School Ground Invasion by Moles

University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension

Moles

Photo: Steve Hahus, All Wild About Kentucky’s Environment

Drawing: University of Nebraska

Photo: University of Nebraska

Eastern MoleShort, velvet furBlack, gray, or brown4-7 inches longShort tailVery small eyes and earsLong naked snoutWide mitt like front pawsLarge claws in front onlySmall pointed teeth

Photos: University of Nebraska

Drawing: University of Nebraska

The Eastern Mole

Life StyleTolerate low oxygen levelsFossorial-live underground

HabitatPrefer moist, loose soilPrefer less disturbed areas

ReproductionOnce/year (May-June)2-5 young in deep nest

Drawing: University of Nebraska

Photo: University of Nebraska

The Eastern MoleFeeding

Insectivorous70% EarthwormConsume 45-50 lbs annually

Foraging50 –75 ft of surface tunnels per dayMoist, shaded areas

MovementTravel 80 ft per minute in burrowsMales – 3A Females - 0.66A

Photo: University of Nebraska

Mole Signs and DamageBurrowing

Runs: Moles push up sod just under the surface; tear turf rootsMounds: Made when moles go deep, round and conical about 8” across and 6” high. Cover and smother grassNests: In deep burrows 18-24” below the surface

Photo: University of Nebraska

Used with permission by University of California Statewide IPM Program, J.K.

Clark, photographer

Mole Damage Identification

Mole MoundsCaused by moles digging deep tunnelsThey literally carry the dirt to the surface

Drawing: University of Nebraska

Used with permission by University of California Statewide IPM Program, Larry

L. Strand, photographer

Mole vs. Gopher Mounds

Mole Damage Identification

RunsTravel Runs

LongStraightConnect feeding areas and living areas

FeedingShortCrooked

Photo: Thomas Olander

Mole ManagementHabitat Modification

Soil conditions: Dry packed clay Type of ground cover or turfReduction of food supply: Earth worms, not grubs

Mole ManagementHabitat Modification

Install rocks, gravel, packed clay barriers: 24” deepInstall fences or metal barriers: 24” into gradeNatural predators: Coyotes/dogs, cats, and bull snakes

Photo: University of Nebraska

Mole ManagementRepellents

Two types: Smell or TactileOdorous repellents such as castor oil must be applied often and watered in properlyVibration devices must be very strong and only cover a small area.

Limitations: Both these types of repellents have very limited results on deterring moles

Photo: University of Nebraska

Trapping Safety

Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves when handling traps and animalsAvoid setting traps in areas with high human/pet trafficCheck traps daily. Don’t set them if you can’t check them the next day

Mole ManagementTraps

Many types of lethal mole trapsUse on surface runs that are active and reappearWalk over all runsPlace traps on runs the mole has reopened“Test fire” harpoon traps in non-sandy soilsTrapping can be very labor intensiveExtreme care must be taken when using traps

Mole Control: LethalTrapping: All the traps work

Trapping is extremely effectivePesticide free

Drawing: University of Nebraska

Mole Control Trapping Principles

Use more than one trapSurface tunnels

Set the long straight tunnelsSet the new tunnels

BoilsDig to the tunnelSet the new boils

Photo: University of Nebraska

Mole Trapping: Surface RunsHarpoon

Find the runMake sure trap legs don’t invade the tunnelDepress only enough tunnel for the triggerPre-form the time holesSet trap so tines are NOT above the soilCover with 5 gal. bucket

Drawing: University of

Nebraska

Mole Control Trapping Boils

Scissor trapDig to the travel tunnelPlace jaws to straddle the tunnelCreate barrier or install woody“Test fire” trapReset and back fill trap Drawings: Tom Schmidt

Mole Control: Toxicants

Follow Label InstructionsTHE LABEL IS THE LAW!

Mole Control: Toxicants

Toxicants: FumigantsTwo types:

Smoke or sulphur “bombs”Lethal gases

Smoke “bombs” usually do not work as mole’s tunnel system is very extensive and moles need very little oxygen

Photo: University of Nebraska

Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Fumigants

Two types:Smoke or sulphur“bombs”Lethal gases

Lethal gases are extremely dangerous and explosive! They are only to be used by specially certified applicators

Photo: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc

Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits

Remember, moles feed on LIVE earthworms, so grain based baits will NOT work!The bait must smell and feel like an earthworm to the mole

Photos: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc

Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits

The bait must have a poison that effects the moles’ different blood compositionMost common rodent poisons will not be as lethal to moles

Photos: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc

Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits

Baits must be placed in the active surface burrowsThe burrows must be closed after the bait is introducedAlways read and follow all label directions

Photos: Bell Laboratories, Inc.

Mole Management “Wannabes”

Many products have been tested by Universities and found to be non-effective in controlling moles; better to use proven methodsMiscellaneous home remedies

Pinwheels/windmillsAnimal scatBirth control pillsChewing gumUsed cat litterKeroseneUltrasonics

Resources/InformationInternet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

http://icwdm.orgPrevention and Control of Wildlife Damage

http://icwdm.org/handbook/index.htm#omLocal Cooperative Extension/Pesticide Education Office

Learn more about becoming a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Only necessary for Restricted Use Pesticides (Wildlife Damage Control Category 14)

CreditsContent Specialists

Dennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County Stephen Vantassel, UNL ExtensionDallas Virchow, UNL Extension

Content EditorErin Bauer, UNL Extension

PhotosDennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County

CreditsPhotos cont.

Stephen Vantassel, UNL Cooperative ExtensionDallas Virchow, Wildlife Services, USDA-APHISJ.K. Clark, University of California Statewide IPM Program (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu)Steve Hahus, All Wild About Kentucky’s EnvironmentLarry L. Strand, University of California Statewide IPM Program (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu)

CreditsPhotos cont.

Thomas OlanderEdward D. KellemsDo It Yourself Pest Control, Inc (http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com)Bell Laboratories, Inc.

Artwork/GraphicsUNL ExtensionUniversity of California Davis (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu)Tom Schmidt