If you’ve noticed raised tunnels, mounds of dirt, or patches of dead grass in your yard, chances are moles are the culprits. These small, burrowing mammals are expert diggers, creating extensive tunnel systems beneath lawns, gardens, and fields. While they don’t eat plants or roots, their tunneling can wreak havoc on landscaping and leave homeowners frustrated. But why do moles dig up yards in the first place? Understanding their underground behavior can help you take the right steps to protect your property.
Why Do Moles Dig Tunnels?
Moles are insectivores, meaning they primarily feed on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Their tunneling is not meant to damage your lawn—rather, it’s their method of hunting for food and creating shelter. Moles dig through the soil to search for their next meal, using their powerful front claws to create intricate underground passageways.
There are two main types of tunnels moles create:
- Feeding Tunnels: These are shallow tunnels, often seen as raised ridges on the surface of your lawn. Moles dig these in search of food, and they can appear and disappear quickly as the mole moves on.
- Deep Tunnels and Burrows: These tunnels are dug deeper underground and serve as nesting sites and permanent shelter. The entrance to these tunnels is often marked by molehills, small mounds of loose soil pushed up to the surface.
What Attracts Moles to Your Yard?
Moles are drawn to yards with abundant food, soft soil, and minimal disturbances. Lawns rich in earthworms and grubs provide a steady food source, while loose, moist soil makes digging easier. Overwatered lawns, lack of natural predators, and quiet, undisturbed areas further encourage mole activity. If your yard offers these conditions, it becomes an ideal habitat for these underground diggers.
Do Moles Cause Serious Lawn Damage?
Moles don’t eat plant roots, but their tunneling can still cause noticeable damage. Their underground activity can disrupt root systems, leading to brown or dead patches of grass. Surface tunnels can also create soft, uneven ground, making it difficult to mow or walk across your lawn. If moles stay in an area long enough, their constant digging can weaken the soil structure, leading to erosion issues.
How to Prevent and Control Mole Activity in Your Yard
If moles are turning your yard into a maze of tunnels, there are several ways to manage and prevent their activity:
- Reduce Their Food Source: Since moles are attracted to grubs and earthworms, applying natural grub control treatments can make your yard less appealing.
- Improve Soil Drainage: Avoid overwatering your lawn, as damp soil encourages worms and insect activity, which in turn attracts moles.
- Use Barriers: Installing underground mesh or barriers around gardens and lawn edges can deter moles from entering.
- Professional Mole Removal: Trapping and removal are the most effective ways to eliminate moles.
Need Help with a Mole Problem?
Mole activity can quickly turn a well-kept lawn into a mess of tunnels and mounds. If you’re dealing with ongoing mole damage, Critter Control of West Central Wisconsin can help. Our team specializes in professional mole control and prevention, ensuring your yard stays critter-free.