Traps control moles

Q. I have small mounds of dirt in my lawn. What is doing this and how can I stop it?

Loran from Canfield

A. Moles! Yes, these small insectivores can do quite a bit of damage to lawns. Although destructive to the “perfect” lawn, moles eat lots of insects along the way. In fact, the availability of sufficient insects for food determines the mole population in the lawn. If there is no food, the moles move on rather quickly.

When it comes to moles, I get every possible control option when I talk to homeowners —everything from chocolate Ex-Lax to bubble gum. I hate to think of the cost of providing the Ex-Lax to all of the moles in my yard. Another common (yet mythical) cure is placing moth balls in their holes and in the landscape in general. What would happen if a child or pet got ahold of these? Moth balls are insecticides and should never be used in this manner.

Grub control is probably the most common control myth I hear. This tactic does not work because the favorite food of moles is earthworms. And it’s not cheap to control grubs in your lawn.

Trapping is the only effective control option when it comes to moles. Traps are most effective when used in the spring and fall — so plan now to control them. Our experts recommend trapping after a rainfall. You will need to find the active runs to be most effective.

Interesting mole Facts (from OSU Extension fact sheet):

A 5-ounce mole will consume 45-50 pounds of worms and insects each year.

Moles can dig surface tunnels at about 18 feet per hour.

Moles travel through existing tunnels at about 80 feet per minute.

Moles contain twice as much blood and hemoglobin as other mammals of similar size. This allows them to breathe easier in underground environments with low oxygen.

To learn your options for trapping and details to do it correctly, go to: http://go.osu.edu/moles

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Clinic hours vary this time of year due to the winter season.