identify the most active runs and allow you to make the most of each bait placement.
Create new holes 1-3 feet on each side of plugged assessment holes.
Carefully pinch the hole closed or cover with soil, being careful to minimize damage to the tunnel
Re-open the original assessment hole, this will help you determine success during the follow-up.
Follow-Up Evaluation
Confirm consumption of bait by checking the assessment holes for plugs.
Once confirmed, simply stomp down the runs and collect all of the remaining lawn markers.
Once confirmed, simply stomp down the runs and collect all of the remaining lawn markers.
Contact Forest Green Lawn Services for more information to purchase product only.
