Moles 101: What Are They & How Do They Damage Lawns?

Moles are small mammals that can cause significant damage to your lawn in Michigan. They live underground and feed on insects like grubs and earthworms. While they may be beneficial in controlling some pests, their tunneling habits can wreak havoc on your turf. As they tunnel through your lawn, they damage the root system and cause it to become weak and discolored. They also create mounds of soil across your turf, further disrupting the roots and the soil. If you suspect your lawn is infested with moles, contact professionals as soon as possible. They will visit your property to inspect the damage and develop a plan to get rid of the moles.

What are moles?

Moles are small, burrowing mammals that are known for their ability to dig extensive tunnel systems underground. They have a cylindrical body shape, short limbs, and large, powerful front claws that they use to dig through the soil. In maturity, these small animals can measure anywhere between 4 to 7 inches long and around 2.5 to 5 ounces in weight.

Moles are primarily insectivorous, feeding on grubs, earthworms, and other insects found in the soil. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and touch, which helps them navigate and find food underground. Additionally, they have velvety fur that allows them to move smoothly underground without dirt sticking to them.

How Moles Damage Lawns

The primary way moles damage lawns is through their tunneling activities. These burrowing animals dig tunnels for food and shelter. One of the common signs of mole damage on your lawn is the presence of loose, volcano-shaped mounds of soil called molehills. These molehills form as moles dig deeper into the ground to create intricate tunnels that serve as their habitat. As they dig, moles push soil to the surface, causing the soil mounds you see on your turf.

They also dig through the soil in search of food, creating a network of shallow tunnels just below the surface. This can disrupt the root systems of your grass, leading to weakened and damaged turf. Additionally, the tunnels can cause the ground to become uneven, making it difficult to mow and maintain your lawn.

What should you do if you suspect moles have infested your lawn?

If you notice signs of mole activity in your yard, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. The first step is to contact pest control professionals as soon as possible. They will be able to inspect your lawn and confirm that moles are indeed the cause of the problem.

Once they have confirmed that moles are present, professionals have several options to get rid of them. They can use different control methods like traps, baits, and repellents, depending on the extent of the infestation. It's best to let the professionals handle the job because they know what method will best fit the infestation on your property to get optimal results. They will also monitor the traps and baits they placed on your property as well as check for any signs of mole activity until the issue is resolved!

Call us today to enroll in our mole control service!

Moles can be a nuisance for property owners, but with the right approach, you can effectively manage and control their presence. By understanding their habits and taking proactive measures, you can protect your lawn from damage and maintain a beautiful, healthy landscape.

At Tuff Turf, a mole control service is offered to help homeowners and business owners, as well as HOAs, in Grand Rapids, Holland, Rockford, and nearby areas in West Michigan eliminate moles from their lawns. From an exhaustive inspection to confirm the infestation to implementing and monitoring mole control methods, we'll make sure the mole issue on your lawn is cleared! Call us today at (616) 554-9499 to enroll in this service.