Moles can be a significant concern for property owners looking to maintain a pristine lawn. These small mammals, known for their digging prowess, create extensive tunnel networks that disrupt soil structure and weaken roots. Their tunneling results in uneven lawn surfaces and unsightly, volcano-shaped mounds. If you notice signs of mole activity, hiring pest control professionals is essential, as they can accurately diagnose and address the problem, protecting your lawn in Iowa from further harm.

What are moles?

Moles are small, burrowing mammals known for their underground lifestyle. They primarily feed on insects, such as grubs and earthworms, which they find by creating extensive tunnel networks beneath the soil. Moles are easily recognizable by their distinctive front claws, which are perfectly adapted for digging. These claws allow them to move efficiently through the earth, searching for food.

Despite their small size, moles are powerful diggers. They can tunnel up to 18 feet per hour, creating complex systems of tunnels that serve both as hunting grounds and living spaces. While moles play a role in controlling insect populations, their tunneling behavior can inadvertently lead to significant damage to lawns.

The claws of moles allow them to move efficiently through the earth, searching for food.

How do moles damage lawns?

Grass in Des Moines, IA, with mole hills.

Moles can cause a range of issues for your lawn, primarily due to their extensive tunneling activities. These disruptions not only affect the appearance of your turf but also its health and functionality. Here are some of the key ways moles can damage your lawn:

  • Disruption of Soil Structure: Moles create tunnels below the surface, disturbing the roots of the grass. This weakens the grass, making it more susceptible to stress and disease.
  • Uneven Lawn Surface: The tunneling can lead to an uneven ground surface, which complicates mowing and overall lawn maintenance.
  • Volcano-Shaped Mounds: As moles push soil to the surface, they create unsightly mounds. These mounds can damage lawn equipment and pose tripping hazards.
  • Attraction of Other Pests: The tunnels provide easy access for rodents and insects, potentially leading to more extensive damage and additional pest problems.

What should you do if you notice signs of moles on your lawn?

If you notice signs of mole activity, such as raised tunnels or soil mounds, it’s important to take action quickly. The first step is to confirm that moles are indeed the cause of the problem. This is where professional help becomes invaluable. Contacting lawn care professionals is the best course of action. They have the expertise to accurately identify the presence of moles and assess the extent of the damage. Professionals can implement effective treatment strategies to remove moles and prevent further damage to your lawn.

In addition to addressing the current infestation, professionals can offer advice on preventing future mole problems. This may include strategies to reduce the insect population in your soil, making your lawn less attractive to moles.

Give us a call today to sign up for our mole control service!

Moles can be a significant problem for lawns, causing damage through their burrowing and tunneling activities. Protect your yard from serious mole damage with our professional mole and vole control service from our team at A+ Pest Control. This service involves applying a treatment that targets these burrowing animals to stop them from causing further damage to your lawn. We provide this service for commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, IA, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (515) 289-2020 to sign up! Our team is ready to help you make your mole problems a thing of the past.