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Questions and answers about moles

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How long do moles live? The mole is quite a long-lived animal for its size and can live up to 3-5 years. That is of course if they do not come into contact with a mole catcher.
What do moles eat? Moles feed on earthworms and other small insects. The mole digs tunnels, which are smooth and well padded down. When small insects and worms fall into these tunnels they become trapped.
Why do moles make molehills? Moles dig an extensive tunnel system on many levels, most of the soil gets compressed into the sides and floor of these tunnels, but when the mole digs tunnels just under the surface they push excess soil to the surface to get rid of it.
When do moles breed? The mole breeding season is in the springtime in April. There is usually more mole activity around this time with more molehills appearing.
How big are moles? Some people think that considering the size of some molehills, moles must be huge, but they are surprisingly small creatures, measuring approx 6 inches long (but as with all living things, there are huge variations).
Are moles solitary? Apart from the breeding season, moles generally like to live alone and defend their tunnel system aggressively. Often several moles will inhabit the same field, but each will have a separate tunnel system.
Are moles blind? Moles are not blind, but their eyesight is poor and is mainly sensitive to light or dark conditions.
Are moles nocturnal? No, moles are not specifically nocturnal. They sleep for four hours, and they are active for four hours, and this continues day and night.
How much do mole catchers charge? Every mole catcher charges differently, some charge per mole, some prefer to give a price per job. Garden or domestic jobs are usually only one or two moles, but the molecatcher still has to make several visits to complete the task, so per mole price is higher than an agricultural rate. Agriculture jobs are slightly different as there will be a lot of moles to catch with a larger area to cover, but the price per mole will be lower than a domestic job as there will be many moles to catch. To find out what your local mole catcher charges, use the postcode search facility on the left of the page to find your local mole catcher and give him or her a call.
How deep do moles dig? Moles dig their tunnels on several levels or depths and use different parts of the tunnel system depending on conditions. Visible mole activity comes from the uppermost tunnel systems. These tunnels are just a few inches deep. The main diet for moles is worms and other insects that live in the soil. When it rains, and the soil becomes soaked, the earthworms and other insects move to the surface. The moles follow their food and start using the surface tunnels. In the summer when it is drier the earthworms go deeper where the soil is still moist; thus the moles use the deeper runs to stay with their food source. These deeper runs can be several feet deep; this is why moles appear to be more active in the winter and spring time.
Are moles active all year round? Yes, moles do not hibernate; they are active all year round. There is more visible mole activity during the winter and spring due to them working nearer the surface. See the previous question for further information.
I have a mole that is making tunnels just under the soil surface, through the roots of the grass, what is he doing? When moles first occupy a new territory they often test the area to see how much food is present. Surface tunnels are quick and easy for a mole to dig as there is no soil to shift. If there is not enough food present, the mole will leave for pastures new. Surface tunnels are also made when the ground is very wet (after prolonged rainfall). Moles will also dig surface tunnels when they are hunting for leatherjacket grubs. Normally when this happens, the tunnels are only used once.
How can I stop moles using old borrows and re-occupying my garden? Unfortunately you cannot stop this from happening without going to great (AKA expensive) measures to proof your property. If you have had moles removed from your land previously, we recommend that you have the affected area rolled to crush any existing tunnel systems, any future mole will have to start digging right away and will reveal his presence.
What is a solar mole deterrent? A solar mole deterrent is a device which uses a small solar panel to power a vibrating rod which is pushed into the ground and is supposed to deter moles from digging tunnels in the area where the device is deployed. They do not work and are a waste of money!
Why do I have more molehills in winter? The simple answer is: in the winter we usually have more rain; thus insect life is closer to the surface, moles are active where the food source is. The molehills are just the spoil from digging tunnels; it is easier for moles to get rid of this spoil on the surface when the tunnels are shallow. As the ground dries, insects follow the moisture level down, and the moles follow. Spoil from deeper tunnels gets compacted to the sides of the tunnel creating a more stable tube.
Do electronic devices or windmills deter moles? No.
Do moles travel above ground? Yes they do, when looking for new territory they will travel on the surface, mostly at night.
How do moles see underground? Moles are virtually blind, only being able to detect light and dark. Moles use sensitive hairs/whiskers on their face to sense their environment.
Do moles hibernate? No, in fact, moles appear more active during the winter months as they are working nearer to the surface and are working harder to find food.
What is the difference between a mole and a rat burrow? Size of the tunnel is very similar, but rat burrows are open with worn pathways leading from them. A mole tunnel is always blocked (with a hill).
Can moles live in water? Moles can swim very well and will put up with a surprising amount of flooded tunnel. They do not, however, live permanently in water and if the ground becomes submerged (such as a flood), moles will move to higher and drier ground.
When in the UK is it legal to kill moles? It is legal to dispatch moles at any time of the year in the UK.
I have hundreds of molehills, where do I start? Start by finding out who your local mole catcher is, use our postcode search function. Contact your local mole man and discuss the problem.
How do moles get sufficient air, as the entrances all seem to be blocked off with their molehills? Moles are adapted to live in a low oxygen environment. They will block any open tunnel to prevent fresh air from filling their tunnels.
Why would a farmer be bothered about moles in their field? Listeriosis is a bacterial disease which infects sheep, cattle and many other animals. The Listeriosis bacteria is present in soil which moles bring to the surface as molehills. Farmers cut grass to make silage which they use in winter to feed sheep and cattle. If molehills are present at the time of silage making, any soil from the mole hills is picked up and mixed with the grass. If conditions are right, the bacteria can multiply within the silage over time and cause problems. Many sheep die each year from Listeriosis.
I have lots of small holes in my lawn, is this moles? If you have lots of small holes in your lawn which are open and the grass around the edges of the holes has been chewed, it will most likely be bank voles. These are harmless critters, and there is no real point in killing them. Instead, put 'sharp sand' (available from builders merchants) into the holes, this will deter the voles, and they will move on to pastures new.
I don't have molehills, but I can see many tunnels lifting the soil in my borders. Is this a mole? Yes, moles do not always make molehills. Sometimes, they tunnel just under the surface, usually looking for leatherjacket grubs or testing the ground for food availability.
Why don't moles drown when it rains continuously? Moles are excellent swimmers and regularly swim underwater. If the ground becomes waterlogged, they will eventually move to higher/drier ground.
When will moles collect their food? Moles are voracious feeders and continuously hunt for food. They must feed every day.
Will crushing garlic and putting down the tunnel dissuade the mole in my lawn? Over the years, various methods have been tried to prevent moles from digging in lawns. Understandably, some people don't want to kill any animal and look for methods they have been told work, but the most effective method is catching the mole.
How do you dispose of the moles? Do you kill them? The mole catcher does not physically kill the mole; the traps used for mole catching are kill traps. They are very powerful and kill the mole quickly and humanely.
Do moles have teeth - could they chew through plastic netting? Moles have teeth, but they are not the type of teeth you would expect. Most people think of moles as rodents, but they are not. Moles have teeth similar to those of a dog or other predator (obviously smaller) designed for catching prey. If they are determined enough, they can chew through plastic netting, but they do not chew things like rodents (rats and mice) do.
Do moles make air holes in the ground? No, moles do not make air holes in the ground. Moles will plug any hole that allows air into their tunnel system. If you have many holes in your lawn that are mouse-sized, these will most probably be vole holes.
If I have moles in my vegetable beds, how long might they stay there? How long moles stay in an area depends on several factors. Moles are long-lived creatures and can live for three years or so. The food source is a significant factor in a mole's life. If the food runs out, the mole will move on. If there is plenty of food, the mole will stay.
What time of day do moles dig? Moles are active at any time of the day or night. If they need more tunnels for hunting, they will dig.