If your beautiful lawn suddenly looks like it’s been under attack, you might have more than just a few weeds to worry about. Moles, those sneaky little diggers, can turn your yard into a network of unsightly tunnels and mounds practically overnight. While they’re small, their impact is anything but.
At Madsen Pest Management, we believe early detection is key to stopping mole damage before it gets out of hand. So, how do you know if you’ve got a mole infestation? Keep reading for the top 7 signs to watch for, and what to do if you spot them.
1. Raised Tunnels or “Runways” in Your Lawn
One of the most common signs of mole activity is the appearance of raised ridges across your lawn. These are surface tunnels, or “runways,” that moles dig just beneath the surface as they search for food. You’ll notice soft, spongy soil when you step on them—and they tend to zigzag randomly across your yard.
2. Molehills (Yes, They’re Real!)
We’ve all heard the phrase “making a mountain out of a molehill,” but these mounds are very real, and very frustrating. Moles push soil up to the surface as they dig deeper tunnels, creating cone-shaped piles of dirt throughout your yard. If you see a fresh mound and it keeps coming back, there’s likely an active mole below.
3. Dead or Discolored Patches of Grass
As moles burrow beneath your lawn, they damage the grass and disrupt the soil structure. The result? Sections of grass that turn brown or die off entirely. If these patches align with the tunnel lines or mounds you’re seeing, it’s a strong sign moles are the culprits and not drought or disease.
4. Increased Activity from Other Predators
Moles attract predators like skunks, raccoons, and even birds of prey. If you notice holes being dug in your lawn overnight or more frequent visits from wild critters, they might be on the hunt for moles. It’s nature’s pest control, but it can lead to even more damage if left unchecked.
5. Loose or Raised Soil in Garden Beds
Moles don’t limit their tunneling to grassy areas. They can just as easily make their way through garden beds, disrupting root systems and loosening soil. If your plants are mysteriously wilting or falling over despite proper care, it may be due to a mole moving through the roots.
6. A Sudden Spike in Insect Population
Moles primarily feed on insects, especially grubs and earthworms. If your yard has a sudden infestation of beetles or other soil-dwelling insects, it could mean your natural ecosystem is out of balance—possibly because moles have been stirring things up underground.
7. Persistent Problems in the Same Area
Have you treated a mole problem in the past only to see the same signs return season after season? Moles are territorial and will often return to the same area, especially if the food source (insects) hasn’t been addressed. Chronic mole issues require a strategic, long-term approach, not just quick fixes.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Mole Infestation?
First, don’t panic and don’t start digging! Moles are elusive, and DIY solutions often make the problem worse. Instead, contact Madsen Past Management. Our team of professionals can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend safe, effective solutions.
We offer mole control services that get to the root of the problem, literally. Our experts will evaluate your yard, identify active tunnels, and implement targeted strategies to remove moles and help prevent them from coming back.
Take Back Your Yard Before Moles Do
A mole infestation may not seem like a big deal at first, but the longer it goes unchecked, the more damage these tiny tunneling machines can do. If you’re seeing any of the signs above, it’s time to take action.
Give Madsen Pest Managementa call today. We’ll help you reclaim your yard and restore peace below the surface.
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