The appearance of mole tracks in a yard is the most direct evidence of these subterranean mammals and their extensive networks. A “mole track” generally refers to the visible signs of subsurface tunneling, which is the primary way a mole forages for food and creates its home. Recognizing these specific signs is the first step in confirming the presence of a mole rather than another common yard pest. Identifying the unique characteristics of these surface disturbances and comparing them to other animals’ activity will help correctly determine the culprit.
Identifying Raised Surface Tunnels
The most frequent sign of mole activity is the presence of raised, linear ridges of disturbed soil that run across the lawn’s surface. These are the shallow, exploratory or feeding tunnels, typically only one to four inches beneath the turf layer. A mole creates these ridges by pushing up the soil directly above its path as it excavates the tunnel.
These shallow tunnels are often referred to as surface runways and appear as irregular, winding lines of lifted grass and dirt. They can feel soft and spongy underfoot because the soil underneath has been loosened and lifted to create the open tunnel cavity. While some primary tunnels may be relatively straight, the exploratory feeding tunnels often follow an erratic, spiderweb-like pattern across the yard as the mole searches for prey. These surface runways are mostly dug during spring and fall when the soil is moist.
Recognizing Molehills and Dirt Piles
The second major sign of mole presence is the occurrence of distinctive dirt piles known as molehills. These mounds are created when the mole excavates deeper, more permanent tunnels and pushes the excess soil up to the surface. The location of these mounds often corresponds to the main tunnel system, which can be located anywhere from a few inches to several feet below the surface.
Molehills have a signature volcano-like or conical shape, consisting of loose, finely ground soil. They typically lack a visible, open entrance hole directly in the center of the pile. This is because the mole pushes the soil up a vertical shaft and then plugs the entrance from below once the disposal is complete. These mounds can be quite substantial, sometimes reaching two feet in diameter and several inches high.
How to Differentiate Mole Activity from Voles or Gophers
Distinguishing mole activity from that of voles or gophers relies on carefully observing the structure of the tunnels and mounds. Moles are insectivores, primarily hunting earthworms and grubs, which drives their shallow, raised-ridge tunneling pattern. Gophers and voles, by contrast, are rodents that primarily feed on plants, roots, and bulbs.
Gopher Activity
Gopher activity is characterized by fan- or crescent-shaped mounds of dirt, which are flatter on top than a molehill. Gopher mounds usually feature a noticeable, plugged hole off to one side of the mound, which is the entrance to their tunnel.
Vole Activity
Voles, often called meadow mice, rarely create mounds at all. Their most common signs are small, open burrow holes, about one to one-and-a-half inches in diameter, connected by visible surface runways. These runways look like narrow paths of clipped or eaten grass, not raised earth, as the voles travel along the ground surface beneath the grass.