Moles

Key Features

Moles (Talpa europaea) are a pest because of the damage they do to lawns as they dig their tunnels.

Molehills and mole ridges spoil lawns and flower beds while their tunnelling damages the roots of young plants and exposes stones that can damage garden machinery.

The natural habitat of moles is woodland but they are very comfortable in residential gardens, grassland or where crops are growing.

Biology:

Moles have litters of up to seven pups and as they mature into adults, each mole will want to establish its own tunnel network and will dig at speeds of up to 4 metres per hour.

Distribution

Moles are found across the UK, but never in Ireland.

Significance

Moles may damage plant roots, and disfigure manicured lawns. The presence of mole tunnels beneath the ground may cause injury to horses and ruminant animals.

Control:

A thorough survey and inspection will reveal the appropriate method of control. Usually involves use of well protected phosphine gas. Other means may be used, such as physical control methods. Re-infestation often occurs in due course, and repeat treatments may be necessary.

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