Moles: Facts, Information, and Treatment

Welcome to Fox Pest Control’s ultimate guide on moles! Whether you’re dealing with an infestation or just curious about these tiny creatures, we’ve got all the information you need. From facts and types to behaviors and mole treatment options, this guide covers it all. Let’s dive in! 

What Are Moles?

Moles are small, super cute (but sometimes annoying) creatures that live underground. They’ve got little cylindrical bodies, soft, velvety fur, and tiny eyes that you can barely see. The first thing you’ll notice about them is their digging! Moles love to dig tunnels and are constantly on the move beneath the ground, looking for food and getting from point A to point B.

What Do Moles Look Like?

Moles are kind of like little tunneling machines. They have short, round bodies, and their front legs are built for digging, almost like they’re wearing built-in shovels. Their noses are pointy, and their fur is super soft and velvety. Some species look a little different, like the star-nosed mole, but we’ll go into that in a minute.

Where Do Moles Live?

Moles are all over the U.S., but some places have more of them than others. Here’s where they’re most common:

• Northeast: If you’re in states like New York or Pennsylvania, moles are everywhere and digging up yards all the time.
• Midwest: Moles are all over the Midwest in places like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, where they love to dig through lawns and gardens.
• Southeast: Moles are also pretty common in the South—think North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
• Pacific Northwest: You can find moles in places like Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, especially where it’s a bit more moist.
• West: Moles are less common in dry areas like California and Arizona, but if there’s enough water, they’ll show up and dig!

Mole species

There are different types of moles in the U.S. Some of the most common include:

Eastern Mole

The Eastern mole is the yardwork troublemaker you’re most likely to find in the eastern U.S. These classic moles are pros at digging those telltale tunnels and pushing up dirt piles (a.k.a. molehills) in your lawn. They spend most of their time hunting underground for grubs and worms, which is great for pest control—but not so great for your landscaping dreams!

Star-Nosed Mole

Now, this one’s a real weirdo (in the best way). The star-nosed mole has a unique, star-shaped nose that’s packed with super-sensitive feelers to help it hunt for food. It’s one of the fastest eaters in the animal kingdom—it can identify and devour prey in less than half a second! You’ll find these quirky critters in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest, often hanging out in wet, marshy areas.

Shrew Mole

Small but mighty, the shrew mole is one of the tiniest mole species! Found in the Pacific Northwest and around the Great Lakes, these moles don’t dig massive tunnel systems like their Eastern cousins. Instead, they tend to scurry through shallow soil or leaf litter. Think of them as moles with shrew-like behavior, hence the name. Perfectly suited for damp forests, they’re like the woodland fairies of the mole world!

How Many Moles Are There in the World?!

Let’s start with a mind-blowing fact: There are over 40 species of moles across the globe! These underground critters are found in North America, Europe, and Asia, and each species has its own quirks and habits. Whether they’re tunneling through your lawn or starring in biology class as fascinating creatures, moles are everywhere—except Antarctica and South America. And, because they stay hidden beneath the dirt most of the time, we really have no idea how many there could be!

Moles Have Been Around for a Really, Really Long Time…

Moles are prehistoric! These little diggers have been on Earth for about 35 million years. That means they’ve been dodging predators, tunneling for food, and perfecting their underground lifestyle since long before humans walked the planet. Their ancestors adapted to life below ground, evolving powerful claws, velvety fur, and an incredible sense of touch to thrive in the dark. Moles are basically the OG miners of the animal kingdom.

Do Moles Bite, Sting, Damage Property, or Spread Disease?

Let’s clear up some common mole myths. First, moles don’t bite unless they feel super threatened, and even then, it’s rare. They’re not venomous and definitely don’t sting. Whew! Glad we cleared that up!

Unfortunately, their tunneling habits are a different story. Molehills can be a real headache for homeowners and they’re not just unsightly—they can damage grass, gardens, and even the roots of your favorite plants. Here are a few reasons why moles are such a problem:

• Lawn Damage: Moles push up dirt as they dig, suffocating grass roots and leaving behind dead, patchy spots. Not exactly lawn goals!
• Bumpy Lawn: All those molehills make your yard lumpy and hard to walk or mow on—like a bumpy backyard rollercoaster.
• Plant Problems: Moles don’t eat plants, but their digging damages roots, making flowers and veggies droop or die.
• Water Trouble: Mole tunnels mess with drainage, causing muddy, soggy spots that are no fun to deal with.
• Unwanted Guests: Mole tunnels can attract other pests like voles and ants—adding even more headaches to your yard.
• Not-So-Pretty Yard: Molehills leave your lawn looking uneven and messy, more “dirt disaster” than picture-perfect!

Bigger Problems Than Digging

While moles aren’t known to spread diseases directly to humans, their digging can attract other pests that do. The tunnels they dig can create the perfect environment for other pests to move in, and some of those pests can spread diseases. Here’s how that works:

• Fleas are tiny bloodsuckers that hitch rides on animals like mice, rats, or even pets. Mole tunnels can attract these critters by bringing rodents into the mix. Fleas can spread diseases like the plague through their bites. Yikes!
• Ticks are another blood-sucking pest that love mole-friendly environments. They’re known for spreading serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making them a big concern for humans.
• Rodents love hiding out in mole tunnelts. Unfortunately, mice and rats bring problems like Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and salmonella, all of which can spread through their droppings or contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Ants are drawn to the disturbed soil in mole tunnels. While most are harmless, fire ants are a painful exception! They can sting and, in rare cases, carry bacteria or fungi, though the health risks are generally low.
• Voles, often called “meadow mice,” love moving into mole tunnels. They can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Leptospirosis and are notorious for destroying plants and lawns, making them extra unwelcome.

So, while the moles themselves aren’t dangerous, their tunneling can open the door for pests that are, and some of those pests carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. It’s always a good idea to address mole problems to help prevent attracting these unwanted visitors!

Life Cycle of Moles

Moles may spend most of their lives underground, but their life cycle is anything but boring! Let’s dig into the fascinating journey of a mole—from tiny pup to master of the burrow.

Mating Season: Late Winter to Early Spring

Moles don’t waste time when it comes to love. Their mating season kicks off in late winter or early spring. Male moles (called boars) tunnel through new territory, searching for a mate. It’s a short-lived romance—once mating is done, the males move on, and the females (sows) handle the rest.

Baby Moles: Tiny, Furless, and Helpless

After just 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, the sow gives birth to a litter of 2 to 6 pups in an underground nest. These babies are born blind, furless, and entirely dependent on their mom. But don’t let their helpless appearance fool you—moles grow up fast!

Growing Up: Independent by One Month

In just a few weeks, those tiny pups start to develop fur and open their eyes. By the time they’re a month old, they’re ready to leave the nest and head out on their own. Talk about hitting the ground running! These young moles start digging their own tunnels right away, learning how to find food and survive in the wild.

Busy, Short Lives

Moles live life at full speed. They spend most of their time burrowing through soil and hunting for food like earthworms, insects, and grubs. While they’re digging, they’re also constantly building and expanding their tunnel systems. Even though moles are incredibly busy, their wild lifespan is usually just about 3 years. Predators like hawks, foxes, and snakes—as well as challenges like harsh weather and human activity—keep their lives short.

Reproductive Maturity

By their first year, moles are fully grown and ready to mate, starting the cycle all over again. This quick turnaround helps keep mole populations steady, even with their short lifespans.

Moles may not stick around long, but they sure know how to make the most of their time—digging endlessly, eating nonstop, and leaving their mark (literally) on your lawn. Pretty impressive for such small, mysterious critters!

Mistaken Identities: Who’s Digging

Just because you see holes or dirt piles doesn’t mean moles are the culprits! Plenty of critters love to dig, and each has its own unique style. Here’s how to tell moles apart from other burrowing troublemakers:

Moles

• Tunnels: Raised, visible ridges just under the surface of your yard.
• Molehills: Small, volcano-shaped piles of loose dirt.
• Diet: Strictly carnivores—eating worms, grubs, and insects, not plants.
• Other Signs: No visible entry or exit holes in their tunnels.

Voles

• Tunnels: Surface trails in grass, usually near plants.
• Holes: Small, open entry holes in the ground.
• Diet: Plant lovers—they chew on stems, roots, and even bark.
• Other Signs: Gnaw marks on plants or damage to garden beds.

Gophers

• Tunnels: Larger and deeper than mole tunnels.
• Mounds: Fan- or crescent-shaped piles of dirt with a plugged hole in the middle.
• Diet: Strict vegetarians—munching on roots, bulbs, and crops.
• Other Signs: Disappearing plants pulled underground by their powerful teeth.

Groundhogs

• Tunnels: Deep burrows with large, open holes (usually 8–12 inches wide).
• Mounds: Often with visible dirt spread around the entrance.
• Diet: Plant-heavy, feasting on vegetables, grasses, and flowers.
• Other Signs: Big holes near structures like sheds or fences, and flattened plants from their grazing.

By identifying the critter, you’ll know what steps to take—whether it’s mole-specific traps or keeping plants safe from a hungry vole or gopher.

Behavior, Diet, and Living Conditions of Moles

The Secret Life of Moles

Moles might spend most of their lives underground, but their behavior is anything but boring. Here’s what makes these little diggers so unique:

• Solo Dwellers: Moles are loners! They don’t share their tunnels unless it’s mating season. Each mole claims its own territory, which can span up to 2.7 acres. If another mole wanders in, a turf war could break out!
• Nonstop Diggers: Moles are digging machines. Their powerful front paws are like natural shovels, and they can tunnel up to 18 feet in an hour. Their constant digging creates networks of tunnels for hunting, sleeping, and traveling.
• Active All Year: Moles don’t hibernate. They stay busy digging and eating even in the winter. When it gets cold, they just dig deeper to avoid frozen soil and keep their food supply flowing.
• Tactile Superpowers: Moles might not see well, but they don’t need to! Their noses and whiskers are ultra-sensitive, helping them navigate tunnels and sense tiny vibrations from prey moving in the soil.
• Fast Learners: Believe it or not, moles are pretty smart for their size. They quickly figure out how to avoid traps or use existing structures (like pipes or fence lines) to expand their tunnels.

Why Are Moles’ Eyes So Small?

Moles don’t need sharp vision to thrive underground, so their tiny eyes are more like backup sensors. They can detect light and movement but not much detail. Hidden beneath their fur, their eyes are well-protected from damage while digging through soil.

Instead of relying on sight, moles have developed amazing senses that make them underground pros:

• Touch: Their whiskers and noses are super sensitive, detecting tiny vibrations to locate prey like worms and grubs.
• Smell: With a nose sharper than most mammals, their sense of smell is their go-to hunting tool.
• Hearing: Even without visible ears, moles have excellent hearing to pick up on underground sounds.

In the dark, dirty tunnels they call home, moles use these skills to navigate, hunt, and live their best underground lives. Who needs perfect vision when you’ve got super senses?

Nesting Habits of Moles

Moles are experts at creating cozy spots in their tunnel systems! Deep in their network of tunnels, they build soft nests using grass, leaves, and other natural materials. These hidden hideouts are perfect for resting and raising babies.

Unlike their quick, shallow feeding tunnels, these nests are more permanent and tucked away where they’re safe from predators. They use them to sleep, hang out, and, during breeding season, raise their little ones.

How Do Moles Communicate?

Living underground doesn’t stop moles from having some serious communication skills! They’ve got a few tricks up their sleeves:

• Vocalizations: Some moles use high-pitched squeaks or grunts to talk to each other.
• Scent Signals: Their super-sensitive noses pick up on pheromones—basically, chemical messages from other moles.
• Vibrations: Moles can sense even the tiniest movements in the soil, helping them detect other moles nearby.

Even in the dark, dirt-filled tunnels, moles have no trouble getting their messages across!

What Do Moles Eat?

Moles are insectivores, meaning they feast on insects and other invertebrates. Earthworms are their top pick, but they also enjoy grubs, beetles, and larvae. These little food lovers can munch their way through more than their body weight in a day—that’s a lot of worms!

Moles’ tunnels are like personal bug traps, capturing insects as they dig. Their super-sensitive snouts and tiny sensory hairs help them detect prey even in complete darkness. The star-nosed mole takes it to the next level, with its star-shaped snout that can sense the smallest movements in the soil, making them expert hunters in their underground world.

Signs of a Mole Infestation

How do you know if moles have moved into your yard? Look for these telltale signs:

• Raised ridges or tunnels crisscrossing your lawn.
• Small, round molehills (dirt piles) scattered around.
• Soft, spongy areas in your grass where the ground has been disturbed.

If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to take action before your yard turns into a mole metropolis.

What Can You Do About Moles

So, you saw the signs, and you know you’ve got moles. Or, you don’t see any signs but want to make sure your yard isn’t a neon sign inviting them in. Here are some great tips to make your home less attractive to these pesky diggers:

• Maintain Your Lawn: Keep your grass trimmed and remove excess thatch. Moles love loose soil, so compacting it slightly can help deter them.
• Remove Food Sources: Treat your lawn for grubs and other insects to cut off their food supply.
• Install Barriers: Place underground barriers around gardens or sensitive areas to block moles from tunneling in.
• Use Natural Repellents: Castor oil-based repellents can help drive moles away without harming them.

How Do I Get Rid of Moles?

What if you’ve tried everything and still have a mole problem? That’s when it’s time to call Fox Pest Control. We know all about moles and how to get rid of them. Our team combines expert knowledge with customized solutions to give you peace of mind. We’ll help you spot entrance points, unsealed areas, and other factors contributing to the infestation. Fox’s Mole Treatment Plan is a specialty plan that includes at least three scheduled visits during the summer to target active moles with baiting and repellents. The plan starts with an initial treatment, followed by necessary follow-ups, and comes with a 90-day warranty for lasting protection.

Our technicians receive regular training to stay ahead of pest problems and provide top-notch service. So, whether you’re battling moles or want to prevent them, Fox Pest Control has your back. Give us a call today, and let’s dig into the problem together!