What Does A Mole Eat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Moles eat a lot of bugs. In fact, the NWF reports that many species eat up to 100% of their body weight in insects each day. Their diet consists of

, white grubs, beetles, and larvae

. Moles will construct elaborate burrows in areas where these insects are abundant.

Do moles eat plants?


Moles don't eat plants

— only earthworms and grubs. However, they create raised tunnels that are unsightly and can damage lawns.

What do moles eat for food?

These mammals dig through soil in search of a variety of food sources like

insects, small arthropods, and earthworms

. In addition to regularly snacking on the adult stages of insects, moles enjoy feasting on grubs.

Are moles good for your yard?

Good News: The moles are

natural aerators

, as their tunneling loosens soil and mixes the topside humus with the lower soil and subsoil. … Good News: The moles eat white grubs and the larvae of pest insects, which can destroy grass roots. Bad News: The moles also eat beneficial earthworms.

What does the animal mole eat?

Moles are expert diggers that will consume up to 60 to 100% of their body weight in

insects, grubs, and earthworms

each day. This equates to a 5-ounce mole eating 50 pounds of its prey in a year.

How do I get rid of moles?

  1. Eliminate Their Food Sources. Moles love grubs. …
  2. Apply A Repellent. In some cases, a mole repellent is an effective solution for an infestation. …
  3. Use Plants As A Barrier. …
  4. Dig A Trench. …
  5. Create An Unfriendly Environment. …
  6. Keep Your Lawn Tidy.

What human food do moles like?

Moles love to eat

earthworms, grubs, and other insects that live deep within your lawn

, so you may want to invest in products that can help control these insects. If you cut off the moles' food supply, they will lose interest. Moles may be small, but they cause plenty of damage as they dig through root systems.

What do moles hate?

Moles hate

the smell of tar

, and you'll block their escape. Some readers say it works to sprinkle dried blood, tobacco, powdered red pepper, or coffee grounds near tunnel entrances. Remember to re-apply after a rain.

How many moles live together?

No more than three to five moles live on each acre;

two to three moles is a more common number

. Thus, one mole will usually use more than one person's yard. For effective control, several neighbors may need to cooperate.

When are moles most active?

They are most active

after periods of rain or watering

, when the soil texture is ideal for digging. Reproduction: Mating season begins in late winter. Gestation lasts about 42 days, after which time females give birth to 2-5 young. Baby moles become independent from their mothers after about a month of age.

Can moles ruin your lawn?

Their tunnels can also give other yard , some of which will go after roots. When moles burrow in your yard, their tunnels can leave visible trails and when moles operate close to the surface, it

can cause damage to grass' roots

, leaving behind unsightly brown patches.

Will moles eventually leave my yard?

Moles, voles, and groundhogs are often confused with one another, because they all burrow beneath the ground. However, while moles tend to make large holes like groundhogs do because they excavate soil,

they often don't leave the lawn.

Are moles on body good or bad?

A mole on your skin is also known as a nevus, or a beauty mark. It is very common to have moles and

most are harmless

. They're not contagious and they shouldn't hurt, itch, or bleed.

Do moles come out at night?


Mole activity occurs both during the day and night

. They can be seen during damp days or the day after a rain during the spring and summer months as they push up the their tunnels or mounds.

How long do moles live for?

Lifespan: Most moles

don't live beyond 3 years but can live up to 6 years

. Their main predators are tawny owls and buzzards, stoats, cats and dogs, along with some vehicular casualties.

How fast is a mole?

Moles are fast diggers and can tunnel at a rate of

15 feet per hour

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.