What Are Garden Moles?
Moles are small, burrowing mammals with cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and large front paws designed for digging. Although they are primarily insectivores, feeding on earthworms and insects, moles can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens by creating tunnels and mounds.
How to Tell If Moles Are Damaging Your Lawn and Garden
If you’re noticing signs of an unusual disturbance in your lawn or garden, garden moles could be the culprit. Here’s how you can tell if moles are making themselves at home:
- Molehills and Mound Formation
The most obvious sign of mole activity is the appearance of molehills. These are small, cone-shaped mounds of dirt that moles push to the surface while digging their tunnels. These mounds often appear in clusters, particularly in moist, soft soil. If you’re finding these mounds popping up in your garden or lawn, it’s a clear indication of mole activity. - Raised, Uneven Ground
As moles dig their tunnels, the soil beneath the surface shifts, causing the ground to become uneven. You may notice patches of raised, soft ground that feel spongy when you walk on them. This unevenness can make mowing the lawn difficult and could lead to tripping hazards. - Damaged Plants and Shrubs
Moles may not directly feed on your plants, but their tunnelling can still cause harm. As they burrow, moles can disturb the root systems of plants and shrubs. This disruption can lead to wilting, stunted growth, or even the death of plants. If you notice a sudden decline in plant health, moles might be to blame. - Visible Tunnel Networks
Moles create intricate tunnel systems that are often visible just beneath the surface of your lawn or garden. These tunnels appear as raised, winding ridges on the ground. They are typically 2 – 3 inches wide and can extend across large sections of your garden. If you find these ridges, especially after it has rained, moles are likely at work. - Loss of Soil Fertility
Mole activity can also affect the fertility of your soil. Their tunnelling disturbs the soil structure, which can reduce oxygen levels for plant roots. This leads to poor growth and can even result in patches of grass or other plants dying off. If you notice patches of dead or thinning grass, it could be due to mole damage.
How to Prevent Further Damage
If you suspect moles are causing damage to your lawn or garden, it’s important to act quickly. Keeping your lawn well-maintained, filling in molehills and using natural deterrents can help reduce their impact. However, if the problem persists or the damage becomes more extensive, it’s worth consulting a professional garden mole removal service.
At Pest Solutions Peterborough, we specialise in garden mole removal and can provide you with tailored solutions to safeguard your lawn and garden from further harm. We can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to remove moles and prevent future infestations.
For expert pest control services, get in touch now!
Call Steve on 07740580058
