Florida homeowners may not often see moles, but they are certainly aware of the damage they cause. These small mammals spend most of their lives underground, creating surface tunnels, deep tunnels, and large mounds across yards and gardens. As they burrow through the soil for food like grubs, insects, and earthworms, they disrupt root systems, kill grass, and make lawns uneven. While moles don’t directly threaten people or pets, their digging habits can lead to long-term mole problems.
Moles in Florida
Though not often seen above ground, moles are present throughout Florida. Their underground lifestyle and digging behavior frustrate homeowners. They may seem cute and harmless, but they wreak havoc wherever they go, at a significant cost to homeowners.
What Do Moles Look Like?
Moles are easy to spot once you know what to look for. They have short, strong forelegs with wide forepaws or front feet shaped like paddles. These help them burrow and move through the ground. Their bodies are covered in short, velvety fur that doesn’t collect dirt, and their tiny eyes are mostly hidden under fur. The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is the most common species in the region, but others like the coast mole (Scapanus orarius) and Townsend’s mole (Scapanus townsendii) are found in parts of North America. The shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) is another related species and is much smaller in size.
Signs of a Mole Infestation
You might not see a mole, but you’ll know they’re around when your lawn starts to change. Their digging creates mounds, sunken areas, and squishy patches in your yard. These come from deep tunnels and shallow surface tunnels that they use to hunt for insects and build nests. You might also notice plants struggling where roots have been disturbed. If the damage keeps spreading, it likely means the mole population is growing.
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Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Understanding how moles live, what they eat, and how they behave helps explain why they show up in certain Florida yards. This is essential if you want to prevent infestations, because their tunneling can leave you dealing with torn-up lawns, uneven ground, and ongoing frustration.
Where Do Moles Live?
Moles prefer soft, moist soil rich with invertebrates (insects with no backbones). Though they thrive in wooded spots, they also move into backyards and gardens. They create wide tunnel systems with deep tunnels used for nesting and others near the surface for feeding. These networks are hidden below ground but easy to spot from above, thanks to raised ridges and molehills.
Diet
Moles eat mostly invertebrates like grubs, earthworms, and other insects. A single eastern mole can consume large amounts of these pests yearly. Though they help reduce underground pest populations, their digging creates problems for plants and grass. Their hunting activity increases during wet periods when earthworms and bugs move closer to the surface.
Life Cycle
Moles typically breed once a year, with females giving birth in spring. A litter usually has three to five young. These baby moles grow quickly and leave the nest after a few weeks to start digging their own tunnels. While solitary by nature, a single mole can cover a large area, and multiple moles in one yard can create significant damage.
Behaviors
Moles are active throughout the year, but their activity peaks in spring and fall. This is because these seasons offer the best soil conditions and plentiful food supply for their lifestyle. They use their strong forefeet and long snout to find food and dig. Moles prefer quiet, undisturbed areas and tend to avoid people. Though they look like rodents, they are a different type of mammal and are more closely related to shrews.
Are Moles Dangerous?
Moles don’t bite or attack people. They aren’t dangerous in the usual sense, but their activity can lead to damaged lawns, disrupted gardens, and broken sprinkler lines. Their burrows might also be taken over by meadow voles, which are rodents that feed on plants. Their tunneling can also create uneven ground, which may cause tripping hazards or unsafe footing. Especially for children, pets, or older adults. In rare cases, moles may carry parasites. Avoid direct contact and always speak with a healthcare professional if you’re scratched or bitten.
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How to Get Rid of Moles?
Getting rid of moles can be tricky. Store-bought products and home remedies might help in the short term, but you can get better results working with a wildlife control company. A professional pest control technician can find the active areas, reduce the mole population, and help protect your lawn from further damage using humane methods, like trapping and relocation.
Mole Prevention Tips
Homeowners can take easy, practical steps to help avoid mole infestations. Try implementing these tips to make your yard less appealing to moles:
- Reduce grubs, earthworms, and other underground insects that act as a food source.
- Avoid overwatering your yard, which makes the soil softer and easier to dig.
- Keep your lawn mowed and edged.
- Seal gaps and openings that lead into crawlspaces or sheds.
DIY methods may only delay the issue. For lasting results, contact wildlife exclusion professionals who can provide targeted mole control. Waiting too long to take action will only lead to more damage and risk.
Need Help with Nuisance Wildlife? We Can Help!
If you’ve seen signs of moles, meadow voles, or other burrowing animals like pocket gophers or opossums, Florida Pest Control can help. Our technicians live in the surrounding area and have experience dealing with local wildlife. We offer wildlife control services to help protect your yard from burrowing, tunneling, and nesting activity.
If you are having an issue with moles, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Moles Have Eyes?
Although their tiny eyes are hard to spot, moles do have them. They are not very useful for seeing, but they help them to sense light and dark.
Are Moles Blind?
No, but their eyesight is poor. Moles rely more on their sense of touch and their snout to move around and find food underground.
Can Moles Carry Diseases?
Moles are not known for spreading disease, but like any mammal, they may carry parasites. Avoid handling them and seek medical advice if you’re scratched.
What Attracts Moles to Your Yard?
Moles are drawn to moist soil with lots of grubs, earthworms, and other invertebrates. These conditions make digging easy and provide plenty of food.
Do Moles Hibernate During Winter?
No. Moles stay active all year. In winter, they shift their digging deeper underground but continue hunting for a food source.
Why Do Moles Dig Holes?
Moles dig to hunt, nest, and escape danger. The holes and mounds you see are from their ongoing effort to expand and maintain their burrow systems.
