Signs Of Moles And What You Can Do About Them

When you think of garden pests, what animals come to mind? Many people think of ants, mice, and perhaps pigeons. But there's another type of pest that may be bothering your garden. You may overlook them because they spend a lot of time below ground, but moles can wreak havoc on your garden. Here's a closer look at the signs of a mole infestation, along with some tips to help you get rid of them.

What Are the Signs of Moles?

Moles are only about 8 inches long. They look similar to mice, but with pointed noses, small and very hidden eyes, and webbed feet. You may never actually see a mole in your yard, though. Rather, you may notice these mysterious signs.

Volcano Holes

Moles burrow below ground, and to access their burrows, they make very distinct holes. These holes have a volcano of dirt around their openings; sometimes some of the dirt slides back into the hole, but you can easily clear it out.

Dying Plants

Moles eat the insects and larvae they find below ground, but in doing so, they can cause damage to the roots of the plants in your garden. You may notice some plants dying or looking as though they are struggling. The plants may also suffer because there are no longer enough worms and insects aerating the soil beneath them.

How Do You Get Rid of Moles?

You can try to get rid of moles on your own at first. Some methods to try include:

• Sprinkle red pepper flakes around the openings to the moles' tunnels.
• Place kids' pinwheels near the openings of moles tunnels. The wind should help scare them away.
• Plant garlic and onions; their strong odors help repel moles.

If these measures do not work, you will want to contact a pest control company. They can set up traps to trap the moles, or they can apply chemicals to the tunnels to repel them. It may take a while to trap enough of the moles to make a difference. The best time to do this is in the late spring, since the moles' babies will already be moving around and active.

To learn more about moles, contact a pest control company in your area. Remember -- you don't always see moles when they're in your yard. Keep an eye out for the other signs above so you can act quickly.

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