Moles

Managing Moles in Your Lawn

Moles, those elusive and industrious tunnel-dwellers, can be a common headache for homeowners striving for the perfect lawn. At Tompkins Lawn Care, we understand the frustration that moles can cause. In our years of providing lawn care services to Cedar Rapids, Fairfax, Swisher, Solon IA, and the surrounding areas, we’ve encountered our fair share of mole-related challenges.

Unraveling the Mystery of Mole Behavior

Before we dive into mole control methods, it’s essential to understand some critical aspects of mole behavior. The biggest misconception in lawn care is the belief that insecticides can significantly impact mole populations. In reality, these critters primarily feed on earthworms, which are abundant in most healthy lawns. So, instead of insecticides, the best way to manage moles is to trap them.

Moles are most active during the morning when they forage for their favorite meals. Identifying their feeding grounds can help you set up an effective trapping strategy. Mole tunnels zig-zag seemingly at random, connecting habitats to favorite feeding areas. Traps offer the best chance of success when placed in the straightest stretch of the primary run.

Moles tend to be more active in specific areas of your lawn, depending on the season. In the spring, they can be found in southern exposures where the soil is warmer and where worms and insects are active. As the summer heat sets in, moles shift to shaded areas, preferring cool and moist habitats with rich worm populations.

Moles and Lawn Health

You might have noticed that moles seem to favor lawns that are lush and well-kept. This preference can be attributed to the dense and healthy turfgrass that provides excellent insulation for the soil, protecting it from extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, such lawns often have thriving earthworm populations due to the absence of soil compaction. Earthworms, which are beneficial to the soil, create the perfect buffet for moles.

The Battle Against Moles: Effective Trapping

The most effective and humane method for controlling moles in your home lawn is trapping. Trapping moles is not a “set it and forget it” operation; it requires your attention. Moles are active in the morning, and they move through areas where food is abundant. To increase your trapping success, identify the feeding grounds and set traps along the primary runs that lead to these areas.

For the best results, place your trap in the straightest section of the main run, ensuring that the mole passes by two to four times daily. Moles are typically wary of foreign objects in their tunnels, so it’s essential to monitor the traps and reset them if necessary. Even if a mole triggers the trap but escapes, you’re on the right track. Moles are susceptible to injury, and they often do not recover from wounds due to their unique blood clotting properties.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we understand the nuances of managing moles in your lawn. If moles are wreaking havoc in your yard, reach out to us for expert assistance. We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to help you keep your lawn free from these subterranean pests and maintain the beautiful, healthy lawn you deserve. Don’t let moles undermine your lawn care efforts – let us tackle the problem for you.