West Michigan Mole Control: IMPORTANT Fall Mole Info

October 11th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: October 7, 2024 – October 11, 2024 

Cooler temps are moving in as we are officially in Fall and already through the first week of October here in West Michigan. We want to take this time in our blog post to remind you of some important information regarding what moles are about to do in the Fall.

Fall Mole Facts:

Moles move closer to the surface because the temperatures are cooler now that the Summer is over.

There may be more earthworms found because they too are coming closer to the surface, especially as we get the typical Fall rain. 

Moles are establishing themselves to prepare for the Winter where they won’t hibernate, but simply burry deeper below the frost line and begin making babies. 

Moles are easier to catch in the Fall because they are closer to the surface.

Traps and bait are the most effective method in getting rid of current moles. Now is the time to gear up and start catching them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Mole Control: Do Moles Like Grubs Or Earthworms

September 20th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: September 16, 2024 – September 20, 2024 

Grubs are beginning to show activity in the yard, but remember, moles typically go after earthworms, not grubs. It’s animals like skunks that will be digging for grubs. Trust us, you’ll definitely notice when that happens. Next week, our Tuff Turf Lawn Care team will share some examples!

Additional Reminders:

Grub prevention needs to be applied one time per year in the Summer

Grub killer is needed in the Spring and Fall if activity is found

Grubs chew the roots of your grass, causing patches to die and turn yellow (examples of that next week)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Mole Control: Tips and Best Pratices

August 30th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 26, 2024 – August 30, 2024 

Controlling moles in your yard or garden can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce their activity.

Here are some tips:

1. Identify the Problem 

  • Look for raised ridges, tunnels, and mounds of dirt (molehills). Moles are insectivores, so their presence indicates a healthy lawn with plenty of earth worms.

2. Traps and Bait

  • Using a variety of both of these methods will help get rid of the current moles that are in your yard.

3. Natural Repellents

  • Adding a repellent around the perimeter of your property will help train moles over the long-term that they need to find their food source elsewhere.

4. Consult a Professional

  • If mole activity persists despite your efforts, consider hiring a pest control professional to address the problem. Tuff Turf Molebusters is here to help with both advice and service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Mole Control: How To Maintain A Mole Free Yard

August 7th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 5, 2024 – August 9, 2024 

There are several effective methods to eliminate moles and prevent their return. While it’s true that no method can guarantee moles won’t come back, our mole control program focuses on the top three strategies to address current mole activity and deter future infestations.

Traps: Our primary method for removing existing moles. Scissor, choker, and no-mole traps are among the most efficient quick-kill options available.

Bait: Used as a supplementary measure to traps, bait enhances the effectiveness of our primary method. Although it’s difficult to track the exact number of moles killed by bait, it provides an additional line of defense for moles that evade the traps.

Repellent: Essential for mole prevention, repellent deters new moles by introducing odors that moles dislike. Since moles are attracted to earthworms, which are beneficial for the grass, it’s not advisable to eliminate the worms. Instead, applying repellent around the property’s perimeter discourages moles from entering the yard. This method requires ongoing maintenance for long-term effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Pest Control: The Most Effective Mole Control Method

July 19th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024 

Traps are THE MOST effective mole control method because they provide immediate and direct removal, ensuring quick and visual results. Strategically placed in active tunnels, traps target moles precisely, minimizing risks to non-target animals and avoiding harmful chemicals. By understanding the predictable behavior of moles, traps offer a reliable and long-term solution, making them a preferred choice for homeowners and gardeners. Traps are a key component of our mole control service, distinguishing us from many other companies that rely solely on bait. We use bait as a supplementary method to our traps. Additionally, we apply repellent around the property to minimize new mole activity while we focus on eliminating the current moles that have taken ownership of your yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Lawn Care: How To Control Moles and Chipmunks

June 14th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: June 10, 2024 – June, 14, 2024 

Moles live mostly underground, building complex tunnels to find food, for living, and nesting. They create surface tunnels to find food like earthworms and insects, and deeper tunnels for habitation. Although their tunneling can disrupt yards, it benefits the soil by aerating and mixing it. Moles are territorial, using their sense of touch and smell to navigate and find food. Their activity increases in spring and fall, with deeper digging in winter and summer to avoid extreme temperatures. Understanding their behavior reveals the challenges of managing them in yards. Ironically, we found a mole out in the middle of the road this week! How it got there…who knows?!

 

Chipmunks on the other hand dig extensive burrows with multiple entrances for food storage, nesting, and to simply escape. Active during the day, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, storing food in their cheek pouches. They help the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and aerating soil, but their burrowing can damage gardens, lawns, and foundations. To manage chipmunks, use barriers, traps, or repellents, and minimize food sources to discourage them. We found a chipmunk hole in the middle of the yard which isn’t as common as finding their holes near cement pathways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Lawn Care: Celebrating Our 30th Successful Season Kickoff!

May 31st, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters
This week was a bit different as we got to celebrate the success of our 30th season kickoff!

We would like to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to all of our customers and employees for making the 2024 season kick-off a tremendous success! Your support and dedication are what helps give us the ability to provide lawn care services to West Michigan.

An extra special thanks to Pizza Parliament for joining us in our celebration for the second consecutive year. Their concept on pizza is one of a kind and it added a wonderful touch to our event, and we are grateful for their partnership and support during this time of year.

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making this season’s launch happen. We look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by updating you along the way with in the field photos, stories and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Lawn Care: The Most Active Time Of The Year!

March 8th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: March 4, 2024 – March 8, 2024

Our season officially started in the field on Monday, March 4, and our technicians are out in full force, tackling the increased activity of moles, voles, and chipmunks that comes with this time of year. During the winter months, these critters tend to lay low, but as temperatures rise, they become more noticeable. In one of the pictures from this week, we spotted a mole tunneling against the side of a walkway while searching for earthworms. It most likely came into contact with the sidewalk and simply followed the edge of it as a guide. Our team is working diligently to manage all new activity and to ensure our yards remain mole, vole and chipmunk-free.

Tune in next week for the latest update on what we’re finding out in the field servicing Michigan properties during the Spring and Summer months! 

Thanks for checking in!

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Pest Control – The Most Effective Method For Mole Activity

February 28th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters
While many methods can be somewhat effective, nothing compares to trapping, baiting and repelling. It can just take a lot of time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molebusters Mole Control Process

  • Email customer a few days before their scheduled visit so they know which tech and what day they will stop by. 
  • New clients are serviced promptly! 
  • Visits for Mole Control are scheduled every 10-14 days.
  • Survey property and surroundings for mole entry points.
  • Differentiate mole activity from other animals like voles.
  • Identify active and inactive mole tunnels.
  • Distinguish between feeding and traveling tunnels.
  • Measure depth and width of traveling tunnels to select appropriate traps.
  • Assess soil moisture to determine trap effectiveness.
  • Set traps accordingly.
  • Choose bait based on tunnel location and depth.
  • Castor oil repellent is applied to minimize new mole activity during the program.
  • Provide clients with notes on bait usage, trap numbers, and trapped moles.
  • Continuously monitor mole activity, replenishing bait to prevent new infestations.

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


Grand Rapids Michigan Mole and Vole Control – What Do I Have?

February 7th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

How Do I Know If I Have Moles or Voles?!

Mole activity vs vole activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While both moles and voles are small mammals that burrow underground, they show different signs of activity and behaviors. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effectively managing issues related to their presence, particularly in gardening, landscaping, and overall lawn care.

Mole Activity:

  • Signs include dirt piles, surface ridges, and trails that squish when you walk on them.
  • This activity is the result of moles excavating tunnels underground and pushing up soil to the surface.
  • Moles primarily feed on earth worms which is why permanent removal is not 100% guaranteed.
  • Their tunneling behavior is extensive, creating complex networks of tunnels underground.
  • Moles prefer moist, loose soil and are often found in gardens, fields, and woodland areas.
  • Their activity can be overwhelming in the Spring when snow begins to melt and Fall as temperatures cool down.

Vole Activity:

  • Signs include surface runways, gnaw marks on plants, and the presence of burrow entrances in grassy areas or under vegetation.
  • Voles primarily feed on plant material such as grasses, roots, seeds, and bulbs.
  • They create shallower tunnels compared to moles, often hidden beneath grass or vegetation.
  • In the grass, you’ll notice what looks like as if a garden hose had been laying on the yard.
  • Voles inhabit various environments including grasslands, meadows, and orchards.
  • Like moles, their activity can be overwhelming in the Spring when snow begins to melt and Fall as temperatures cool down.

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo