Moles are intriguing creatures that are common worldwide in all seasons. They are often known as garden pests because of their complex tunnel systems. And therefore, the demand of finding mole control measures is also increasing Despite living underground for most of their lives, they are also not blind. Regarding mole identification, these plump animals can be recognized by their tiny eyes, pointed, hairless noses, and lack of ears.
Moles typically measure between 4.4 to 6.25 inches in length from nose to rump. They get an additional 1 to 1.6 inches of height from their tails. Usually, they weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 ounces. Would you like to know more about these peculiar, comical-looking mammals? If so, you’ve found the best resource for mole identification information. Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about common moles, including their eradication, behavior, and habitats.
Mole control: How are they identified?
Moles are little mammals with distinct morphological characteristics that make them easy to identify. The mole, a member of the order Insectivora, is not a member of the rodent family. Moles range in length from five to eight inches. They can have grey or brown fur on their tails, pink feet, and pink noses.
Mole people usually have invisible eyes because their fur covers their light-sensitive eyes. They have substantial front paws, special claws for tunnel digging, and fleshy noses for sense of touch. The first time I spotted mole in my yard, that was the first time, I instantly searched for vole removal company near me before they grow in population.
How do we differentiate between mole and vole?
The mole and vole are two completely different animals. Their appearance is one of the main ways that differentiate them. Moles have tiny eyes and ears that are hardly noticeable to the naked eye. Additionally, moles have large, paddle-like paws that they utilize to dig tunnels and swiftly travel across soil. They are orange to black.
On the contrary, the vole typically has a gay stomach and a reddish brown-black hue. Their sizes are the only thing that unites them in this regard. Usually, the two pests are about 4 to 8 inches long.
Similar to moles, voles make golf-ball-sized holes in the earth. In their underground tunneling, they frequently look for food below mulch beds. They do not, however, produce elevated dirt mounds in the process, like moles. Thus, you will probably be dealing with a mole if you notice the tiny ridges of dirt above the ground. However, they also both make above-ground runways that link to grouped burrow entrances.
In what areas of the house are they commonly found?
Most moles spend their entire lives underground, in tunnels. Because moles are such loners, three to five moles per acre is considered a lot. Moles use tunnels for transportation, but tunnels are more than underground holes. The end of the tunnels are generally used as their maternity wards and sleeping counters. Sometimes, moles live in a system of tunnels for generations before emerging.
Moles build tunnels and spend their time looking for food. They live for three years on average. Some homeowners gain from moles because they eat dangerous insects, and their digging aerates the soil. However, many people think that the damage moles cause to their lawns outweighs any benefits they may have.
Mole diet routine: How do they survive?
The idea that moles dig tunnels into gardens to eat plant roots is untrue. The earthworms that inhabit garden soil are what they are chasing. Moles eat nearly their body weight in earthworms daily since they are such worm lovers! As insectivores, moles eat worms, grubs, and other insects daily to 70–100% of their body weight.
Moles dig ceaselessly, creating a maze of tunnels to locate their ground-dwelling prey. The energy needed for this digging may account for the mole’s voracious appetite. Mole populations consume worms, grubs, slugs, and insect larvae.
Identification of Mole/Vole – Reproduction and offspring
During the breeding season, male moles will extend their tunnels to reach other territories to find possible partners. Once the breeding process is over, dry plant material is used to line a spherical nest chamber.
One mother mole gives birth to three or four hairless kids at a time. At 14 days old, the pups, or young moles, grow hair. The puppies leave the nest 33 days after being weaned at four to five weeks. Puppies spend five to six weeks away from their mother and tunnel home.
Interesting facts about moles & voles you don’t know
- Moles mostly eat worms and bug larvae and have fragile vision. An individual mole eats 45–50 pounds of insects and worms annually.
- They use their senses of smell and touch to locate food.
- Moles move through tunnels at a speed of roughly 80 feet per minute.
- A mole can dig a surface tunnel at about eighteen feet an hour.
- Moles have a gestation period of about 42 days and give birth to three to five young in March or early April.
Preventive measures to follow for a quick mole control
We all know that moles are fascinating animals, and learning how to identify them can be entertaining. But no one wants moles burrowing in their garden or yard. It is a horrible sight to see your beautiful grass crisscrossed with ugly mounds and tunnels. Mole infestation destroys your yard which makes you think of hiring pest control company. If they’ve invaded, there are things you can do to get your lawn back, and we’ve included a few below:
- Take away their food supply.
- Refrain from overwatering your yard.
- Make a pest control call.
- toxic moles
- Traps moles
You can also dig a trench around your grass and garden to build an artificial border. It has to be about two feet deep and six inches broad. The trench can be lined with rocks, hardware cloth, or wire mesh with 34 inches or less openings.
The easiest way to eliminate moles in your yard is to hire a pest control expert like ASM Pest Exterminator! They offer the best mole removal and identification services. A professional will visit your house to evaluate the issue and effectively remove the moles.
