Moles

Mole Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Moles are small, cylindrical mammals perfectly adapted for underground life. They have velvety, grayish-black fur that lies flat in any direction, tiny eyes hidden beneath fur, no visible ears, and greatly enlarged front feet with long claws for digging. Adults are typically 5-8 inches long including their short, hairless tail.

Common Species

• Eastern Moles: The most common species east of the Rocky Mountains. Gray-brown fur with a pointed nose and broad front feet.

• Star-Nosed Moles: Distinctive moles with 22 pink, fleshy tentacles around their nose. Found in wet areas of eastern North America.

• Townsend’s Moles: The largest North American mole, found in the Pacific Northwest. Dark gray to black fur.

• Broad-Footed Moles: Found throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada. Named for their exceptionally wide front paws.

• Coast Moles: Found along the Pacific coast. Similar to Townsend’s mole but smaller.

Mole Behavior and Biology

Moles are solitary animals that spend nearly their entire lives underground. They are sometimes confused with voles, shrews, and pocket gophers, but moles are insectivores with distinctive paddle-shaped front feet. They create two types of tunnels: shallow feeding tunnels just below the surface that create visible ridges, and deeper permanent tunnels used for nesting and travel.

Moles are incredibly efficient diggers, capable of creating 15-18 feet of surface tunnels per hour. They need to eat constantly due to their high metabolism, consuming nearly their body weight in earthworms and grubs daily. Breeding occurs in late winter, with females producing a single litter of 2-5 young in spring.

How We Treat for Moles

Our mole control program uses proven methods to eliminate moles from your property:

• Inspection: We identify active tunnels by examining tunnel patterns and checking for fresh activity. This helps us determine mole locations and the best placement for control methods.

• Trapping: Professional trapping is the most effective and reliable mole control method. We place specialized traps in active tunnels and monitor them regularly.

• Baiting: When appropriate, we may use commercially available mole baits that mimic their natural food sources.

• Exclusion: For specific areas like garden beds, we can recommend barrier methods to prevent mole access.

• Follow-up: We return to check traps and assess activity levels. Mole control often requires multiple visits to ensure all animals are removed and to address any new moles that move in from surrounding areas.

Related Lawn Pest Resources

Not sure whether you are dealing with moles or another burrowing animal? These guides can help you tell the difference:

• Mouse vs Vole — Learn the key differences between mice, voles, and moles
• Pocket Gophers — Gopher mounds look different from molehills; here is how to tell them apart
• Grubs — White grubs attract moles to your lawn; reducing grubs can reduce mole activity