While moles tend to be associated with colder climates, there are species of moles that call Florida home. Moles live underground most of the time, digging into the earth to create burrows and tunnels for their underground nests. They live in fields, forests, wet lowland areas, and lawns and gardens, making them a nuisance for homeowners who wish to keep their front and backyards looking presentable. So yes, there are moles in Florida!
Eastern Moles Reside In Florida
Eastern moles live in Florida, and spend most of their time in the earth, moving around through a network of underground tunnels and burrows that they dig themselves. These fur-covered mammals have large hands and flexible snouts and can grow up to seven inches in length. Eastern moles eat grubs, worms, spiders, and other insects, and are prey for predators such as snakes, owls, and foxes. Contrary to popular belief, moles do not eat plants or the bulbs of flowers, though their digging can sometimes damage the root system of nearby plants.
Where Do Eastern Moles Prefer To Live?
Eastern Moles prefer wooded areas such as forests, but will also live in fields, yards, and gardens. Moles tend to give birth in March, which makes mole activity heightened during the Spring months.
Benefits Of The Eastern Mole
The benefits moles provide can outweigh the disadvantages in the long run. One of the advantages of having moles on your property is that they eat grubs and Japanese beetles as well as other insects. Grubs and beetles are known to ruin lawns in Florida, causing healthy turf to become loose, fade in patches, or die altogether. Not only do moles provide natural pest control, but their digging activity also aerates the soil, which helps plants grow.
When They Become Bothersome
Moles can become a nuisance when they molehills they create become noticeable, causing cosmetic damage to the garden or other landscaped areas on your property. These molehills look like ridges of earth or mounds of soil that are 2-4 inches wide and can disrupt the appearance of well-maintained green lawns.
Is It Legal To Kill Moles In Florida?
It is not legal to kill or poison moles in Florida, so mole control is taken care of by using a trap and release trap system. While it is impossible to get rid of all of the moles on your property, a professional mole control service can help reduce the appearance of molehills on your lawn by reducing the number of moles.
How We Can Help You
Catching a mole on your own is rather difficult, and not recommended. The traps must be set properly, and the moles must be released in the appropriate areas. A pest control company can help you get a handle on the mole situation, without you having to spend time and money on DIY mole trapping methods that may not work or require professional experience. If you are noticing signs of mole activity on your property and want it taken care of, contact us today.
Sources:
