Gardening - Q&A: All About Moles

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Q&A: All About Moles

Question: I have mole damage in several areas in my yard. I would like to know if moles live in families (ie are there several moles in each area) or do the tend to be loners? What is the family size, the breeding cycle, etc. If moles are family creatures do they use the same tunnels? If I trap a mole in one tunnel, should I set the trap again in the same tunnel, or go somewhere else?

Answer: Moles are solitary except during mating season, when a male will seek out a female in her burrow. Females produce a litter of 2-6 young, born in the spring. It's usually a good idea if you trap a mole, to reset the trap because other moles may come visiting. It's also possible that new moles will move into the area once you've eradicated the original family. Moles feed on insects, worms, and some plant materials, and they tunnel extensively, making short tunnels off the main run, to use as sleeping quarters and to deposit their wastes. Even though the tunnels are a nuisance, moles are beneficial in that they help aerate the soil and keep the grub population down.

Content provided by the National Gardening Association