Moles

Moles spend most of their time underground. They do have eyes, but can distinguish only between light and dark. They have enlarged, strong front feet with elongated claws which enable them to dig through a large amount of earth for their size.

Moles construct a series of tunnels in the ground. Temporary ones just below the ground surface for feeding, and permanent ones 10-18 inches beneath the surface. A large chamber in the deeper runways is used as a retreat during drought, heat, cold, and as a nest for the young.

The digging of the surface tunnels can be up to one foot per minute while in search of food, the underground digging rate is 12 foot per hour. When digging the dirt passes under the mole until a pile has formed. The mole then pushes it through a vertical tunnel and outside thus leaving a molehill on the surface.

Moles live a solitary life only tolerating others during mating season. Mating occurs in the Spring. After a 4-6 week pregnancy, the single litter is born usually consisting of 3-5 pups. After one month, the young are able to care for themselves and reek havoc on your lawn.

85% of a moles diet consists of earthworms and insects in the soil. The balance of their diet include seeds, grass roots, etc. Earthworms are one of their favorites, and although grubs may attract moles to an area, the elimination of grubs will not remove the moles if there are earthworms present, and conversely, the presence of moles is not a sure sign that you have grubs, especially if it has been treated for grubs.

Baits are successful if a mole accidentally eats them while searching for food. The same is true with chewing gum. Castor Oil will move moles temporarily, as will ultra- sonic sound, but not for long. Traps are effective but time consuming , expensive, and difficult to place properly.

2002 Bait update!!!!

Finally someone came up with a mole bait that mimics the odor of earthworms and grubs. Moles love it. It is safe, easy to use, and actually works. We have tried it on five residential lawns with100% results, and it is inexpensive! The only problem with it, as with all mole products, is that once it kills the moles there is no residual. They may re-infest from a woods or neighbors yard. When that happens, simply re-treat. We have it for sale. $10.95 per pound plus shipping. To order moles@scapest.com

Years of experimentation with every product on the market ( until 2002) has led us to a product and program that we believe to be the most effective for mole elimination. The product is a fumigant in tablet form that, when placed directly in the mole run, will instantly kill them. The program consists of three steps including the placement of the fumigant, tamping all runs and hills the following day, returning in one week to be sure all moles were killed, and retreating if necessary.

There are several drawbacks to this program: 1) The product has to be purchased and applied by a licensed applicator with a fumigation license. 2) It is a deadly fumigant. Although underground, dogs and small children must be kept off the area for twenty four hours to prevent them from digging in the runs. 3) The fumigant kills everything it comes in contact with within the tunnel and dissipates in twenty four hours. Re-infestation can occur from an outside area anytime after that period.

To circumvent the drawbacks, we do the treatment. Prior to treatment we flag all runs that the poison will be placed in and warn everyone to keep animals and children off the area. In the event neighbors have moles and are likely to re-infest, or the property borders on a woods, we offer a monthly service at a minimal charge and continue to kill moles as they re-infest. After two to three months, we usually achieve total control.

We have been using this program successfully for two years. Approximately 75% of the time one application is sufficient for total control. 20% we have achieved control after two months. 5% are ongoing monthly services due to the location and proximity of heavy mole infestation.

MOLE BIOLOGY

2002 Bait update!!!!