Moles Pest Control
Moles are small mammals known for their distinctive cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and powerful forelimbs adapted for digging. They belong to the family Talpidae and are found in various parts of the world like North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. You can typically find moles underground in complex tunnel systems. They possess shovel-like hands with strong claws to dig these tunnels which they elaborate with time as their home and hunting grounds.
Moles have small eyes covered with fur which means they have limited vision. However, they have a strong sense of hearing, touch, and smell. They also have big and pointed snouts that help them navigate through the soil. Additionally, there are layers of velvety fur so they have easy movement in tight spaces.
These creatures feed on earthworms and insects found in soil but they can also consume their own body weight in food each day. This trait is called voracious appetite. They handle the prey by immobilizing them with their saliva which includes the toxins that paralyze insects and worms.
Moles are solitary mammals that mate around spring and reproduce three to five younglings every year. Though these moles are considered a boon in soil health and ecology, they are considered a pest due to their digging behavior and the potential damage they can cause.
We provide personal mole pest control services in Omaha, Nebraska. We are Pratt Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Call us at (402) 691-2920 for all kinds of mole control services.
Why are moles considered pests?
Moles are known for their help in soil health among farmers, but they are considered pests because of their digging behavior and the potential damage they might cause.
Since moles are extensive tunnel diggers, they can create raised ridges or mounds on lawns and gardens. This also disturbs the root systems of some plants which might even kill them. Likewise, there is a high risk of soil erosion, especially in sloped areas. Soil displacement can undermine the ground stability which is a problem for landscapes and structures.
In our settlement areas, moles can inadvertently damage the underground irrigation systems, utility lines, and cables by tunneling near or through them. The repair costs for this kind of damage are very high and inconvenient.
In addition, moles can attract grubs, larvae, and other pests around your house causing more trouble.
Moles and Humans
Moles are shy and solitary mammals that avoid human contact as much as possible. But there are some threats like property damage, secondary pest attraction, underground structure damage, molehills, uneven ground, etc.
Though these are not a direct threat to human health, it still disturbs the normal lifestyle of people which makes moles pest control a necessity.
How do we work?
We have many approaches to control moles around properties.
- Trapping is the most effective process for mole control that involves specialized mole traps like harpoon traps or scissor traps. They are set in active mole tunnels and catch the moles when their movement triggers them. This causes no harm to moles but just captures them.
- We use mole repellants like castor-oil-based repellents, ultrasonic devices, and vibrating stakes to make the moles feel unpleasant and urge them to leave the property.
- There are some physical barriers to protect specific areas from mole damage. These barriers might be the mesh or hardware cloth barrier below ground level so moles cannot burrow into the target areas. However, this is suitable for small, confined areas only.
- We can also modify the habitat to make it less suitable for moles like reducing the possible food sources, eliminating grubs, or other insects, etc. We can also minimize the excessive watering mistake to make the area less favorable for moles.
Then, we have the provisions for follow-ups and prevention measures that include the inspections and address of any remaining mole activity. We also provide some guidelines like regular lawn maintenance, insect control, and proper drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are moles blind?
No, though moles have poorly developed eyesight, they are not completely blind. Their eyes are tiny and their vision is limited to distinguishing light from dark. They totally rely on their sense of touch, smell, and hearing for easy navigation.
- Do moles eat plants?
No, moles are not known to eat plants. They feed on earthworms, grubs, other insects, or the remains found in soil. It's also true that they disturb plant roots during the tunneling process but they don’t consume them.
- How long do moles live?
Moles live around two to four years in the wild but if the conditions are favorable, they can have an extended life span of six years.
- Can moles swim?
No, moles cannot swim. They are only suited for underground lives.
- Are moles aggressive?
No, moles are not aggressive but shy and solitary. They do not pose a direct danger to humans and avoid human contact as much as possible.
- Do moles hibernate?
No, they do not. They are active throughout the year. However, their activity depends on some factors like food availability and weather conditions. During the winter season, moles dig deeper to access the food below the frost line.
- Can moles transmit diseases?
No, moles do not transmit any disease to humans or pets. They do not carry any significant zoonotic diseases but it is recommended to avoid direct contact to be safe from any potential allergies or infections.
- Are pest control services the only solution for moles?
No, you can also choose to address the infestation with your own trap and repellents. But it's better to consult with an experienced professional either way.
- Are mole pest control methods safe for pets and children?
The approaches for pest control methods are usually safe for pets and children. But it’s crucial to follow the instruction to be on the safe side.
- How long does the mole pest control process take?
The timeline for the mole pest control process depends on the severity of the infestation, the used methods, and other environmental factors. A pest control service provider can provide you with a quote before the process.
- Is mole control permanent?
No, though the mole control service reduces the population at the time, there is no guarantee of no future mole presence.
