moles
Critters in Your Garden
Los Altos Main Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 94022
Questions about controlling gophers, moles, squirrels and other critters in your garden? Master Gardeners Gil Patrick and Bonnie Wagner will discuss these and any other animals pests that you have questions about.
Moles
Last updated: Feb-2004
Moles are 6”-12” insectivores that feed on grubs, millipedes, ants and earthworms. They do not hibernate and have a high metabolic rate so require lots of food. Their main foods are grubs and earthworms. Signs of mole infestation are mounded soil and heaved runways which are most visible in fall and spring. They do not eat roots or bulbs but their tunneling disfigures lawn and gardens.
What You Can Do
- Trapping is the most effective method of control.
- Less effective methods include baiting, gassing and repellents.
Biology / Identification
Moles have velvety blue-black to gray mohair-like fur, a slender snout, needle like teeth, with flattened feet ,claws and inconspicuous ears. They can grow from 6'-12" long depending on species. Moles may be distinguished from meadow voles, gophers, and shrews by their naked, pointed nose that extends well in front of the mouth. Small eyes and ears are concealed by fur. Their spade like forefeet are wider than they are long. Discharged mounded soil and heaved runways are indicators of this pest's presence. The Eastern mole is the most common mole found in the eastern US, the most troublesome species on the coast of Oregon and Washington is the Townsend's mole , the Broad-footed mole can be found in California.
The Eastern can be found from the Atlantic to the foothills of the Rockies and from Southern Canada to the panhandle of Florida. All moles can be damaging but the Eastern mole is by far the most widespread. It is better described as the common or grey mole. It is the strongest of the group and is most often associated with tunnels and or mole mounds by residential homeowners. Moles are not rodents, but belong to a group of mammals called insectivores. Moles have a very high metabolic rate and, therefore, have to consume large amounts of food.
