Moles are small mammals that belong to the Talpidae family. They are known for their cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and strong forelimbs, which are perfectly adapted for digging. In Central Illinois, two types we have here are the common Eastern and the rare Star-nosed. While both species are similar in appearance, they have distinct characteristics and habits.
The Eastern is prevalent in this region, often found in residential areas and farmlands. They have a keen sense of hearing and use their strong front limbs and powerful claws to create an intricate network of tunnels just beneath the surface. These tunnels can extend up to hundreds of feet, allowing them to forage for their primary food source, earthworms. Despite their beneficial role in aerating the soil, their constant tunneling can lead to significant problems for property owners.
One of the primary concerns is the damage they cause to lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Their digging activities disrupt the root systems of plants and grass, resulting in unsightly molehills and patchy, dying vegetation. Additionally, these tunnels can also create safety hazards, causing tripping and falling risks for both humans and animals. It is crucial to address an infestation promptly to mitigate these issues and restore the beauty and safety of your property.
Here are some little-known facts that may surprise you:
Remarkable Digging Abilities: They can tunnel at an impressive rate of up to 15-18 feet per hour. Their powerful forelimbs and specialized bone structure allow them to navigate through soil effortlessly.
Subterranean Lifestyle: They spend the majority of their lives underground, rarely venturing to the surface. This makes them elusive and challenging to spot.
Superb Ecosystem Engineers: While their presence can be disruptive to human habitats, moles play a vital role in balancing the ecosystem. Their burrowing activities improve soil aeration and drainage while promoting the decomposition of organic matter.
Excellent Navigators: Despite their limited eyesight, moles possess an exceptional sense of direction. They utilize a combination of touch, smell, and hearing to navigate through their intricate tunnel systems.
We strongly advise against attempting DIY removal methods. While there are numerous products and techniques available in the market, they often yield ineffective results and may even lead to unintended consequences. Our team of trained professionals has the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools to address infestations responsibly and efficiently. We employ proven strategies that focus on humane removal and long-term control to ensure lasting results for your property.
By choosing our removal and control services, you can expect:
- Thorough Inspections: Our experts will conduct a detailed assessment of your property to identify active tunnels, entry points, and the extent of the infestation.
- Customized Solutions: Based on the inspection findings, we will develop a tailored plan to address the specific needs of your property, considering factors such as soil type, landscape design, and the severity of the infestation.
- Humane Practices: Our approach emphasizes the use of humane techniques while effectively eliminating them from your property.
- Long-Term Prevention: In addition to removal, we focus on implementing preventive measures to minimize the chances of future infestations. This may include modifying the habitat to make it less appealing to moles and implementing barriers or repellents as necessary.
- Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team will provide you with comprehensive advice on mole control strategies, as well as recommendations for maintaining a mole-free environment.
Don't let mole infestations take a toll on your property.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
