 The
eastern mole is a five and one half to six inch long tunneling
mammal that occurs throughout Florida. Moles can become
significant pests when they make foraging tunnels into lawns and
athletic fields to find food. Mole tunneling in lawns and
gardens separates the plant roots from the soil, and grass and
other plants die where mole tunneling is extensive.
The most visible damage caused by
moles is the volcano-like mounds of dirt that they push to the
surface when constructing their tunnels. Eventually, these
molehills settle and form bare spots on lawns and athletic
fields. Moles can dig surface tunnels at a rate of 15 to 18 feet
an hour and as much as 150-200 feet a day. Rich, well-irrigated
soil in which turf grasses or gardens grow is a good habitat for
earth worms and soil insects. Studies have shown that earthworms
are the “main course” in a mole’s diet. Expected life span for a
mole is approximate 2-3 years. Wooded areas and vacant land are
continual sources for mole re-infestation.
Getting rid of moles is not a
short-term project. When moles are a pest problem, what works?
- Mechanical methods including
traps and snares can successfully reduce mole infestations
if set correctly.
- Reducing the amount of
watering a lawn receives will make a less inviting
environment for worms and grubs.
- Where practical, a mole
barrier can help keep moles out of a lawn. Aluminum sheeting
can be buried between two and three feet deep to keep moles
from tunneling in, and a raised area of at least 6", e.g. of
landscape timber, will keep the moles from climbing over the
barrier.
- Bait- Bromethalin 0.025% (Talpirid
). Mole control bait is effective but is available only to
licensed pest control personnel.
Methods
and Materials NOT recommended include:
- Mole “repellers/repellents”.
There is no evidence that they work.
- Poison peanuts. Moles don't
eat peanuts.
- Insecticide treatments to
kill off soil insects. Remember, earthworms are the
sustaining food for moles.
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