There are six species of moles in North America. They range from 6-8 inches in length and weigh 3-6 ounces. They typically have litters in April and May, and normally have one litter of 2-6 young a year, with the newborns having a 50% chance of survival. Although moles only eat insects, they can cause severe damage to lawns in the form of tunnels and mounds. In addition to being unpleasant to look at, moles can disturb root systems and provide easy travel lanes for other mammals. Moles colonize an area very quickly and are more difficult to control the longer they stay if they have time to build their network of tunnels. Moles move from area to area on large properties because of food supply, climate changes and ground moisture. When moles leave an area because of disturbance, they usually come back when least expected. This is one reason moles seem so hard to control.

There are no good chemical means to get rid of moles despite the numerous home remedy suggestions out there. To minimize visible damage done, reduce the amount of turfgrass and convert your lawn to pathways, gardens or other natural habitats. The other method to rid yourself of moles is trapping. In the Spring and Fall, especially after rains, is the best time for capture. There are several types of traps: harpoon, scissor-jaw, and choker loop. Be sure to read the instructions before using these devices for safety and humane deployment and to check if you need a special permit to use them.

Effective Mole Control

Voles
Voles are pear-shaped, portly dark brown mammals. They have short tails and ears, and a gray or silver underbelly. They can grow 4-10 inches in length. They have 2-8 litters a year in March until September, with litters ranging from 3-7 young. Females are ready to breed by 24 days and their gestation period is less than a month. Due to these factors, vole populations grow very rapidly. Voles, unlike moles, eat plants and are most likely the primary mammalian source of damage in your garden. They eat both below and above the ground, feeding on seeds, stems, roots, bulbs, and foliage. When food becomes scare in the winter, voles will target tree roots, crowns and trunks. They can also damage trees by tunneling through their root system. They cover about 1-2 acres of land and burrow and form runways throughout. Their teeth make non-uniform, irregular marks, ranging from 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch wide and are found close to or below the earth.

The best solution for vole management is to control dense vegetation and weedy areas, where voles like to nest. Set up a weed free buffer of at least 3 feet from any trees or plants that are vulnerable. Also, reduce mulch and loose soil around them. There are protective barriers available for trees made out of plastic, fabrics, or a screen. Poisons and repellants should be left to the professionals, as they are not registered for homeowner use. You can trap for voles, but be sure to check if you need a permit first and be sure to read the instructions of any trap before using them for safety and humane deployment.