Moles are common subterranean creatures known for their extensive networks of tunnels beneath lawns and gardens. Their presence often raises questions about their habits, particularly regarding their diet. A frequently asked question centers on whether these burrowing mammals consume termites.
Do Moles Consume Termites?
Moles are insectivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of insects and other invertebrates found in the soil. While moles occasionally consume termites, these insects do not form a significant portion of their diet. Moles primarily hunt in the upper soil layers where their preferred prey is abundant, whereas termites often reside deeper within wood structures or specific soil profiles. Therefore, moles are not a primary food source for them, nor are moles an effective natural solution for termite infestations.
The Typical Mole Diet
The diet of a mole is largely composed of earthworms, which are their most favored food and can make up a substantial part of their daily intake. Moles possess a ravenous appetite, often consuming between 60% and 100% of their body weight in food each day to support their high energy needs for tunneling. Beyond earthworms, moles also feed on grubs, which are the larvae of various beetles. Their diet further includes other soil-dwelling invertebrates such as insect larvae, snails, slugs, spiders, centipedes, and ants. Moles are perfectly adapted for their underground hunting, using their sensitive snouts to detect vibrations and scents of prey within the soil.
Identifying Signs of Moles and Termites
Distinguishing between the activity of moles and termites involves recognizing their distinct signs.
Signs of Moles
Mole activity typically manifests as molehills, which are conical mounds of loose soil pushed to the surface as moles excavate deeper tunnels. You might also observe raised ridges or surface runways, which are tunnels moles create just beneath the lawn’s surface while foraging for food. These tunnels can cause the ground to feel soft or spongy underfoot.
Signs of Termites
In contrast, termite activity presents different indicators, primarily related to their consumption of wood. Common signs include mud tubes, which are pencil-sized tunnels made of soil and wood debris to travel between their nests and food sources. Another sign is the presence of discarded wings, left behind by winged termites (swarmers) after they mate. Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or appears buckled, blistering, or sagging, also points to termite infestation, as they consume wood from the inside out. Drywood termites specifically leave behind tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass, often found in small piles near infested wood.