Shrews and meadow voles
frequently use mole tunnels as runways and travel lanes. Shrews, like moles,
are insectivorous and eat little vegetation. Meadow voles eat a wide variety of
vegetative matter and may damage plant life. Moles, shrews and meadow voles can
be similar in appearance. Because they look similar and often share the same
habitat, you should know how their habits differ so you can identify each
species in case it becomes necessary to control them.
The
physical characteristics of the eastern are having a pointed snout. Moles
have very large and rounded front feet. Has fat claws, and a short, bare tail.
The pest grows to approximately 17.6 cm long. Moles have velvety fur that
is grayish in color. Its eyes and ears are small and somewhat concealed by
fur.
Mole hills identification:
Mole hills are a sight
many property owners do not want to see. Because mole infestations are
very destructive and very challenging to remove. Trying to see the differences
between mole hills and other lawn blemishes can be difficult. But
identifying a mole problem in yards is the first step toward removal. The
difference between gopher hills and mole hills is that it is circular,
conical, and no dipping area in the center. The hills can be up to a foot
wide and approximately two inches tall. The pesky pests leave tunnel
tracks throughout lawns when hunting for food. As the moles move around
just under the surface of the ground, it pushes the topsoil in different
directions. Which can move around grass and shrubs. The animals mostly eat
insects but flower beds and expensive landscaping are at risk due to the mole
infestation.
Since
the pests mostly dwell in underground tunnels, Eastern Moles are rarely
seen by people. However, the moles do leave behind obvious signs of it’s
presence that allow property owners to easily detect the critters. For example,
the pests are notorious for damaging lawns, golf courses, and agricultural
fields in it’s quest for food. Since eastern moles scavenge in topsoil,
it’s food-seeking activities produce unsightly trails of misplaced dirt.
Also the moles construct entrances to their tunnel systems that appear as
conical mounds on the surface of lawns. Eastern mole dirt excavation
frequently dislodges flowers and shrubs and ruins expensive landscaping.
The unwanted pests create
stress and anxiety to most people. These pests burrow and sometimes damage
plants. The major problem with moles are the mounds and ridges that
totally do a job on the lawns. The pests tunnel just below the surface and
sod up with it’s front digging feet, looking for food or new tunneling
sites. The surface tunnels can be pushed up at a foot per minute. That’s if the
soil is loose. Moles prefer the soil to be loose and moist. Preferably
moist soil shaded by vegetation.
Definite hints of mole
infestation would be yard damage, flowerbeds damaged and torn-up grass
roots. Caused from the burrowing habits leaving the yard a mess. It is
important, however, to properly identify the source of this yard damage
before setting out to trap the moles you think you have in the yard. Moles
feed primarily on earthworms, ants, beetle grubs and other
arthropods living in the ground. A small portion of their diet does
consist of various seed and vegetable matter, but they are not known to
eat bulbs or roots of gardening plants. Reproduction Females
produce three to five young in the spring.
Packing
the soil with a roller or reducing soil moisture may make an area less
habitable for moles. Because moles feed largely on insects and worms, the use
of certain insecticides to control these organisms may reduce the moles’ food
supply, causing them to leave the area. Before leaving, however, the moles may
increase their digging in search of food, thereby possibly increasing damage to
turf or garden areas.
White
grubs are a food source for moles, although even a grub-free lawn may have
moles if other food sources are present. In the absence of other food sources,
controlling grubs may eliminate moles. White grubs overwinter as larvae and
move closer to the soil surface in the spring to pupate. White grubs found in
spring are not a concern and applying
insecticides at that time to kill the grubs and larvae of other soil insects is
not justified. Mid-June to mid-July is the ideal window for insecticide
applications targeting only white grubs. Insecticides applied earlier in the
season to control other insects, such as billbugs, may effectively control
white grubs but do not always work well. Insecticides are applied earlier than
mid-June, lawn care services and homeowners need to closely monitor lawns for
white grubs in August.
Moles
are active throughout the year. Moles create elaborate underground tunnels
called runways which run at shallow and deep levels. The subsurface runways
are where mounds and ridges show above ground. These are typically used
for feeding and can be produced at a rate of 6 meters per hour. The deep
runways are located up to 25 cm below the surface. These are main
thoroughfares for the mole as it travels to and from the surface. The
number of mounds or surface ridges is no indication of the number of moles
within a specific plot of land. Typically, one hectare of land will
support seven to 12 moles at one time. If the property is adjacent to
fields or forested land, more moles may be present and crossing your
property. There are many different of do-it-yourself methods for removal of a mole infestation. But
it’s time to contact AMPM Exterminators for professional and experienced
help to provide services for mole removal. AMPM Exterminators has been
successful in this type of infestation.
Media ContactCompany Name: Garden Mole Control: How to Get Rid of Moles – Removal & Treatment
The eastern, Star nosed and hairy tailed moles diets are very similar. Moles eat a variety of insects likes Earth worms, Spiders, Beetles: Moles control service,moles exterminators,Rodent control service,seattle pest control service,seattle exterminators
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