school ground invasion by moles - university of … photo: university of nebraska. trapping safety...
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Moles
Photo: Steve Hahus, All Wild About Kentucky’s Environment
Drawing: University of Nebraska
Photo: University of Nebraska
Eastern MoleShort, velvet furBlack, gray, or brown4-7 inches longShort tailVery small eyes and earsLong naked snoutWide mitt like front pawsLarge claws in front onlySmall pointed teeth
Photos: University of Nebraska
Drawing: University of Nebraska
The Eastern Mole
Life StyleTolerate low oxygen levelsFossorial-live underground
HabitatPrefer moist, loose soilPrefer less disturbed areas
ReproductionOnce/year (May-June)2-5 young in deep nest
Drawing: University of Nebraska
Photo: University of Nebraska
The Eastern MoleFeeding
Insectivorous70% EarthwormConsume 45-50 lbs annually
Foraging50 –75 ft of surface tunnels per dayMoist, shaded areas
MovementTravel 80 ft per minute in burrowsMales – 3A Females - 0.66A
Photo: University of Nebraska
Mole Signs and DamageBurrowing
Runs: Moles push up sod just under the surface; tear turf rootsMounds: Made when moles go deep, round and conical about 8” across and 6” high. Cover and smother grassNests: In deep burrows 18-24” below the surface
Photo: University of Nebraska
Used with permission by University of California Statewide IPM Program, J.K.
Clark, photographer
Mole Damage Identification
Mole MoundsCaused by moles digging deep tunnelsThey literally carry the dirt to the surface
Drawing: University of Nebraska
Used with permission by University of California Statewide IPM Program, Larry
L. Strand, photographer
Mole Damage Identification
RunsTravel Runs
LongStraightConnect feeding areas and living areas
FeedingShortCrooked
Photo: Thomas Olander
Mole ManagementHabitat Modification
Soil conditions: Dry packed clay Type of ground cover or turfReduction of food supply: Earth worms, not grubs
Mole ManagementHabitat Modification
Install rocks, gravel, packed clay barriers: 24” deepInstall fences or metal barriers: 24” into gradeNatural predators: Coyotes/dogs, cats, and bull snakes
Photo: University of Nebraska
Mole ManagementRepellents
Two types: Smell or TactileOdorous repellents such as castor oil must be applied often and watered in properlyVibration devices must be very strong and only cover a small area.
Limitations: Both these types of repellents have very limited results on deterring moles
Photo: University of Nebraska
Trapping Safety
Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves when handling traps and animalsAvoid setting traps in areas with high human/pet trafficCheck traps daily. Don’t set them if you can’t check them the next day
Mole ManagementTraps
Many types of lethal mole trapsUse on surface runs that are active and reappearWalk over all runsPlace traps on runs the mole has reopened“Test fire” harpoon traps in non-sandy soilsTrapping can be very labor intensiveExtreme care must be taken when using traps
Mole Control: LethalTrapping: All the traps work
Trapping is extremely effectivePesticide free
Drawing: University of Nebraska
Mole Control Trapping Principles
Use more than one trapSurface tunnels
Set the long straight tunnelsSet the new tunnels
BoilsDig to the tunnelSet the new boils
Photo: University of Nebraska
Mole Trapping: Surface RunsHarpoon
Find the runMake sure trap legs don’t invade the tunnelDepress only enough tunnel for the triggerPre-form the time holesSet trap so tines are NOT above the soilCover with 5 gal. bucket
Drawing: University of
Nebraska
Mole Control Trapping Boils
Scissor trapDig to the travel tunnelPlace jaws to straddle the tunnelCreate barrier or install woody“Test fire” trapReset and back fill trap Drawings: Tom Schmidt
Mole Control: Toxicants
Toxicants: FumigantsTwo types:
Smoke or sulphur “bombs”Lethal gases
Smoke “bombs” usually do not work as mole’s tunnel system is very extensive and moles need very little oxygen
Photo: University of Nebraska
Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Fumigants
Two types:Smoke or sulphur“bombs”Lethal gases
Lethal gases are extremely dangerous and explosive! They are only to be used by specially certified applicators
Photo: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc
Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits
Remember, moles feed on LIVE earthworms, so grain based baits will NOT work!The bait must smell and feel like an earthworm to the mole
Photos: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc
Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits
The bait must have a poison that effects the moles’ different blood compositionMost common rodent poisons will not be as lethal to moles
Photos: Do It Yourself Pest Control, Inc
Mole Control: ToxicantsToxicants: Baits
Baits must be placed in the active surface burrowsThe burrows must be closed after the bait is introducedAlways read and follow all label directions
Photos: Bell Laboratories, Inc.
Mole Management “Wannabes”
Many products have been tested by Universities and found to be non-effective in controlling moles; better to use proven methodsMiscellaneous home remedies
Pinwheels/windmillsAnimal scatBirth control pillsChewing gumUsed cat litterKeroseneUltrasonics
Resources/InformationInternet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
http://icwdm.orgPrevention and Control of Wildlife Damage
http://icwdm.org/handbook/index.htm#omLocal Cooperative Extension/Pesticide Education Office
Learn more about becoming a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Only necessary for Restricted Use Pesticides (Wildlife Damage Control Category 14)
CreditsContent Specialists
Dennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County Stephen Vantassel, UNL ExtensionDallas Virchow, UNL Extension
Content EditorErin Bauer, UNL Extension
PhotosDennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County
CreditsPhotos cont.
Stephen Vantassel, UNL Cooperative ExtensionDallas Virchow, Wildlife Services, USDA-APHISJ.K. Clark, University of California Statewide IPM Program (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu)Steve Hahus, All Wild About Kentucky’s EnvironmentLarry L. Strand, University of California Statewide IPM Program (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu)
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