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Moles in New Jersey: Lawn Damage, Tunnels & Removal

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What Are Moles?

Moles are small, burrowing mammals belonging to the family Talpidae. Unlike rodents, they are insectivores, feeding primarily on earthworms and soil-dwelling insects. Moles spend most of their lives underground, using their powerful, paddle-like forelimbs to tunnel through soil. While they play a role in aerating soil, they are considered pests because of the extensive damage their tunneling causes to lawns, gardens, and landscapes.

Are Moles Harmful?​

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  • Lawn & Garden Damage: Tunneling disrupts root systems, creating raised ridges and soft spots in turf.

  • Plant Stress: While moles don’t directly eat plants, their burrowing damages roots, causing plants to wilt or die.

  • Secondary Pests: Mole tunnels provide pathways for voles and mice to reach plant roots, bulbs, and gardens.

  • Tripping Hazards: Raised ridges and molehills can cause uneven ground, especially in residential lawns and athletic fields.

Moles Control​

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  • Controlling moles requires specialized techniques due to their underground lifestyle.

  • Inspection: Look for surface runways (raised ridges) and molehills.

  • Trapping: Professional traps are the most effective method for mole removal.

  • Baiting: Specially formulated baits mimic earthworms or grubs.

  • Habitat Modification: Reducing soil insects (like grubs) may help lower mole activity.

  • Professional Service: Ongoing mole control may be needed in high-activity areas.

Types of Moles in NJ​

  • Eastern Mole: The most common species; gray-brown, about 6 inches long.

  • Star-Nosed Mole: Recognizable by its star-shaped snout; prefers moist soils and is semi-aquatic.

  • Hairy-Tailed Mole: Less common; found in wooded areas with sandy soil.

Moles Appearance​

  • Size: 4–8 inches long depending on species.

  • Color: Velvety gray to brown fur.

  • Body: Cylindrical with short necks and hidden eyes.

  • Legs: Large, spade-like forelimbs for digging.

  • Snout: Pointed; star-nosed moles have a distinctive 22-fingered snout.

Moles Habitat​

  • Earthworms: Primary food source.

  • Insects & Larvae: Beetle grubs, ants, and other soil-dwelling insects.

  • Occasionally: Small amounts of plant material, though this is rare.

Moles Diet​

  • Dust Mites: Feed on dead skin flakes and organic debris.

  • Spider Mites: Feed on plant sap.

  • Clover Mites: Feed on grasses, clover, and other vegetation.

  • Bird & Rodent Mites: Feed on blood of animals and sometimes humans.

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Moles Life Cycle​

  • Moles reproduce once a year, usually in spring.

  • Breeding: Occurs late winter to early spring.

  • Gestation: About 4–6 weeks.

  • Young: Litters of 2–5 pups born in underground nests.

  • Independence: Young moles leave the nest within a month and begin tunneling on their own.

  • Moles live 3–6 years on average.

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