Moles are subterranean mammals that constantly tunnel beneath the soil in search of prey. Homeowners and gardeners often encounter signs of a mole’s presence through the telltale raised ridges and volcano-shaped mounds that disrupt a lawn. Proper identification of these signs is typically the first step in determining an infestation. Knowing what mole scat looks like, even though it is rarely seen, helps differentiate mole activity from other yard-dwelling small mammals.
Visual Characteristics of Mole Scat
Mole droppings are noticeably small and pellet-like, reflecting the animal’s compact size. They generally measure between 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length, comparable to a grain of rice. The shape is typically cylindrical or slightly irregular with blunt ends, and the color is usually dark brown or black when fresh.
Because the mole’s diet consists almost entirely of invertebrates, the scat composition is distinct. Unlike the uniform texture of waste from herbivores, mole scat may appear softer and sometimes contain visible insect exoskeletons. This high-protein diet results in droppings that break down quickly in the soil, meaning they are not a primary indicator of a mole problem.
Context: Where Moles Deposit Waste
The likelihood of finding mole scat on the surface of a lawn is extremely low due to the animal’s subterranean habits. Moles are fastidious animals that maintain a clean tunnel system, rarely defecating in their primary hunting and traveling paths. They designate specific, deeper tunnel chambers for waste disposal, often referred to as “latrines.” These chambers are typically located off the main active runways and are deeper underground, sometimes near the mole’s nest. A homeowner is unlikely to encounter mole droppings unless they excavate a deep tunnel section.
Distinguishing Mole Droppings from Other Small Mammals
Distinguishing mole scat from other small mammal droppings relies on a combination of appearance, composition, and location. Voles, which are herbivores, produce small, uniform, cylindrical droppings that are often green or brown from their diet of grasses and roots. Vole droppings are frequently found clustered in surface runways or near burrow entrances, unlike the mole’s hidden latrines.
Shrews are also insectivores and often use mole tunnels. Their scat is similar in composition but generally smaller, sometimes having a sandy, crumbly texture due to concentrated insect remains. Mouse droppings, in contrast, are typically spindle-shaped, 4 to 8 millimeters long with pointed ends, and are commonly scattered in random locations. The key difference is location: mouse droppings signal indoor activity, while mole scat is a rare find deep within the soil.
Health and Safety Considerations
While direct contact with any animal waste should be avoided, mole droppings pose a relatively low direct risk to human health. There are no widely known infectious diseases that humans can acquire solely from contact with mole feces. The primary concern is not the scat itself, but the potential for moles to carry external parasites like fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Basic safety precautions should be maintained when working in areas where mole activity is present. If scat or tunnels are disturbed during gardening or excavation, it is advisable to wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact with the soil. Any animal waste found should be cleaned up and disposed of safely.