Moles are expert burrowers, and while they prefer to stay underground, the damage they leave behind is hard to miss. Their behavior leads to unsightly lawn damage, plant destruction and even structural issues. They’re often mistaken for gophers, but moles are solitary creatures that feed on insects rather than plants. However, like gophers, their digging habits can have a big impact on your property. Here are a few examples:
Uneven Lawns
One of the most noticeable signs of a mole problem is the appearance of mounds and ridges across your lawn. These raised piles of dirt make your lawn look uneven and unattractive, diminishing your home’s curb appeal. If you’ve invested time and money into your home’s landscaping, moles can quickly undo all of your hard work.
Destruction of Plants
Although moles don’t cause damage to plants by eating them, their digging patterns can disturb the roots of grass, flowers and even trees. This damage can cause plants to wither and eventually die. This can be especially frustrating for gardeners since, after they put in the effort to cultivate a thriving garden, a mole can ruin it in no time.
Damage to Irrigation Systems
The damage moles cause doesn’t stop at your yard’s soil—it can also interfere with your irrigation system. Their tunnels often intersect with irrigation pipes and loosen the soil around them, causing them to shift. Molehills can push sprinkler heads out of alignment, which can affect water distribution, causing overly watered areas and dry patches. Poor drainage caused by their burrowing can also lead to standing water in your yard, which attracts insects like mosquitoes.
Damage to Foundation
Moles’ digging habits can have unintended consequences for your home’s foundation. When they displace the dirt beneath your property, it can harm the structural integrity over time. Disrupted soil structures and erosion can lead to drainage issues, causing water to accumulate in the tunnels. In areas with colder temperatures, this trapped water can freeze and expand, causing further structural damage.
Pathways for Rodents
Moles dig tunnels to provide shelter for themselves. This, in turn, becomes an entry point for other pests. Rodents like mice and rats use these pre-dug pathways to make their way onto your property and eventually inside your home. Once inside, they can cause further damage by contaminating food and chewing on wiring or structural features.
Risk of Injuries
An uneven lawn isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it can also be a safety hazard. Walking on uneven terrain is dangerous enough, but if someone doesn’t see a molehill or a hole, they can easily trip or step into it and hurt themselves. Mole tunnels also weaken the ground beneath us, making it easy for someone to fall or twist an ankle when stepping on soft, unstable soil that gives way easily.
When to Call the Pros
If you notice signs of moles in your yard, including raised ridges, mounds of dirt, or dead or discolored grass, it’s time to take action. While DIY solutions exist, moles can be persistent and difficult to get rid of. Professional pest control is the most effective solution for removing moles and preventing them in the future.
The skilled technicians at Pro-Staff have the tools and expertise to safely remove moles from your yard, helping you protect your lawn and home from further damage. Give us a call at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.
