Moles are small mammals that have cylindrical bodies with velvety fur, small eyes, and large, shovel-like paws made for digging. Moles are known to be the ultimate tunnel architects as they burrow and create a home consisting of underground tunnel systems. You may have a mole problem if you notice mounds of dirt throughout your yard. These mounds indicate the place where a mole has surfaced and re-entered the ground. Here are five interesting facts and things you should know about moles.
- Moles are typically five to seven inches long. Even though they are small, these creatures can claim up to three acres of land as their designated living place. Because of their powerful and unique bone structure, moles are very quick diggers as they swiftly move throughout the soil. They are known to tunnel up to four meters, or thirteen feet, per hour. That means that even three acres of land can very quickly be destroyed by these small creatures.
- Moles are most active after a rainy period. Moles can dig best when the soil is damp and moist. A mole will rarely dig in an area that is dry and hot as they need cooler, wet places to burrow. Dark and moist soils also consist of more bugs and insects for moles to eat. Their diet usually consists of insects such as earthworms, beetles, and other insects commonly found underground. Moles are known to have a very high metabolic rate as they spend most of their time and energy digging. A mole can consume up to 80-100% of its body weight in food daily. To put this into perspective, humans usually consume only three to four pounds of food each day – nearly 1% of the average human’s body weight.
- In childhood cartoons and storybooks, you may remember seeing a mole wearing glasses. While this is comical, moles indeed have very horrible vision. The fur from a mole’s body covers their small eyes and makes it difficult for them to see anything at all. Their eyes are mainly used to detect light and dark areas. Most moles rely heavily on their other senses, such as touch and smell. The nose of a mole consists of small tentacles that are incredibly sensitive to touch. This is what helps a mole find its prey, even though they are surrounded by complete darkness and cannot see anything underground.
- Most moles have an extremely unique adaptation known as ectothermy. Ectothermy is what allows the mole to change its body temperature. Their body temperature fluctuates with their environment and surroundings. Because of ectothermy, moles can conserve their energy so they can spend it burrowing.
- Even though moles can be of great annoyance and ultimately destroy a garden or yard, they are beneficial when it comes to natural pest control and the aeration of the soil. Because the moles shift the soil particles around when they burrow and dig, it allows the soil to mix and for organic matter to penetrate the soil.
If you are experiencing moles in your yard or surrounding area, contact your local Insight Pest Solutions as moles are one of our specialties.
