It's a strange feeling when you look out and see your beautiful lawn criss-crossed by tunnel mounds. Moles make a mess of the yard. If they've invaded, you can trap them, and then change the environment to make your yard less attractive to them. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your lawn from this underground nuisance.
Moles like soft, damp earth. It's easier to dig through, and it attracts the juicy grubs, bugs, and worms they live on. What you want to do is change conditions so that moles don't bother coming in. Use products that control grubs and insects in your lawn to limit moles' food supply. You can keep your lawn drier by watering less; a deep watering once a week should keep your lawn healthy.
The most effective way to get rid of moles is to trap them. There are several types of traps available, with the harpoon trap being the easiest to use. You'll have more luck if you trap in the spring or fall, and if you set your traps in a main runway. These are usually straight, or they can follow the perimeter of your yard. To make sure you're working with a main runway, poke your finger through in a few spots. If the mole repairs the damage in a day or two, you've got a winner. Don't bother using poison, since you'll never know if it's effective or not.
Household cats and dogs have been known to dig up moles or kill them when they are on the surface. Pets are not useful mole hunters, though. Dogs can dig up tunnels, causing even more yard damage. Cats are also way too good at killing songbirds and other creatures you might want to attract to your yard.
Moles are small mammals that live most of their lives underground. Usually grey or black, they are equipped with small hips for getting around tight corners, and shovel-like paws for digging. Their fur can go either way to allow them to escape backwards in their tunnels. They eat grubs, insects, worms, and occasionally seeds.
