Kill Mole - Mole Trapping - Get Rid Of Moles
Mole Habitat
Moles are very robust animals and can survive
in rather adverse conditions. Most often, however,
they tend to dig up prized lawns, golf courses,
and carefully-tended gardens. The reason lawn
and garden moles
seem to dig more frequently in the most fertile
areas is that such conditions usually indicate
a plentiful supply of its main food source –
worms. Good soil means lots of worms, and moles
are sure to follow. The primary variables that
determine good soil (and therefore mole activity)
are moisture, warmth, vegetation, and soil acidity.
Food Supply
Earthworms are not native to North America; they
were introduced from Europe. North American moles
ate insect larvae and other invertebrates before
worms were available. When the plentiful supply
of worms became available, the North American
mole population exploded rapidly.
While moles are almost entirely carnivorous,
soft vegetation such as seeds and soft root systems
can comprise a small portion of the diet. The
aquatic Star-nosed mole, however, has been known
to eat small fish.
Moles are not simply nomadic creatures that eat
whatever they can find. Similar to chipmunks,
European moles often "store" worms.
They do this by biting the worm on the area that
controls motor activity. Once neutralized, the
worms are dragged to a den or storehouse where
up to 20 – 30 worms may be found at any
one time.
Moisture
Most species prefer loose soil that is moderately
moist as found in a well-watered lawn or garden.
Dry soil does not provide a good food supply to
the mole since worms typically prefer moisture.
Wet and clumpy soil is also not preferable since
digging and tunneling is especially difficult
for the mole under these conditions. Again, the
exception is the Star-nosed mole mole, which can be
normally found in wet soils, in marshes, and along
streams, so it rarely causes problems in yards
and turf.
Temperature
Moles prefer moderate temperatures and will typically
go deeper into the soil during the hot summer
and cold winter months. They are more active during
the late spring, early summer, and fall.
Vegetation
While not an absolute necessity, well-vegetated
areas tend to be likely areas for mole territories.
Quite often these soils are relatively loose and
heavily endowed with a good food supply.
Soil Acidity (pH balance)
Soils with a fairly low acidity are more favorable
to moles. Low acidity is typically indicated by
areas with a high level of vegetation. High acidity
can be caused by rainwater runoff or decomposing
organic matter such as the fallen leaves of deciduous
trees.
Well-kept lawns and gardens provide an excellent
habitat for moles. So, if you do have a mole in
your yard, try to see the bright side and see
it as a compliment to your gardening skills! |
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Habitat
