Moles
Moles are small, burrowing creatures, that are unwelcome guests in yards and homes. The most common problem associated with moles is the mole hills and tunnels that destroy expensive and beautiful lawns and landscaping. Many homeowners have gone to bed with a pristine and well maintained lawn, only to find several large, unsightly mounds of dirt scattered about the yard the next day. This is the resulting excavated dirt from moles burrowing in your yard. These tunnels undermine root systems and kill plants and lawns. Ironically, well maintained or recent landscaping is a paradise for moles because of the loose dirt! Well watered areas can attract moles as well, because tunneling is much easier in these circumstances.
What do they look like?
Often mistaken for voles or other small rodents, moles are small with no visible ears. They have small black eyes and larger front feet. Rather than the long thin tails commonly seen on other small rodents like rats, moles have a short thicker tail, or no tail at all.
You won’t often see the moles themselves, but rather the evidence of their tunnels and excavations. However a single mole may find it’s way into your garage, basement or cellar. The culprit in these instances is usually gaps around windows, loose siding or boards around window wells, or a weakened foundation. In fact, if you discover a mole inside your home, it probably means that your home or business requires some maintenance or repair work. Remember that moles are very frequently tunneling beneath the ground, giving them easy access to below ground living spaces if these areas are not well maintained and secure.
Hazards and Health Risks
The damage to expensive landscaping is the most obvious issue when it comes to moles, but there are others as well. For example, a mole that gains access to the garage or home will not survive long. The carcass will soon attract other pests, not to mention the resulting odor if not discovered right away.
Another potential danger occurs when a homeowner tries to remove the mole by themselves. While not usually aggressive, like all wild animals, moles will lash out when they feel threatened. Moles will bite when perceiving danger, or when they are cornered, or trapped. Moles can carry diseases including rabies which can be transmitted to humans or animals. A more likely scenario however is the transmission of disease due to the parasites they often carry. Moles are often hosts for fleas and ticks which transfer to grass and areas around your home and can then be picked up by the humans living there and their furry companion pets. If you think your pet has a flea or tick problem, they will need care from a vet.
If your home or yard has evidence of moles, or you discover one indoors, contact your local pest control company for proper and safe removal or elimination. Save your lawn, and reduce the risk to your pets by allowing the professional pest control experts to help.
