Moles are burrowing animals and lead a subterranean existence. They are territorial, living alone in their own individual burrow system, a network of firm-walled interconnecting tunnels about 5cm wide, 4cm high and up to 70-metres long, deep underground. A mole’s territory can cover between 400 and 2,000-square metres.
What are molehills?
In early winter and spring, moles dig temporary, shallow tunnels just below the surface of lawns and flowerbeds whilst searching for earthworms. They push up displaced soil in vertical tunnels which forms molehills. Because moles are territorial, the molehills seen in a garden are likely to be the activity of just one mole.
Why is it necessary to get rid of moles?
The tunnels dug by moles, whether shallow or deep, make the earth unstable. This results in ridges and depressions in lawns and pasture grass which make it difficult to mow and walk on, creating a minor safety hazard. By tunnelling through soil the moles disturb the roots of seedlings and small plants causing damage to crops and gardens. Not only do molehills look unsightly, they need to be cleared away before a lawn can be mowed.
How our treatment works
Our technician will use one of the following treatments to get rid of moles.
Trapping
Our technicians are BPCA-trained in mole trapping and are highly experienced in knowing where to situate traps in order to catch the mole quickly. However the traps may have to be moved several times before the mole is caught as it may start tunnelling in a different direction than expected.
Gassing
A pellet of aluminum phosphide gives off phosphine gas when it reacts with moisture in the soil. It isn’t suitable for use in dry conditions.