The common or eastern mole and the hairy-tailed mole are the species commonly causing damage in the Eastern United States. These mammals are classified as insectivores and their principal diet consists of live earthworms and insect larvae.
These animals, in their search for food, burrow in lawns and other areas where soil conditions are suitable. In spring and fall, these burrows are just a few inches below the surface with the soil being pushed up into ridges. In dry summer and cold winter conditions, burrows are deeper with the only evidence being mounds of soil pushed up to the surface. Both types of burrows produce damage to the lawn and garden. Moles, being insectivores, do not feed on plant materials; however, meadow mice may follow mole burrows damaging bulbs and plant roots.
Control
Trapping is the only known method to effectively manage moles. Traps designed especially for mole control are commercially available. These are the harpoon trap, the choker trap, and the claw-type trap.
Information on the use of these traps can be found in the fact sheet HYG-2005 available from your county extension agent.
Since moles feed primarily on earthworms, assuming that grub control will eliminate moles from a lawn often results in a major disappointment. Before applying grub controls to manage moles, be sure to sample the area to see if white grubs are present.
Poison baits, chemical repellents and noise devices are commercially sold for reducing mole populations. Moles rarely take baits and are usually unaffected by repellents and noise. Fumigants (gas bombs) are also available but, again, these are rarely effective.