A mole problem in your yard is time-sensitive, so it’s important to know what signs to watch for. If you act quickly, you can minimize mole damage to your lawn.

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the common signs of a mole invasion. This means that their yard suffers until the damage is significant such as a collapsed driveway.

In this article, we discuss mole damage and how to treat it. We also discuss mole damage vs vole damage to make sure you know the difference. Continue reading to learn how to save your yard.

1. Mounds of Dirt

Mounds of dirt are one of the first signs of mole damage to your lawn. These mounds signify either the entry or exit of an underground tunnel. Moles tunnel under your yard to access their underground homes or in search of food.

If you only notice a few mounds, your mole problem may be only starting. If you see many mounds, you might have more than one mole living in your yard. It’s common for two or three moles to share one acre of property. 

2. Raised Ridges

One of the most common signs of a mole problem is raised ridges in your yard. This occurs when moles dig tunnels underneath your lawn while they search for food. As they move, they displace soil, which can disturb surface soil.

If you live in a region with a lot of snow, it may be more difficult to detect this sign of mole damage in winter. They tend to dig deeper in winter as the surface soil freezes. 

3. Dead Grass

These tunnels are bad for the surface of your lawn because they displace the soil underneath. This disturbance causes brown spots in your grass. 

Dead or dying grass may outline the shape of the tunnels, but it can also be in larger patches. The longer you have moles, the worse the mole damage in your yard.

4. Sudden Growth of Weeds

Many homeowners are surprised that the sudden growth of weeds can be a sign of a mole problem in your yard. This occurs because of the disturbed and overturned soil. 

They make ideal conditions for weeds by killing grass and providing fresh soil. This makes it easier for the weeds to take root. 

5. Loose Soil

Another side effect of mole damage is loose soil. Loose soil is another problem caused by tunneling. If you notice soft spots in your grass, it’s likely there’s a tunnel beneath the surface.

If left to terrorize your lawn, a mole problem in your yard can result in extreme damage. Examples include collapsed driveways and ground pools. 

Moles tend to dig down around 10 inches below the surface where it’s easier to find food. However, they can dig further due to powerful front claws. 

Mole Identification

Because of the large amount of damage they cause, it’s surprising that moles are small in size. Their bodies are only about 5-6 inches in length and weigh 3-4 ounces. They are characterized by their dark fur, small eyes, a long, hairless snout, and disproportionately large webbed forefeet. 

Being able to identify a mole is important so you can use the right prevention and control strategies. Moles are sometimes confused with voles because of the similar name and the similarities in vole vs mole damage. 

Mole vs Vole Damage

The only similarity between voles and moles is that both tunnel underground. Voles look very different from moles in that that they look like mice with short tails.

Voles are also vegetarian while moles are carnivorous (they eat meat). This is evident when you compare mole vs vole damage.

The entrances/exits of a vole’s tunnels are typically found underneath the leaves of plants and in other areas of vegetation. They are likely to devour your garden from the roots. 

How to Fix Your Mole Problem

Once you’ve identified that you have a mole problem, your next goal is likely to prevent as much mole damage to your lawn as possible. Two key parts of treating a mole issue are removal through trapping followed by prevention.

Mole Trapping

The best way to get rid of moles is through trapping. Trapping is also a preferred method to poison. This is because poison bait rarely affects the moles. 

Once moles move into your yard, they don’t leave. The problem only worsens with time as does the amount of mole damage.

For these and other reasons, we recommend working with a professional mole removal company. At Trap Your Moles, we use humane methods to lure and capture the moles in your yard. Our testimonials show effective and reliable techniques.

Mole Prevention

After trapping, the next step is to prevent other moles from settling in. Start by considering why moles were attracted to your yard in the first place.

Oftentimes, moles chose yards because they have ample food supply. Check your soil for bugs and look into options for treating non-beneficial pests. For example, grubs can be treated with nematodes.  

You can also take measures to protect specific plants by surrounding them with underground wire mesh cages. Moles and rodents can’t chew through the wire mesh, keeping the plant safe. 

Watch Out for Signs of a Mole Problem

Keeping an eye out for signs of a mole problem in your yard is the best way to ensure they’re dealt with quickly. The longer they’re left to wreak havoc, the worse the mole damage to your lawn will be. 

Also, make sure you’re able to distinguish a mole from other yard pests. This will help you take proper steps in removing them and preventing them in the future. 

To get help with your mole problem, contact us today. 

Did you know that the word “mole” comes from the term mold-warpe, which means “earth-thrower?” That’s such an apt name for these insectivores, seeing as they can dig tunnels at a rate and speed of 18 feet per hour. They have paws powerful enough to move and turn even the densest clay soils.

What’s more, the US is home to several of the 42 known species of ground moles. These include the Eastern mole, Townsend’s mole, and Broad-footed mole, to name a few. The Eastern mole is the most prevalent, though, as you can find them all the way from the Atlantic to Ohio to Florida.

As incredible as moles are, these garden pests can bring a host of problems if you allow them to let loose in your yard.

To that end, we created this guide discussing the most common ground mole problems. Read on to discover what they are and why you’d want these critters out of your property.

Potential Disease-Bringers

According to scientists, some species of moles are zoonotic hosts. They carry zoonotic pathogens that can result in zoonosis or zoonotic diseases. Zoonosis, in turn, is an infectious disease that jumps from a non-human animal to humans.

Rabies is a potential but rare zoonotic disease that moles may transmit to humans. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are other health problems associated with moles. Moreover, some moles may be a host to a tick that carries Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

While it’s rare for moles to cause those diseases, they can nonetheless. That should be enough reason to invest in professional ground mole removal services. You don’t want to contract those illnesses, as some, such as untreated Lyme disease, can be deadly.

Unsightly Mole Mounds and Streaks

Some mole mounds are visible ground mole damages that look like tiny volcanoes on the soil. These raised, grassless soil patches usually connect to deep mole tunnels. These deep tunnels are long; a single eastern mole can create a 160-foot tunnel within just one night.

Moles also create runways, which appear as raised, grassless streaks on soil surfaces. These ugly marks result from moles throwing all that earth around as they explore or search for food.

Water Accumulation in the Yard

The tunneling activity of moles not only creates actual tunnels; it also aerates the soil. Both effects then make it easier for water to penetrate and seep through the soil. The water can remain within the hollow tunnels, giving rise to water pooling and building up.

If there’s always water pooling up in your yard, it can attract other pests, such as mosquitoes. These insects are more than just pesky buggers; they can also cause diseases like dengue. What’s more, health experts say they can carry the West Nile Virus, too.

Plant Destruction

Speaking of water accumulation caused by moles, too much soil in the water can also drown plants. When your lawn is always wet, plant roots can rot, the leaves can turn yellow, and plants look wilted overall.

What’s more, the tunneling activity of moles can destroy plant roots. Again, that’s because these garden pests paw through the soil, displacing rooted plants.

You don’t want your garden plants to die, especially not if you rely on them for food.

So, as soon as you see withering plants without a clear cause, have your garden inspected for moles. The sooner an animal removal expert catches a mole, the fewer chances it has of reproducing. This then helps lower your odds of having to deal with a whole mole family.

Foundation and Slab Damage

The water that seeps through mole tunnels can make it all the way to your home’s foundation and slabs. From there, the water can pool up near foundations, freeze, and then thaw. Experts say these effects can make such structures more prone to cracks and damages.

Keep in mind that foundation damages can compromise your home’s structural integrity. For example, it can cause walls to bow, floors to become uneven, and surfaces to sink. So, the more severe the foundation damage, the more cracks that can develop on the walls, too.

In addition, foundation damage can make it difficult to close your doors and windows. This is a security risk you don’t want to take on, seeing as about 7 million property crimes occur in the US each year. As such, it’s best to hire ground mole trapping experts if you suspect moles to have invaded your property.

Damaged Plumbing Components

Mole burrowing and tunneling activities can result in garden sprinkler heads becoming uprooted. These can also cause warping damage on and displacement of underground water lines. All these, in turn, put your plumbing pipes at risk of leakage.

Keep in mind that the average US household has water leaks wasting up to 10,000 gallons annually. One in 10 homes even have leaks that waste 90 gallons a day.

So, if your water bills are going up without an obvious cause, you may have leaky underground water pipes. Some of those leaks may, in turn, be a result of mole activity.

If some areas of your lawn are always damp and you also see tunnels and streaks, you might have a ground mole problem. It’s best to call a ground mole removal specialist as soon as you notice these signs. It’s also a good idea to contact a local plumber if you do have damaged plumbing pipes.

Remove Those Ground Moles Invading Your Property Today

The fact that ground moles can destroy your garden is a good enough reason to remove them from your home. More than that, think about the diseases and property damage they can bring. That’s why the earlier you can get them out of your home, the better.

If you suspect moles are in your property, our Ohio and Kentucky licensed trappers can help. We provide not only mole but also other nuisance animal containment services. Get in touch with us now to learn more and to schedule your home for ground mole removal.

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. 

Contact us now to discuss your problem! 

Moles are garden mammals with an average size and weight of 3.3 cm and 115 grams, respectively. They dwell in gardens, yards, and lawns, although they eat the insects and not the plants. While the presence of one ground mole in your property may not be bothersome, two or more moles may cause trouble.

Their invasion may damage your landscape, uproot your plants, and cause other adverse effects discussed in this article. Read on to know how you can identify the damage and what you can do to prevent the damages from becoming extensive.

Mole Identification

It’s essential to know a mole’s appearance not to confuse it with other pests. A ground mole resembles a mouse, although there are some slight differences between them. Here are a few traits which differentiate the mole from the other rodents:

• Tiny black eyes are hidden under the fur. You can’t easily see them
• No visible ears
• The tail is short and stubby. Some ground moles might not have the tail at all
• The feet are broad and pronounced

It’s worth noting that a ground mole feeds on insects, earthworms, and other small animals. It spends most of the time in the yard; you may never see it at home unless there is a tunnel within the home.

Mole Damage Appearance

There are many possible causes of damage to your garden’s appearance. So, how do you know that the damage is caused by ground moles? Here are the red flags that ground moles are responsible for the damage.

Mole Tunnels

Moles dig temporary surface tunnels, which they rarely use. In fact, most of the underground tunnels are never used more than once. They use those tunnels to hide from humans, adverse weather, and other animals.  

There are two main types of mole tunnels: shallow and deep tunnels. The shallow tunnels are the mole runways, while the deep tunnels are the mole mounds. Too many surface and underground tunnels may damage the appearance of your garden.

Uprooted/Withered Plants

Moles detach plants when digging the tunnels. The detachment leaves the plants looking lumpy, with some partly or entirely uprooted. At times, you may never know the cause of the problem, especially if the tunnel is underground. 

Don’t ignore any withered plants in your garden. Inspect the lawn to know the cause. 

More Weeds

Weeds increase when the plants are uprooted. Assuming that you had used fertilizer or organic manure, the weeds will consume it because the plant is no longer there. As a result, the number of weeds in the garden will increase at a high rate.

Mole Hills

Molehills are also known as raised ridges. They form as the moles continue to dig the surface and underground tunnels. The hills can damage the beautiful look of your ground and make movement quite hard.  

Where and When Mole Damage Can Occur

Moles are common in rich soil. They feed on insects and other microorganisms in the soils, and that’s why they cause damages while trying to get the contents of the underground soil. They feed throughout the year, and this means that they can invade your lawn anytime.

However, some ground moles prefer certain types of soil to others. For instance, you may find moles that prefer sandy to clay soil. Nevertheless, their presence can be unpredictable, and you may deal with them throughout the year if your soil is rich in nutrients.

Mole Damage Management

From above, it’s evident that you should not tolerate the presence of ground moles in your house. 

They might uproot your plants/flowers and damage the aesthetic appeal of your lawn. They don’t cause direct impacts because they don’t feed on the crops. But the indirect effects can be immense.

So, don’t assume they won’t be harmful to you. Instead, contact the ground mole control experts to inspect your ground and mitigate them. Here are mole damage management tips to follow:

Trapping

Trapping is the easiest, safest, and most effective method for removing ground moles. Since the moles are large, they will get into the trap if you add a bait inside. You can either buy the trap from a hardware shop or create one.

Ideally, you should place the trap at the end of the tunnel where the moles use to enter and leave the tunnels. 

You might need some time to determine the tunnels that the moles use most so that you know where to set the trap. Alternatively, you may seek mole trapping services to have the job done more effectively.

Repellents

There are plenty of mole repellent products. Most of the products contain garlic, castor oil, and other products that moles don’t like.  These repellents may not directly kill the moles, but they may make the pests less interested in living in the yard.

Caution: There are many mole repellents in the market. Consult a ground mole control expert to help you in choosing the best.

Chemicals

There are multiple chemicals for mole mitigation. They are as useful as repellents, but they can interfere with the chemical composition of your soil.

You should only use the chemical method when you don’t have other plants on the farm. Also, you should apply chemicals under the close supervision of an expert.

A Ground Mole Removal Expert Can Help You

Dealing with pests has never been easy. If the ground mole damages are becoming too much to bear, consult a certified ground mole removal expert. The expert should provide you with the right traps and even help you in the baby ground mole control process.

Just ensure that the person you hire is well known and experienced to accomplish the task within the shortest period.

Trapyourmoles.com is a reputable wildlife removal service firm. We offer both commercial and residential mole trapping services at affordable prices. 

We are certified, and our team is well-versed with all types of ground moles, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, and other animals. Don’t let the animals damage your yard. Request an appointment today to get the help you need.

Are there mounds of dirt appearing in your yard? Have you run across a few grey, furry creatures with large paws? 

You are experiencing a take-over by the common grey ground mole. This mammal, which feeds mainly on insects and grubs, will burrow tunnels under the ground to construct a nesting and feeding space. The excess dirt they dig up is left above ground in mounds, which is an eyesore in an otherwise lovely lawn.

To rid yourself of these particular pests for good, you will need to trap them. To learn about the best mole traps and how to use them, read on.

Best of the Mole Traps

Professional pest control companies rely on one of the most effective, time-tested mole trapping methods—the spring-loaded prong trap. These metal traps are activated to snap and kill the mole when it pushes against the metal which sits inside their tunnel.

To use these types of traps, locate the tunnel that the moles are digging. Tunnels usually can be found between the mounds of dirt on your yard. Use a stick or probe to poke in the soil between mounds until you feel the ground give out. Step on the tunnels you see in one or two spots to collapse them, then check those spots later. If the tunnel has been dug out again, it’s an active one, and a good spot to set a trap. 

To set the trap, flatten an area of the tunnel a bit bigger than the base of the trap and set the trap over it. Each manufacturer will have different arming instructions, so make sure to follow those. To keep kids and pets away from the traps, cover them with a large bucket. Remove the mole once it has been caught. If you don’t catch anything, move your trap to a different spot.

Scissor Trap

Like the prong trap, the scissor trap will kill a mole instantly and sits inside the mole tunnel, camouflaged by grass and dirt. This trap allows you to determine from a distance if it has been set off, which makes it easy to use.

To set this scissor trap, locate a mole tunnel with a probe and then dig a small section around that spot using a trowel. Place the trap scissors down inside the hole, and cover it with soil and grass. When you trap the mole, you can reuse the traps in case you sight more mole signs after trapping the first one.

Choker Loop Trap

A choker loop trap catches the mole around the neck. 

Dig a hole and make sure the loop portions of the trap can sit upright in the hole. Remove any loose soil or small stones from the hole. Follow the trap’s directions to set the trap, taking care not to get your fingers caught in the process.

The choker loop trap, as all the traps mentioned so far, kills moles instantly, which some people feel is a more effective and humane way of ridding your yard of moles. 

But there are methods for trapping moles that keep them alive so that they can be relocated to a place other than your yard.

Humane Trapping Methods

For those who do not like the idea of killing moles with traps, here are some traps labeled as “humane” methods of capturing moles for relocation.

Bucket Method

An easy, cheap method of trapping and relocating moles is with a large bucket.

Dig a hole at the mole tunnel deep enough to place a 2- to 5-gallon bucket below the level of the tunnel. Pack dirt around the edge of the bucket, then cover the hole with sod or plywood so you can remove and check the hole daily. The mole will fall in, and then you can take it to a new location.

If this method is not effective enough for your mole problem, there are plastic mole tube traps available that will keep moles alive.

Plastic Tube Mole Traps

Each of these traps consists of two short plastic tubes that fit together to produce one long tube. There is a swing door at either end allowing the moles to enter at either side, but hinges keep the moles from going out in the opposite direction.

To set them, place them underground in the same way you would set a spring trap. Add cut-up earthworms as bait before you set the trap in the ground. Cover the trap well, allowing no outside light into the tunnel. When a mole is caught, place it in a covered bucket and take it to a relocation site far from your yard.

Repellants and Poisons

There are natural and artificial mole repellants, such as certain plants, castor oil, granulated pellets, and vibrating stakes. But these will only drive the moles away from your property and into the next one, which could mean trouble for your neighbors. Not everyone finds these methods effective, as well. 

A final option is to lay down mole poison which comes in many forms. Keep in mind,  that moles only eat insects, so they may turn their noses up at a granular poison like that used for other pests. There are some poisons meant to look like grubs or worms that might be more effective. 

While these methods may have some benefit, to get rid of moles completely, trapping with instant kill is the most effective method.

Use Professionals to Set Mole Traps

While you can buy and set up all the mole traps you need as a DYI project, you might benefit in the long run by hiring a professional animal trapping company that specializes in mole elimination. 

While hiring a pro will cost you more money, you will save enough time and hassle to make up for the initial expense. You will know the job will be done right, and that safety for your pets and family will be respected. Most importantly, you will be rid of your mole problem.

If you are in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area, contact us for mole control. We handle both residential and commercial properties, and can help you regain control of your lawn!

If a mole is in your yard, they can dig a hole that is about 2 inches in diameter and up to 12 inches below the surface. 

Once they’ve started digging holes in your yard, it’ll be very hard to get rid of them as your yard just keeps getting torn up more and more.

So how do you get rid of them? We have some of the best tips on how to get rid of ground moles, so make sure you keep reading!

1. Don’t Give Them a Great Environment to Thrive

One of the main reasons that moles get into your yard in the first place is because you created an environment that they love. 

To avoid that, you’ll need to make sure you don’t have a lot of bugs in your yard. Moles love insects and grubs, and it’s their main source of food. But if there are no bugs, they aren’t likely to want to go into your yard in the first place. 

You should also try and not to overwater your lawn. Earthworms love saturated water, which can also draw in one of the mole’s favorite meals. 

2. Use a Repellent

If those preventative measures don’t work, you can always use a repellant to deter them as well. 

Castor oil is a great repellant, and it won’t harm them. If they eat it, it will give them an upset stomach, so it will make them not want to live in your yard. 

To use this as an effective strategy, mix castor oil with some dish soap, and add it to a gallon of water. You can pour this over your yard, but if you already have moles, you can pour it in their home as well to help evict them. 

There are also pellets or sprays that you can buy at your local home goods store that will help keep them out. However, these can sometimes be harmful to the moles and your family or yard. 

3. Set Out Mole Traps

If you do have moles despite the preventative measure, you can set out some mole traps. Some of the best traps are the spring-loaded snares. You can buy some of these on Amazon, and they’re pretty easy to use.

If you get them, you can put them directly into the mole’s tunnel. Make sure that it’s a tunnel they often go into so that they don’t go around it. It can be hard to check if the trap caught them, but normally if the top of the tunnel isn’t fresh, the trap worked. 

While you might catch one mole, there could be a few more that are still hiding in the tunnels. To fully get rid of your mole problem, you’ll have to catch and trap them all. This can be a long process, but if you keep up with it, it can be effective.

However, before you start laying traps, make sure you check with your state’s laws. Some states make it illegal to trap them, which means that you’ll have to find another way to remove them. 

4. Call an Exterminator

If you don’t feel comfortable getting rid of the mole yourself, you can always call a professional come help you.

They have experience in getting rid of moles, and they’ll know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Plus, you’ll be able to rest easy and devote your time and energy elsewhere. 

5. Remove the Mole Yourself

If you don’t want to pay for a professional, you can always try and remove the mole on your own. Besides the traps, there are a few ways to remove the mole without killing it. 

If you have a bunch of mole holes out in your yard, you’ll need three shovels when you go out to investigate them. You’ll also need a lot of patience.

First, you’ll have to take the back of a shovel and flatten out one of the hills that you’ve found. The mole will be able to smell or hear you, so make sure you step away from the shovel after you’ve placed it over the hill. This will make the mole comfortable enough to show itself.

Wait patiently until you see it start to move the soil. It will try to repair the hill that you covered and move your shovel. Once you see it start to move, you can run to the area and put the shovels in the ground to try and grab the mole. 

Once you have the mole, put it into a cardboard box and take it somewhere far away from your property. 

6. Use Natural Barriers

Lastly, you could try and use natural barriers as well to help deter them.

For example, a lot of them don’t like the smell of marigolds, daffodils, or other flowers in the allium family. This makes it a safe barrier to keep moles out, but it also won’t harm your children or pets. 

Plus, it can make your landscape look really great and colorful!

If you don’t want those flowers, there are also barriers you can purchase that are made to keep moles out. They are like a basket, and you can place them around your other plants to stop them from being eaten by the moles.

Discover More on How to Get Rid of Ground Moles

If you’re still wondering how to get rid of ground moles, there are still a few more methods that you could try.

However, if none of these have worked, it might be time to call a professional. Thankfully, we’re here to help you!

If you’re having problems with ground moles, make sure you contact us today!

Once a mole finds a new home in your yard, they often choose to stay there. In many cases, moles won’t simply find a new home. They have to be removed.

If your yard provides them with the atmosphere and food they need, then they’ll make themselves comfortable. 

Mole damage in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can create more problems for you other than a damaged yard. Mole damage can also result in collapsed above-ground pools, driveways, and more. 

As the years pass by, the moles will reproduce, creating even more problems for your yard. This is why it’s essential for you to address and treat the problem before it gets worse. The best way to rid yourself of ground moles is to know the signs of moles in your yard.

What does mole damage look like? 

In the guide below, you’ll find out about a few different signs that there’s a mole problem in your yard. Continue reading below to learn more!

1. Dying and Dead Patches of Grass or Plants

Have you walked outside recently and noticed dead patches of grass or dying plants? This could be a sign of moles!

Moles make their way around your yard by digging tunnels under the top layer of grass and dirt. As the moles dig, they begin to remove the roots of plants and grass in their paths. Because of this, dying and dead patches of grass or plants in your yard is a common sign of moles. 

If not treated quickly, the moles will continue to dig their way around your yard, killing more plants and grass in their path.

2. Molehills or Mounds of Dirt

Although molehills or mounds of dirt aren’t as common as some other signs of a mole problem, you should still be on the lookout for them. Molehills appear when a mole forces dirt and other debris up to the yard’s surface as they dig in a deep tunnel. When searching for molehills, however, don’t be on the lookout for tall hills of soil.

Instead, look for volcano-shaped mounds about six inches tall. The mounds will most likely be connected to a tunnel system visible on the surface of your lawn. 

3. Tunnels Visible on the Surface

How do you know if there are mole tunnels in your yard? You should be able to see them on the surface. Because moles uproot all grass and plants in their way, they’ll leave paths on the surface of your yard with brown, dead, or no grass. Your lawn will look a bit raised in these areas as well, giving it a bumpy appearance. 

You can also use the tunnels to give you a good idea of how bad the mole problem is. Unfortunately, moles won’t normally use the same tunnel more than once. Because of this, there will be new tunnels throughout your yard each day. 

Once more moles inhabit your yard, there will be even more tunnels than before. 

4. An Increase in Weeds

Have you noticed an increase in the number of weeds in your yard as well? Tying a weed problem with a mole problem might not seem sensible, but here’s why it is: uprooting plants and grass gives weeds a chance to sprout. 

As the moles tear up your yard and uproot all your plants and grass, weeds will then try to take over. If not caught in the early stages, the majority of your yard can quickly become covered in weeds.

5. Visual Spotting of a Mole

Other than looking for signs of mole damage, you should also look for the moles themselves. Spotting a mole in your yard is a sure sign of a mole problem. What do you need to look for, though?

Moles are small mammals with dark brown fur. Their bodies are shaped almost like a potato, and they have small beady eyes. Their muzzles are pointed, and they have wide front flippers for feet. 

These flippers help them create a swim-like motion to get them through the soil. The best time to catch them in your yard is during the spring or fall and during the evenings or early mornings. These are the times when they’re most active. 

You should also try to catch them moving about after a rainstorm on a warm day. They tend to make their way to the surface afterward. You should also note that moles are only about seven inches long and only weigh about four ounces. 

6. Soft and Damp Dirt 

It’s important to know what type of environment moles like in order to determine if your yard is the perfect home for moles or not. If your yard contains soft and damp soil, then there’s a good chance there are some moles nearby. Moles like this type of soil because it’s easier for them to dig through.

You should avoid overwatering your lawn to prevent the ideal mole environment. Moles also feed on grubs and other insects. They don’t feed on actual plants in your garden. 

Grubs and earthworms will attract moles into your yard. If you can control the moisture level and the number of grubs or earthworms in your yard, then you might have a better chance of encouraging them to leave. Unfortunately more times than not, the moles will find another food source to eat and will need to be physically removed from the yard. 

How Can You Prevent Mole Damage?

After reading through these signs listed above, are you convinced you have mole damage in your yard? If so, then you’ll want to remove them as quickly as possible to prevent more damage from occurring. 

Let the mole professionals in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky help you. 

Click here for a free quote and to schedule an appointment!

You’ve put a lot of work into your yard and it’s paid off. The garden is in full bloom, your lawn is healthy and green, and there are little hills of dirt poking out of the ground. Wait, little hills of dirt?

Those aren’t supposed to be there. Upon further inspection, you realize that you’re dealing with moles. They’re drawn to your yard for a variety of reasons but the main one is the food source.

It can be dangerous to deal with ground mole removal by yourself but if you don’t have a choice, we can tell you how to do it the right way. Keep reading to learn more.  

What Are Moles? 

Moles are carnivores that burrow themselves in the ground and feed on insects. You would think the fact that they eat the harmful insects in your yard would make moles helpful but this isn’t the case. They can ruin the roots in your plants and if you have any germinating plants, the moles might eat them if that’s their only food option. 

During the winter, the moles may decide to dig closer to your home to seek out warmth. As you can imagine, this won’t do your foundation any favors. They’ll also destroy that expensive sprinkler system you had installed. 

Most of the time, they travel by themselves. The only exception is for the mating season. 

So, rest assured there’s most likely only one in your yard. That makes it a little less daunting to deal with, right? 

Why They’re on Your Property

Moles will enter your property for two reasons. The main one is for the food source. Moles eat grubs, warms, and many other things that lurk in the ground. 

Moles use up so much energy with their digging that they have to literally consume their weight in insects each day to stay alive. The more they eat, the deeper they have to plummet to find their food source. 

Moles may also enter your property so they can give birth. They’ll build nests in your yard to hold and raise their young. 

Identifying Moles

The first step in getting rid of moles is to identify them. They’ll leave obvious volcano-shaped mounds all over your yard.  You may see them pop their heads out after it rains. 

They have a hairless snout that extends outward. From far away, it doesn’t look like they have eyes because they’re covered by the mole’s fur.

Their forefeet are large and webbed. Their hind feet are skinny with long, slender claws. 

Getting Rid of Moles 

Now that you’re sure you have moles, it’s time to discuss getting rid of them. There are several ground mole removal methods that will work. Some of them are more effective than others. 

Shovel Method

The shovel method is the most difficult of mole removal techniques. It’s also one of the more humane options available to you. Use the back of a shovel to flatten the entry mounds. 

After you do that, you’ll want to stand back and look for a place to do a stakeout. Every movement you make causes vibrations in the ground that will discourage the mole from surfacing. They’ll also be able to smell you if you stand too close to them. 

Watch the soil. As soon as you see movement, that’s your queue to strike. Plunge two shovels in the ground to trap the mole. 

Dig the mole out of its home and carefully transfer it over to some sort of container or box. Carry the box well away from your home and release it back into the wild. 

Traps 

Traps can be humane depending on which one you get. First, we’ll go over the not so humane option. Take a shovel and flatten one of their entry mounds. 

Wait a few days. If the mound has been uncovered, you know that’s where you should place your trap. Check the trap every so often to see if you’ve got your little pest. 

Keep in mind that killing one mole might not be the end of your issue. It’s rare but you could have multiple house guests. Set your trap again and check it for further activity. 

Another thing to note is that not all states allow you to kill moles. If this is the case, you’ll need to go with the more humane trapping method. Catch and release traps will allow you to capture the mole and relocate it to another location. 

Call a Professional 

Dealing with moles yourself might be a little dangerous. Moles can transmit diseases and they can get aggressive. It’s much safer to call ground mole removal companies in your area. 

They are equipped with all the knowledge and tools needed to get rid of your mole problem the right way. 

Preventing Moles 

The best way to get moles out of your yard is with prevention. Rodents won’t want anything to do with your garden if you own a cat. If you coat their food source with castor oil, it might discourage them from sticking around to snack. 

Create a solution by mixing together castor oil, dish detergent, and water. Spray any tunnels and entrances that you’ve noticed.

Moles don’t like vibrations or loud noises. So, Ultrasonic noisemakers might drive them away. 

The Secret to Ground Mole Removal 

You’ve worked hard on your yard. You don’t want to see it get destroyed by moles. While letting them stay can prove beneficial, they may also eat your germinating plants and destroy the roots with their digging. 

Don’t let it get that far. Contact us today to tell us about your issue and set up an appointment for ground mole removal.