March 2021 - Trap Your Moles

You can’t be too sure but you think there might be a mole in your house. You’ve been noticing molehills in your yard on a regular basis, and you’ve seen something scurrying around under your countertops over the last few days. You know you want to get rid of the little guy, but you’re also wondering: do moles carry diseases? Are moles dangerous to human beings?

Great question and one that we can answer in detail. Here’s everything you need to know.

Do Moles Carry Diseases?

Put simply, yes, moles do carry diseases. That said, not every mole is going to spread disease. Some are harmless, and some can do some serious damage.

For those that do carry disease, this is what they’re capable of spreading.

Rabies

Moles are infamous for carrying rabies, a disease that can cause everything from tremors to muscle spasms to mental impairment to paralysis to, in many cases, death. This disease is passed through animals’ saliva and is most commonly spread through biting.

Rabies can be spread to both human beings and animals. So, if you have pets in your home, they are at risk of contracting rabies from a rabid mole.

This disease alone is enough to justify getting rid of a mole immediately. Its effects are quick and brutal, not to mention, almost impossible to treat.

Lyme Disease

In truth, it’s not that all that common for moles to spread rabies. This is because being bitten by a mole is fairly rare, even if there’s one in your home.

However, there are a number of other diseases that moles can spread that you’re much more likely to come into contact with. Most of these are spread by fleas that have nested in the mole’s hair.

Perhaps the most prominent of these is Lyme Disease. This disease is carried by ticks, in particular. If an infected tick bites you, you are almost sure to get it.

Some of the symptoms of Lyme Disease include rash, fever, nausea, joint pain, and general weakness. If not treated, Lyme Disease can cause death. It’s important to note, however, that the vast majority of Lyme cases are treated successfully with the use of antibiotics.

Anaplasmosis

Another disease caused by the ticks on moles is anaplasmosis. Like Lyme, this disease is spread through tick bites. Its symptoms are similar to Lyme’s symptoms as well, and they include chills, fever, muscle pain, and headaches.

In the most severe of cases, anaplasmosis can kill you (and animals like cats and dogs). Note, though, that early treatment of antibiotics will stave off the disease, allowing you to feel better within a few weeks of contraction.

Nonetheless, this isn’t a disease you want to get. It’s uncomfortable to go through and does pose a possibility of death.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Moles can also carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-carried bacterial disease similar to anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease. This disease causes rash, fever, and headaches, and, in severe cases, can lead to death.

It’s important to note, however, that Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be completely treated with the use of antibiotics. The key is catching it early before the symptoms have taken over.

Again, this is not a disease that you want to compete against. Even if it doesn’t kill you, it will put tremendous stress on your body, subjecting you to an experience that you’ll wish you never encountered.

How Do Moles Get Into Homes?

Now, you might be curious: how did a mole get into your home in the first place? There are a number of different ways that a mole might have gotten in, including the following.

Through Foundation Cracks

Moles spend almost all of their time underground, digging tunnel systems to help them get from place to place. As such, if they’re entering your home, it’s almost certainly through a spot that you can’t see.

And what’s the one part of your home that’s underground? The foundation! So, if there’s a crack in that foundation, it wouldn’t be at all surprising for a mole to wiggle its way through it.

Through Basement Windows

Located just above the surface of the ground, basement windows can serve as another avenue through which moles can travel into a home. Whether that window’s damaged or opened just slightly, it could offer enough room for a mole to makes its way through.

As such, it’s generally best to keep basement windows shut. Not only do they serve as passageways for moles but for mice, rats, and a variety of other pests as well.

Through Siding

If your home’s siding is close to the ground, there’s a possibility that moles could make their way through it. All they need is a little gap and they’ll dig their way right in.

For this reason, you need to inspect your siding regularly and ensure that it’s covering the side of your home in its entirety. Make repairs as necessary to keep critters at bay.

Through Vegetated Areas

Moles are attracted to vegetated areas, as those are the areas where their prey — insects — tend to flock. Obviously, these areas won’t lead a mole into your home. However, if you have heavy vegetation around your house, moles are going to be hanging around it a lot more than they would otherwise.

Keep garden and flower beds away from the base of your home. And consider buffering your home with a plant-less bed of mulch

Need Help Ridding Your Home of a Mole?

And there it is, an answer to the question of “do moles carry diseases?” As you can see, moles are, indeed, quite capable of spreading disease, not only to humans but to dogs, cats, and other indoor pets as well. As such, if you have a mole in your home, you would be wise to get it out as soon as possible.

Need help ridding your home of a mole? If so and if you’re in the Cincinnati area, we here at TrapYourMoles.com have you covered.

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Nothing is as frustrating as looking out over your lawn and seeing unsightly molehills all over the place.

When the moles come to your home, it’s unlikely they are going to leave on their own. As time goes by, the problem will just get worse and your beautiful lawn will be no more.

Take back your yard and get rid of those moles today!

If you need help and want to learn how to get rid of moles in your yard, read about our 7 expert tips below.

1. Grow Specific Plants

Moles are repelled by certain types of plants. You can plant them around the edges of your yard for a natural and effective way to get rid of moles.

Some flowers to plant that you may want to try include:

Daffodils
Alliums
Fritillarias
Crown imperials
Marigolds
Narcissuses

You can also make an onion, garlic, chives, or shallots garden! Moles hate these plants as well, but you’ll also get some great ingredients for your kitchen.

Another option is to grow castor beans, but they are toxic and can be dangerous to pets or children.

2. Invite Predators

You can invite some of the natural predators of moles, like owls and hawks, to your yard to keep the moles away. To do this, add a post that is at least 10 feet high and give them a small perch to land on.

They will survey the area and if they see a mole, they will take aim. Other natural predators, including foxes or snakes, could also come to your yard on their own to take care of the moles.

If you have a brave cat or dog, they may even try to go after the mole. Keep in mind that moles can carry rabies and also, if you’re using a poison that isn’t pet-friendly, your animal may get sick.

3. Use Natural Deterrents

If you’re looking for tips on how to drive off moles, the biggest one may be found in your kitchen cabinet.

Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil that can make the soil it’s added to smell foul to a mole. You may even be able to smell a very slight odor after putting it down!

The mole may leave after the smell or they may try to eat the soil.

This oil isn’t going to kill the moles, but it does make them have irritated digestion and this is what drives them away if they do ingest it.

You can find castor oil repellants in stores or make one yourself.

To do it at home, you’ll mix three parts of oil with one part of dish soap. Take this mixture and dilute four tablespoons of it into a gallon of water.

Take the repellant and add it to your entire yard or specific mole tunnels. If your problem is extensive, you will want to cover the entire area in and around your yard.

Other deterrents that you may want to try include leftover fish or dog feces. While these are not as easy to handle, they can drive away the moles due to scent.

4. Cut and Replace Grass

Moles need good places to hide in the yard, so keeping your grass mowed and flower beds well-cared for will keep them away. While landscaping, try to avoid multiple layers of mulch or stacks of wood.

Another tip is to rake and remove leaves as soon as you can after they fall onto your lawn.

Generally, moles are known to damage sod. Without the grass, they don’t have anywhere to go!

If you want to avoid the mole problem entirely, you can always replace the grassy parts of your outdoor space with something else like tile or concrete. You could add other ground coverings instead to deter the moles from even considering your lawn.

5. Make Some Noise

Just like unpopular smells, moles hate all noises.

While this isn’t always an effective way to drive the moles off, it can work and is something you can try if you have the necessary gear on hand.

An easy way to add noise to your yard is with windchimes. You could also try playing a radio outside, specifically aimed at their tunnels.

If you’re not a fan of noises in your outdoor area, another option would be to try sonic mole repellants. These send out sonic vibrations only the pests will be able to hear.

6. Try Poison or Gas

This will kill the moles, but if your issue is persistent and you’ve tried everything else, it is an option to consider.

Mole bait and poison can be bought in stores and are dangerous to pets and children. For this reason, you need to make sure that you are using the products correctly and safely at all times.

Another way to rid moles from your yard is with carbon monoxide gas from your vehicle or gas-powered lawnmower. You can hook up a hose to send the emissions straight into the mole tunnel.

Be sure that the tunnel is sealed, however, because if not, the gas will just come out of the other end and this method will not be effective.

7. Call the Professionals

If you’ve tried some of the above ideas and they just aren’t working for you, it’s time to call a professional for help. Trapping the moles may be the only solution that will work.

We will give you a quote based on the size and scope of the mole problem you have. At Trap Your Moles, we will do any size job, whether you have a commercial or residential lawn.

Our professionals have the right equipment, tools, and know-how to eliminate the moles.

Learn How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

A mole infestation can be a stressful, hazardous thing for you, your family, and your home. Luckily, you don’t have to let them have control over your grass!

Knowing how to get rid of moles in your yard and being able to do it on your own are two different things. If you’re struggling with mole removal, get in touch with us for efficient and effective service options.

Mole Removal