Moles
Scalopus aquaticus
Moles are easily identified by their large, paddle-like front feet designed for digging. They have pointed snouts, tiny eyes (nearly hidden), no visible ears, and velvety dark fur. Unlike rodents, mol...
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How to Identify Moles
Moles are easily identified by their large, paddle-like front feet designed for digging. They have pointed snouts, tiny eyes (nearly hidden), no visible ears, and velvety dark fur.
Moles are easily identified by their large, paddle-like front feet designed for digging. They have pointed snouts, tiny eyes (nearly hidden), no visible ears, and velvety dark fur. Unlike rodents, moles are insectivores related to shrews.
Moles Behavior & Habits
Understanding how moles behave helps prevent infestations
Moles spend nearly their entire lives underground, creating extensive tunnel networks. They eat earthworms, grubs, and insects—consuming 70-100% of their body weight daily. Active year-round, they dig deeper tunnels in winter and shallower feeding tunnels in warmer months.
Moles Risks & Dangers
What moles can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Moles pose no direct health risks and rarely surface. They don't carry diseases of concern to humans.
Property Damage
Mole tunneling damages lawns and gardens by creating raised ridges and mounds. Their tunnels can undermine plant roots, disrupt irrigation systems, and create trip hazards. However, they also eat lawn-damaging grubs.
Signs of Moles Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Moles in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Moles are common throughout the Treasure Valley, especially in areas with rich, moist soil and healthy lawns. Irrigated properties attract earthworms, which attract moles. Spring and fall are peak activity periods when mole damage is most visible.
How We Eliminate Moles
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Mole control focuses on trapping, which is the most effective method. We identify active tunnels, set professional-grade traps, and monitor results. For larger properties, we may combine trapping with grub control to reduce food sources. Repellents provide temporary relief but aren't long-term solutions.
How to Prevent Moles
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Moles Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
Do moles eat plants?
No. Moles are insectivores that eat earthworms, grubs, and insects. Plant damage often attributed to moles is usually caused by voles using mole tunnels. Moles may incidentally disturb plant roots while tunneling.
Will killing grubs eliminate moles?
Grub control may reduce mole activity but won't eliminate them. Moles primarily eat earthworms, which are beneficial and impossible to eliminate. Trapping is the most reliable control method.
Are moles beneficial?
Yes and no. Moles aerate soil and eat lawn-damaging grubs. However, their tunneling damages lawns and gardens. The trade-off depends on your tolerance for cosmetic lawn damage.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category