You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill,” but talk to any homeowner with a mole infestation, and they’ll likely tell you they’d take the “mountain” instead! While moles may seem harmless at first glance, these tiny creatures can wreak serious havoc on your lawn and garden. If you find yourself faced with the monstrous task of ridding your yard of moles, we feel for you. Here’s what you’ll need to know to deal with the pesky moles tearing up your yard.

What’s the Deal with Moles?

Moles are small, insect-eating mammals that live underground throughout the United States. According to Today’s Homeowner, a 5–6-ounce mole can eat up to 50 pounds of insects, worms, and grubs a year. In order to do so, moles burrow throughout your yard in search of their next tasty meal: worms, beetles, and other insects. Their underground tunnel system causes the surface of your yard to rise, so you’ll be able to distinguish where, exactly, their routes run. Tunnel openings are referred to as “molehills.”

Moles don’t typically live in families, so your yard is likely being pillaged by only one or two. Many sources claim that an acre of land can support, at maximum, five or six moles. Mole activity increases in the springtime when the ground begins to thaw and insects become active. Spring is also the time when female moles complete their gestation period, so you could soon have more on your hands!

Why Are Moles So Bad for My Yard?

Despite their small size, moles can easily tear up a well-manicured lawn or garden. Moles can destroy the root systems of plants, shrubs, and flowers that they encounter. Sometimes, their digging can even damage the tough roots of your grass, and molehills and tunnels make for unsightly lumps throughout your yard. Like bats, however, moles are very effective at controlling the insect population in your yard. If you don’t mind the way the moles’ presence changes the appearance of your yard, you can always just let them be.

Why Aren’t My DIY Methods Working?

DIY methods can be quite difficult to master when it comes to ridding your yard of moles. Even if you use professional-grade traps, poison, or bait, the moles’ tunnel systems make it difficult to pinpoint where the little beasts are active, rendering your removal method ineffective. Trial and error may lead to success, but if you want the problem taken care of promptly, calling in a professional is the safest bet.

How Can I Effectively Remove Moles From My Yard?

If you’ve found that your own methods of mole removal aren’t working, contact a professional pest control agency. Professionals are trained to locate and remove moles. It can be quite difficult to completely eliminate a mole problem, but ongoing monitoring and removal will help protect your property.

How Can I Protect My Yard from Further Damage?

One of the best ways to prevent pests is to eliminate their food sources. Try incorporating a grub killer into your spring fertilization regimen. There are also a variety of plants that are known to be mole repellant. Using these plants in your landscaping may lessen the chance of a future mole infestation.

If you’ve struggled to keep up with your yard’s mole problem and you live in Des Moines or elsewhere in Central Iowa, call Springer Professional Home Services for help. Our mole protection program is available year-round and includes a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to find out more!