Exterminate Moles – Not as simple as it appears.

Exterminate Moles – When are they a problem.

Exterminate Moles - ApolloX Pest ControlThe instance of people googling for mole extermination services increases every April and peaks during May (see our Pest Activity Trends article). So, we’re in the main time of year when you’re likely to discover moles as a problem.

Exterminate Moles – The most visible damage.

The scenario is that you’re a homeowner or business owner who puts a lot of care into creating a beautiful green carpet-like lawn. You make sure your lawn has the water and fertilizer it needs, and is mowed at the ideal height for lawn health. You carefully eliminate any weeds and lawn pests. You love when your neighbors compliment how green and lush your lawn looks.

Exterminate Moles - ApolloX Pest ControlAll is well…until one morning you awaken to see a volcano-like mound of dirt in the middle of your lawn. You’re concerned. You carefully remove the mound and restore that spot in your lawn to its former beauty. The next morning there are a few mounds. You’re horrified! Your green carpet of a lawn is now looking quite damaged.

Exterminate Moles – The culprit and the damage.

Exterminate Moles - ApolloX Pest ControlThe most likely culprit in the state of Connecticut is the Eastern Mole. This little critter has the super power ability to create a tunnel up to 100ft long under your lawn EVERY night. And, if you see a few mounds, it’s likely you have more than one of these super excavators creating their network of tunnels. Mowing your lawn is no longer a joyful act as your lawn mower begins to hit mounds of dirt that can bring it to a sudden damaging halt.

Exterminate Moles – What are they looking for?

What attracts moles to your lawn? They don’t eat grass or roots. They’re looking for insects, worms and grubs. However, another underground rodent, the vole, can move into their tunnel system and begin looking for roots to eat. Now your most loved ornamental plants and shrubs are at stake.

Exterminate Moles – Your Options

Exterminate Moles - ApolloX Pest ControlIt’s actually a debate whether moles might be good for a lawn. They eat lawn pests like grubs, and so can be healthy to the lawn. Some homeowners prefer to leave them alone. However, it’s hard to ignore the spread of those unsightly mounds.

One approach can be a win-win. Eliminate the grubs and you’ve eliminated a part of the mole’s food source. However, then there are the worms. There are drawbacks to eliminating that food source. Worms love a well-watered lawn. You could water your lawn less often and perhaps see the worm population diminishing, but then you risk losing that green carpet-like look, and worms aerate the soil and contribute to the health of a lawn.

Other options involve more direct measures like poison or trapping. Traps need to be handled safely, and some states have regulations against mole trapping. Mole poisons can also be toxic to pets, fish and birds. The poison can remain in the mole and be toxic to animals the dig it up and eat it.

Of course there are a host of natural remedies like devices that emit sound waves, placing chewing gum or human hair in the mole’s runway system. These tend to have very unsatisfactory results. The moles persist.

Exterminate Moles – Get Professional Help

If you have a mole problem, it’s best to call a licensed mole exterminator.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Exterminate Moles – How to prevent a mole problem.

Let’s imagine that your property is adjacent to property, parkland or undeveloped land that is riddled with mole hills. You know it’s only a matter of time until they tunnel under your lawn and begin creating their mud volcano-like hills.

If the moles can’t tunnel into your lawn or garden in the first place, you’re safe. You’ll need to encircle your property with wire mesh buried 2 feet deep, or you could dig a 2ft deep trench around your property, or a garden area you wish to protect, and fill it with rocks. Not an easy task, but it all depends on how badly you want to avoid a mole problem.

Another preventative measure is to install plantings that repel moles. Here are a few: Garlic, chocolate lillies, daffodils, marigolds, alliums, and fritillarias, mole plant and castor beans. However, beware that mole plants and castor bean plants are considered to be poisonous and should not be used around pets and children.

If you have a mole problem, or notice mole activity in an adjacent property, call the professionals.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378 

Inspiration for this article: What can you do about moles in your yard? | Atlantic Exterminating