Moles are subterranean mammals known for their extensive tunneling systems beneath lawns and gardens. They spend nearly their entire lives underground, constantly digging and foraging for food. Their presence is often revealed by visible disturbances on the surface.
Daily Rhythms
Moles do not adhere to a strict day-night cycle; instead, they exhibit polyphasic activity patterns. This means they are active in multiple short bursts throughout both day and night, interspersed with periods of rest. These bursts, often lasting around four hours, are driven by their continuous search for food.
Peak activity occurs during early mornings, late evenings, or midday, especially when soil conditions are favorable. Moles seek out primary food sources like earthworms and insect larvae, which influences their tunneling. This adaptable schedule allows them to forage whenever prey is available.
Seasonal Patterns
Moles remain active throughout the year and do not hibernate. When temperatures drop and the ground freezes, moles tunnel deeper below the frost line to access unfrozen soil and food sources. Surface activity may decrease in winter, but their underground work continues.
Spring and fall represent peak periods for mole activity. During spring, thawing soil and increased moisture make tunneling easier, and abundant earthworms and insects become more accessible. Fall also sees heightened activity as moles prepare for winter by expanding tunnels and increasing food intake.
Environmental Influences
Soil moisture significantly influences mole activity; they prefer moist, workable soil over dry or waterlogged conditions. Moist soil is easier to excavate and supports a higher population of earthworms and other invertebrates, their main food source. Conversely, overly dry or compacted soil can restrict movement and foraging efficiency.
Soil temperature also plays a role, with moles seeking cooler, deeper ground during hot periods. Food availability directly dictates tunneling efforts; if prey is scarce, moles increase digging to find sustenance or modify activity times. These environmental factors collectively shape where and how deeply moles tunnel, impacting activity visibility.
Recognizing Mole Activity
The most noticeable indicators of mole presence are molehills and surface tunnels. Molehills are conical mounds of loose soil pushed to the surface as moles dig deeper, permanent tunnels. These mounds do not have an open hole in the center.
Surface tunnels appear as raised ridges or runways across a lawn, created when moles burrow just beneath the ground in search of food.
Fresh, soft mounds or new ridges indicate recent and ongoing mole activity. These signs are more visible during peak tunneling seasons, such as spring and fall, or after rainfall when the soil is soft and easy to work through.