Moles may be cute, but when they make their way into your garden, it’s a different story. Garden moles offer some benefits, like aerating the soil and eating the larvae of destructive insects. However, if garden moles get into your yard, they can cause damage by destroying grass, bulbs, and plant roots.
Are you wondering how to tell if you’ve got a mole problem in your garden or yard? Keep an eye out for these five signs.
1. Mole Hills
One of the most obvious signs of garden moles is the presence of telltale “mole-hills.” These volcano-like mounds of dirt are usually found at the entrance and exit points of mole tunnels.
While they’re not seen as frequently as some of the other signs of moles, if you notice these hills in your yard, it’s time to start researching how to get rid of ground moles.
2. Raised Soil Ridges
If you see raised soil ridges crisscrossing your yard, this is another sign that you have a mole problem. These ridges are generally about one inch high by four inches wide.
3. “Squishy” Lawn
Moles are capable of digging up to 18 feet in a single hour. They build burrows underground and then dig tunnels to get from one point to another. They seldom re-use tunnels, which means they’re constantly creating unstable areas underground.
Eventually, your lawn will start to feel “squishy” and look lumpy. This is due to the soil being so loose.
4. Dead or Discolored Grass
Dead grass is one of the primary reasons why homeowners are concerned with learning how to get rid of moles in the garden. Moles feed on bugs, including beneficial ones like earthworms. This can slow grass growth.
In addition, while they’re digging their tunnels, moles detach the roots of grass and plants. This can cause them to discolor or die. If you notice areas of discolored or dead grass that follow a certain pattern, there’s a good chance that you have a mole problem.
5. Increase in Weeds
When mole activity kills your grass and plants, it gives unwanted weeds the opportunity to pop up in their place. If you’ve noticed a large uptick in weed growth, this is another possible sign of mole activity.
While there are certainly other reasons you may experience an uptick in weed growth, if it’s combined with one or more of the other signs listed above, you’ll want to start doing some research to learn how to keep moles out of your garden.
Get Rid of Garden Moles Today
If any of these signs of garden moles sound familiar, you’ll need to spend some time learning how to get rid of moles in your garden. Once you’ve taken care of your mole problem, you can turn to other home projects.
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