The 3 Most Common Yard Mole Species in the United States

Yard moles are one of the most destructive and frustrating nuisance animals in the Tennessee region. Not only are they difficult to keep out, let alone get rid of, but they are also capable of causing a massive amount of damage to your lawn, mulch beds, and gardens.

If you are having an issue with nuisance moles in your yard, it is important to educate yourself on the best practices for critter removal and control. Start by learning about the most common yard mole species in the United States so you know which type of mole you are dealing with.

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The Common Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

Types of Animal Moles in the United States

The most common species of moles in the United States are the Eastern moles, Star-Nosed moles, and Shrew moles. Although very similar in nature, each species has its own set of unique characteristics and attributes.

The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

The Eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), also referred to as the Common mole or North American mole, is the most common species of mole in North America. In fact, they can be found in regions spanning from Canada to Mexico, giving them the widest range of all the mole species. They appear like any standard mole you would imagine, with long snouts, hidden eyes, dark sleek fur, short bodies, and spade-shaped paws. Adults are medium-sized, generally around 6 inches in length not including their tails, and around 2.5 ounces in weight. This same mole is known as the European mole in Europe and Asia.

Star-Nosed Mole (Condylura cristata)

Generally native to the Eastern coastal regions, the Star-Nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a unique mole species due to its protrusions that extend out of their snouts, making them look like one of those monsters on Stranger Things. These are called their Eimer’s organs, which are touch organs that have over 25,000 miniscule sensory receptors. They use this star-shaped snout to acutely detect insects and similar prey in soil. Scientific theories suggest their sensory receptors can detect seismic wave vibrations! They also have hairy tails, making them even more distinct from the Common mole.

American Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)

The American shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii), also referred to as Gibb’s Shrew Mole and Least Shrew Mole, is special in that it is the smallest species of yard mole in world. Now, shrews and moles are two different types of animals, but this mole gets its name because it looks more like a shrew than it does a mole, namely because of its fur. Their habitat range stays consistent, from Middle California to the southern-most cities in British Columbia. They can also survive at higher elevations, which is why they can be found inhabiting the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges.

Are you dealing with nuisance moles? Let’s put a stop to it immediately! Contact us at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, TN critter control for moles and more. We serve commercial clients, too!  

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How Stop Yard Mole Damage to Your Lawn

If you are experiencing animal mole damage on your property, such as endless molehills, it is time for you to take action before the problem gets worse. Fortunately, there are several safe and humane methods you can use to get rid of moles. Continue reading to learn how you can get rid of yard moles in your lawn, garden, and more.

Yard Mole Removal and Control 317-875-3099
Yard Mole Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Why Yard Moles are Causing You Problems

In the animal kingdom, moles are fossorial mammals that have a subterranean way of life. This means they are skilled at digging and mostly live and forage underground in a network of entrenched tunnels. As for homeowners, moles can be quite the pest when it comes to lawns and gardens. You see, moles are insectivores, so they primarily consume a wide range of insects. Some of their favorites include invertebrates like earthworms, grubs, ants, and millipedes, all of which can be found underneath your lawn. In as little as one night, a group of moles can tear up an entire lawn looking for something to eat.

Getting Rid of Moles in the Garden

This time of year, our gardens are very important to us since we don’t get warm weather and sunshine all year long here in Indiana. So, when we come to find that our gardens have been plundered overnight by pesky moles, it can be quite frustrating to say the least. One of the safest and most eco-friendly methods for protecting gardens from animal moles is to create a natural barrier using plants that grow complex stem systems.

Plants and flowers such as daffodils, fritillaries, cucumbers, alliums, and marigolds have prickly and sticky stems that nuisance wildlife often avoid. If food is not easily accessible, moles will not really go out of their way to get some. Mole plants and castor beans are additional options for a natural barrier fence, however they are poisonous, and should be used with caution around children and pets.

Getting Rid of Moles in the Lawn

There are several safe and humane options you can use to get rid of moles in your lawn. One of the safest and most eco-friendly methods is to make your own homemade, non-toxic nuisance wildlife repellent spray. All you need is a plastic spray bottle, clean water, and a few household spices or essential oils. Moles hate scents like menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, cayenne pepper, and of course castor oil. Simply mix the ingredients together and spray around the perimeter of your lawn or in areas where you’ve noticed mole activity. Another of effective option is to have your lawn treated for grub worms and other targeted insects.

When Your Yard Mole Problem Persists…

If moles are a persistent problem on your property, your best course of action is professional intervention. Contact a local and licensed Indianapolis wildlife removal and control company for safe and humane animal mole abatement service. Not only can they extract moles, they can animal proof your property to reduce the likelihood of moles and other nuisance wildlife from returning in the future.

Professional Yard Mole Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable animal removal services for moles in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

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