Moles: Understanding the Damage to Your Lawn and How to Spot Them

Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn requires diligence and care, but wildlife like moles can wreak havoc on your efforts. These subterranean mammals are notorious for tunneling through lawns, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Understanding the damage moles cause and recognizing the warning signs of their presence is essential for effective management. Let’s delve into the world of moles and learn how to spot the signs of their activity in your lawn.

How Moles Damage Your Lawn

Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on earthworms, grubs and other soil-dwelling insects. While they don’t eat grass directly, their tunneling behavior can cause significant damage to your lawn in several ways:

1. Tunneling

Moles create an extensive network of tunnels beneath the surface of your lawn as they search for food. These tunnels can disrupt the root system of grass, causing patches of turf to die or become discolored.

2. Mounding

As moles excavate soil from their tunnels, they push it to the surface, creating unsightly mounds or ridges on your lawn. These molehills not only detract from the beauty of your yard but also make mowing and lawn maintenance more challenging.

3. Soil Compaction

The constant tunneling activity of moles can lead to soil compaction, making it difficult for grass roots to penetrate and absorb water and nutrients. This can result in poor drainage, waterlogged soil and overall decline in lawn health.

4. Increased Weed Growth

Mole tunnels provide ideal conditions for weed seeds to germinate and thrive. The disturbance of soil and exposure to sunlight create prime opportunities for weeds to take root and compete with grass for space and resources.

Warning Signs You Have Moles

Look for these signs to determine if you have a mole problem:

1. Molehills

Visible mounds of soil, known as molehills, are a telltale sign of mole activity in your lawn. Keep an eye out for fresh molehills appearing regularly, especially after rainfall or irrigation.

2. Surface Tunnels

Look for raised ridges or surface tunnels running across your lawn, indicating the presence of moles beneath the surface. These tunnels might be faintly visible or become more prominent over time.

3. Wilting or Discolored Grass

Areas of your lawn that appear wilted, discolored or have thinning grass can indicate damage caused by mole tunneling. Check these areas for signs of tunneling or soil disturbance.

4. Spongy or Soft Soil

Press down on areas of your lawn that show signs of mole activity. If the soil feels spongy, soft or gives way easily, it may be due to the presence of underground mole tunnels.

Dealing with moles can be a frustrating challenge for homeowners, but recognizing the signs of their presence is crucial for effective management of the situation. If you suspect moles are causing damage to your lawn, don’t hesitate to take action. Contact The Snake Chaser, your trusted professional wildlife removal expert on the Grand Strand for 30 years. Our experienced team is here to help you safely and effectively address any mole-related concerns or other nuisance wildlife situation. Give us a call today for prompt and reliable service!