Why do moles dig tunnels?

Moles dig tunnels mainly to find food and create living spaces. They primarily eat earthworms, insects, and grubs they find in the soil. Moles have a huge appetite and can eat up to their own body weight in meals each day, meaning they have to constantly forage. The tunnel networks they build are an efficient way to locate and catch prey.

There are two main types of tunnels moles dig: surface tunnels and deep tunnels. Surface tunnels, just below the ground, are used for hunting. These shallow tunnels often appear as raised ridges or mounds on the lawn, where moles actively search for food. Deep tunnels, on the other hand, are meant for living spaces and are built 6 to 12 inches underground, including nesting chambers and storage areas.

Moles also dig to establish and defend their territory. By creating an extensive tunnel system, a mole can mark its domain and keep other moles out. Constant digging helps aerate the soil, which can benefit plant roots by improving soil structure and water infiltration.

Can moles damage my lawn?

Yes, moles can really mess up your lawn with their constant tunneling. These little guys dig complex networks just below the surface while searching for food like earthworms, insects, and grubs. You'll often see their work as raised ridges or mounds, which can make your nicely kept lawn look a bit shabby. Their tunnels mess up the soil structure, making the ground uneven and hard to walk on.

Additionally, mole tunnels can harm grass roots, causing brown or dead patches on your lawn. As they dig, they can also disturb newly planted seeds and bulbs, affecting the growth of your grass and other plants. The mounds they push up, known as molehills, can smother grass and ruin the overall look of your yard.

While moles mainly eat insects and don't directly harm plants, their tunnels can expose plant roots to the air, drying

them out and causing more damage. Plus, those tunnels can become highways for other pests like voles, which feed on plant roots and can make the problem even worse.

To keep moles from damaging your lawn, you can try different control methods like traps, repellents, and barriers. Regular lawn care and keeping an eye out for mole activity can help you tackle the problem early and keep your lawn in good shape. Hiring professionals like us here at Youngs Pest Control can also provide effective solutions to get rid of moles and keep them from coming back. So, it's important to take action if you notice mole activity in your yard before the damage becomes too extensive.