Gardens are places of beauty and tranquility, yet the presence of unwelcome guests can quickly disrupt their harmony. When gardeners encounter the term “moleto,” it most likely refers to moles, the subterranean mammals that can cause significant landscape disturbance. These burrowers create extensive tunnel systems and mounds of earth, impacting the appearance and health of lawns and garden beds.
Signs of Mole Activity
The most noticeable indicators of mole activity are characteristic molehills and raised surface tunnels. Molehills appear as volcano-shaped mounds of loose soil, often seen overnight in lawns and grassy areas. These mounds form when moles push displaced soil up vertical tunnels to the surface.
Moles also create shallow feeding tunnels just beneath the surface, appearing as raised ridges or runways across the lawn. These surface tunnels may feel spongy when walked upon. It is important to distinguish these signs from those of other tunneling pests like voles or gophers, which create different types of damage.
Understanding Garden Moles
Moles are insectivorous mammals, meaning their diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates found in the soil. Their preferred foods include earthworms, grubs, and various beetle larvae, often consuming 60% to 100% of their body weight daily. A common misconception is that moles eat plant roots; however, they do not typically consume plants directly. Instead, their tunneling activities inadvertently disturb or sever plant root systems, leading to wilting or plant decline.
Moles create intricate underground tunnel systems for hunting and shelter. These systems include shallow feeding tunnels and deeper, more permanent tunnels. Moles are remarkably efficient diggers, capable of excavating tunnels at a rate of 18 feet per hour and adding up to 150 feet of new tunnels daily. While their digging can be disruptive, moles also contribute to soil aeration and help control populations of some soil-dwelling pests.
Moles are distinct from voles, which are rodents that primarily feed on plant roots and stems. Voles typically create surface runways and gnaw marks on vegetation, contrasting with the mole’s preference for an insect-based diet.
Managing Mole Presence
Managing a mole presence in the garden involves several approaches aimed at deterring them or directly removing them. One preventative measure is reducing their food sources, particularly grubs. While moles consume grubs, they also rely heavily on earthworms, so eliminating grubs alone may not fully resolve a mole problem. However, controlling grubs is beneficial for overall lawn health. Improving soil drainage can also make an area less appealing to moles, as they prefer moist, insect-rich soil.
Physical barriers offer a targeted prevention strategy for specific garden areas. Burying galvanized hardware cloth or mesh at least 12 to 24 inches deep around garden beds, with the bottom bent outwards in an L-shape, can effectively block moles from entering. This method is particularly useful for protecting smaller, high-value areas.
Repellents can also be employed, with castor oil-based products showing some effectiveness. These products typically need to be thoroughly watered into the lawn and reapplied periodically to maintain their deterrent effect. Certain plants, such as daffodils, marigolds, and alliums, are sometimes planted to discourage moles due to their scent. Vibrational devices, like pinwheels, are another option that may bother moles and encourage them to move elsewhere.
Trapping is often considered the most reliable method for mole control. Common types of mole traps include scissor traps, harpoon or spear traps, and tunnel traps, each designed for effective capture. For successful trapping, traps must be placed in active mole tunnels, which are typically straight runs or those connecting two mounds. It is important to check traps daily and follow all safety instructions. For persistent or widespread mole issues, engaging a professional pest control service can provide a more comprehensive solution.
Restoring Your Garden
Once mole activity has ceased or been managed, restoring the garden becomes the next step. Begin by addressing the physical damage left behind, such as leveling molehills. The loose soil from molehills can be spread evenly across the lawn or used to fill in sunken areas. For areas with significant tunneling, compacting the ground by walking over the affected runs or using a lawn roller can help settle the soil.
After leveling, rake the disturbed areas and apply a layer of topsoil to fill any remaining depressions. Bare patches in the lawn can then be reseeded with an appropriate grass seed mix. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact and water the reseeded areas consistently to encourage germination. Incorporating organic matter like compost can further amend the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and helping the garden recover its appearance and vitality.