As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than discovering that your yard has become a haven for moles. These burrowing rodents can wreak havoc on your carefully maintained garden, leaving unsightly and damaging tunnels in their wake. That’s why so many homeowners wonder how to tell if you have moles in your yard. This helpful guide will clear up any confusion so you can keep your yard rodent-free.

How to Tell If You Have Moles in Your Yard: A Guide

Tunnels and mounds.

One of the most obvious signs of a mole infestation is the appearance of tunnels and mounds in your yard. Moles create extensive networks of tunnels that are often easily distinguishable from other burrowing animals due to their unique characteristics. Mole tunnels tend to be raised ridges with a diameter ranging from 1 to 2 inches and can be found near the surface. These runways can crisscross your yard, resulting in uneven terrain and may also produce molehills or mounds of soil pushed up from their tunneling activities.

Damaged roots and uprooted plants.

Another method of how to tell if you have moles in your yard is the damage caused to the root systems of plants. Moles are primarily insectivores but will also feed on underground plant structures. As they tunnel, moles may disrupt the roots of grass, flowers, and small shrubs, resulting in wilting, yellowing, or uprooted vegetation. Look for signs of plants suddenly declining in health or appearing pulled out of the ground without an obvious cause.

Surface runways.

These appear as surface pathways with an indentation or depression in the ground, caused by moles tunneling and creating their burrows closer to the surface. When encountering an obstruction such as a tree root or rock, moles may opt to tunnel near the ground's surface, providing an opportunity to spot them.

Patterned damage.

Moles have a distinctive feeding pattern which can help differentiate them from other pests. They prefer to feed on grubs, worms, and other small insects that live in the soil. Consequently, their tunneling activities usually result in localized damage in the form of raised ridges or lines in your yard, which is how to tell if you have moles in your yard. The patterning of the damage left by moles can help you identify their presence, particularly when compared to other animals that might cause similar problems.

Listening for tunneling noises.

Moles are active primarily during nighttime, so one way to detect their presence is by listening for the sounds they make. While it may seem improbable, pressing your ear against the ground in areas suspected of mole activity, especially near tunnels or mounds, can help you hear the faint sounds of their digging and tunneling. These sounds resemble a soft scratching noise and can be an additional confirmation of the presence of moles in your yard.

Moles or another animal infestation?

Although moles are a common lawn pest, other animals could be mistaken for mole infestations. Voles, pocket gophers, and shrews are three potential culprits responsible for similar underground disturbances. However, there are ways to differentiate these animals from moles. Voles generally create more randomly-patterned surface tunnels, while pocket gophers are known for displacing soil in crescent shapes. Shrews, on the other hand, do not create tunnels that result in surface ridges or mounds. Understanding these differences can help you accurately identify mole activity and apply appropriate control methods.

Do you think you have moles in your yard?

Now that you know how to tell if you have moles in your yard, the next step is figuring out what to do about them. That’s where Best Pest & Wildlife Control can help. Our wildlife control company is built on the principles of providing value-based solutions to our clients in Colorado, California, and Arizona. We’re confident that we can rid your yard of your mole infestation quickly and humanely. Learn more about our pest control services online, or contact us today to schedule your consultation.