A "mole hole" isn't an open hole at all; instead, it typically appears as a distinctive, conical mound of loose soil on the surface of your lawn or garden. These mounds are a key indicator of mole activity.
Understanding Mole Hills: Not Your Typical Burrows
Unlike many other burrowing animals, moles do not create large, open entrance holes to their extensive underground networks. What you observe on the surface as evidence of their activity are mole hills, which are essentially spoil heaps created when moles push excavated dirt from their intricate tunneling systems up to the surface. These volcano-shaped mounds are the most common and clear sign of a mole's presence.
Key Characteristics of a Mole Hill
When identifying a mole hill, look for these specific features:
- Shape: They are characteristically conical or volcano-shaped, often with a peak at the center where the soil was pushed up. Crucially, they do not have a visible, open entrance hole at the top.
- Composition: The soil in a mole hill is typically very fine, loose, and clumpy, often free of grass or other vegetation, as it is freshly excavated from below the surface.
- Size: Mole hills can vary in size, usually ranging from a few inches to as much as a foot high. The base of the mound is generally round or oval in shape.
- Location: You'll often find these mounds appearing in lawns, gardens, golf courses, or any area with suitable, moist soil for tunneling. They are the visible signs of a complex network of tunnels beneath the surface.
Distinguishing Mole Hills from Other Pest Mounds
It's important to differentiate mole hills from signs of other burrowing animals, such as gophers or voles, as their control methods differ.
| Feature | Mole Hill | Gopher Mound | Vole Hole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Conical, volcano-like | Fan-shaped or crescent, flat on one side | Small, dime-sized open holes |
| Entrance | No visible open hole | Plugged opening, often on one side | Open, often multiple in an area |
| Soil Texture | Fine, loose, clumpy | Clumpy, can contain vegetation | Often minimal soil displacement |
| Size | Few inches to 1 foot high | 1-2 feet wide, several inches high | Small, barely noticeable |
The Purpose Behind Mole Hills
Moles dig two primary types of tunnels:
- Deep, permanent tunnels: These serve as their main travel routes and living chambers. The soil from these deeper excavations is often pushed up to create the characteristic large mole hills.
- Shallow feeding tunnels: These are closer to the surface, often appearing as raised ridges or "runways" in your lawn rather than mounds. Moles use these to hunt for insects and worms just beneath the grass. While these shallow tunnels don't always result in hills, they are another common sign of mole activity.
The creation of a mole hill indicates active digging and a clear sign that a mole or a family of moles is present and working in your yard. Understanding what these mounds look like is the first step in identifying and addressing a mole problem. For comprehensive information on mole identification and management, resources from university extension services, such as the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program or The Ohio State University Extension, provide valuable insights.
