Moles are small furry mammals that live underground and dig tunnels. They can be a nuisance in yards and gardens, damaging plant roots and leaving unsightly mounds of dirt. This leads to the common question – can moles tunnel under houses?
Quick answer
Yes, moles can and do dig tunnels under houses. Their tunnels generally range from 2-18 inches below the surface. With enough motivation in the form of food sources, moles will tunnel under foundations and slabs to access roots and insects on the other side.
Do moles burrow under concrete?
Moles certainly can and will burrow under concrete slabs and foundations when looking for food sources like plant roots and insects. Their strong claws and teeth allow them to chew through tree roots and burrow through compact soil with ease. Concrete less than 4 inches thick is rarely a barrier for persistent moles.
How deep do mole tunnels go?
Most mole tunnels are 2-18 inches below the surface, as this is where moles can find their food – insects, worms, larvae and plant roots. However, mole tunnels have been found as deep as 5 feet or more below the surface. The depth depends on soil conditions and availability of food sources. Tunnels any deeper than 18 inches are usually used for nesting and food storage.
Do moles dig deeper in winter?
Moles do dig deeper burrows in winter, descending up to 12 inches deeper than their summer burrows. Deeper tunnels help protect them from harsh winter elements like cold winds and wide temperature fluctuations. The deeper tunnels keep their living quarters more stable in very cold climates.
What attracts moles to yards?
Moles feed on insects, worms, grubs and plant roots. Well-watered lawns and gardens teeming with their favorite foods will attract moles from surrounding areas. They can smell food sources up to 12 inches deep. Irrigated lawns provide ideal conditions for earthworms and insect larvae. Vegetable gardens are appealing for their grubs and plant roots.
Do moles dig tunnels under houses for food?
Primarily, yes – moles tunnel under houses in search of food. Home foundations often border prime feeding areas like lawns, gardens and flower beds. Plant roots surround the foundation, providing a nutrient-rich environment. Moles exploit this by extending their tunnel network under houses for access to these food sources.
Can moles damage my home’s foundation?
In most cases, shallow mole tunnels do not damage structures or foundations. However, over time, extensive tunneling can undermine the supportive soil around a foundation. Crumbling foundation walls, cracks in concrete and sinking of slabs occasionally happen in extreme cases. Drainage issues or erosion also may occur.
Will mole tunnels flood my basement?
Mole tunnels can potentially allow water to pool near your foundation, increasing moisture in the soil around or under your basement. Small cracks or joints in the foundation could let this moisture seep inside. Monitoring for leaks and improving drainage around the foundation perimeter are smart precautions.
How can I tell if moles are tunneling under my house?
Some signs moles may be tunneling under your house include:
– Fresh molehills against the foundation or under decks/porches
– Sounds of scratching or movement under floors or in crawl spaces
– Dirt mounds appearing inside or along outside walls
– Visual sightings of moles around the foundation
Crumbling drywall or foundation cracking may also indicate extensive underground tunneling.
Will mole tunnels allow pests into my home?
Moles create tunnels specifically for their own use – other animals rarely take up residence in active mole runs. However, abandoned mole tunnels may allow mice, rats, spiders, centipedes and other pests to find easy access under your foundation and into your home. Sealing any and all external holes is smart.
How can I get rid of moles tunneling under my house?
Here are some effective ways to discourage moles from digging under your home:
– Install physical barriers – Lay wire mesh or wire baskets 2-3 feet deep around the foundation perimeter to block access.
– Use chemical repellents – Castor oil, garlic oil, or capsaicin make the soil unpleasant for moles. Reapply after heavy rains.
– Eliminate food sources – Remove vegetation right next to your home’s perimeter to get rid of roots.
– Encourage predators – Place predator urine or owl decoys around your yard to deter moles.
– Trap the moles – Use lethal mole traps or live traps to capture and remove moles on your property.
– Hire a professional – A pest control expert can assess your property and tunnel system and strategically exterminate the moles.
Consistency and vigilance are vital for successful mole removal and prevention under your home. Permanent solutions usually require addressing what is attracting the moles to your yard as well.
Will getting rid of moles in my yard keep them from tunneling under my house?
Eliminating moles from your lawn and garden areas significantly reduces the chance they will dig under your foundation. Yet it doesn’t guarantee they won’t tunnel under your home in the future. If there are enough food sources right around your home’s perimeter, persistent moles may still burrow under your foundation even if your yard seems clear. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are required.
Are mole tunnels dangerous for my pets?
Generally, shallow mole tunnels pose minimal risk for pets. However, deep, undetectable vertical shafts in active mole runs could potentially injure dogs or cats. Pets have been known to get paws or legs briefly stuck if the ground gives way. Minimizing moles is safest. Also supervise pets outdoors, keep yards free of hazards, and train them to avoid molehill mounds.
How do I make my yard or garden less attractive to moles?
Here are some tips to make your property less appealing to burrowing moles:
– Allow lawn areas to dry out – Moles favor moist, irrigated soils.
– Reduce compost and fertilizer – Rich soil encourages earthworms and insect larvae.
– Introduce plants moles dislike – Alliums, capsaicin, castor bean plants, daffodils, and marigolds may help repel moles.
– Remove nut trees – Fallen nuts provide food for mole prey like voles and mice.
– Avoid grub infestations – Apply beneficial nematodes to kill grubs naturally.
– Use gravel or sand – These coarse materials can block tunnels in key areas.
– Layer landscape fabric – Fibrous fabrics can obstruct moles, especially those with irritating textures.
– Install physical barriers – Plastic or wire mesh laid subsurface blocks tunnels.
– Maintain natural predators – Keep owls, hawks, foxes, coyotes, and snakes welcome to hunt moles.
With persistence and consistency using multiple deterrents, you can succeed in driving moles away from your yard and house. But moles may still occasionally pass through, requiring vigilance.
Do moles have predators that can help control them?
Moles face predation from owls, hawks, falcons, weasels, foxes, coyotes, snakes, cats, and dogs. Natural predation claims up to half of moles annually. While predators help limit mole populations, they rarely eradicate moles in an area completely. And moles have defenses like living underground and aggressive behavior during breeding seasons. Using natural predators alone isn’t reliable mole control, but keeping them in your ecosystem helps.
Should I be concerned about diseases from moles?
Moles do not directly transmit diseases to humans. However, their tunnels can potentially attract disease vectors like fleas into your yard. Fleas may carry pathogens that infect humans including plague, murine typhus and tularemia. Minimizing fleas by controlling moles, using insecticides, and keeping pets flea-free is wise. Wearing gloves and washing hands after handling moles provides protection as well.
Are moles beneficial for my garden or yard?
Moles can offer limited benefits by:
– Aerating and tilling soil with tunneling
– Feeding on destructive insects and grubs
– Redistributing nutrients and minerals underground
However, the disadvantages of root damage, dried out plants, and unattractive molehills usually outweigh their minimal perks for most homeowners. Tunnels also give weeds entry points to take root deeply. Overall, controlling moles is usually preferred in landscapes and lawns.
Should I use mothballs, broken glass or bleach to get rid of moles?
Burying mothballs, broken glass, bleach or other household items is not effective against moles and carries risks. Mothballs and bleach can contaminate gardens and leach into groundwater. Sharp objects can injure children and pets. There is no scientific proof these DIY remedies repel moles, even though the internet perpetuates myths suggesting they do. Stick to proven mole control measures instead of folklore home remedies.
When do moles come out above ground?
Moles spend almost their entire lives underground in their tunnel systems and rarely emerge above ground. They may occasionally surface if their tunnels flood, become overheated, or lack oxygen. During mating seasons, male moles travel overland to find mates and defend territories. Even then, they usually only come above ground long enough to disperse. If you spot a mole away from its tunnel system, it likely needs help returning to its burrow.
Do moles ever abandon their tunnel systems?
Moles stay highly attached to their tunnel networks and rarely abandon them entirely. However, certain threats or disasters may force them to flee their burrow systems:
– Flooding from excessive rain or irrigation
– Collapse of large sections of tunnels
– Attacks by predators
– Human-caused disturbances like digging, construction, or heavy mowing
– Toxic gases like carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide
– Depletion of the local food supply
A mole forced to abandon its tunnel system will dig a new one nearby where conditions are more favorable. Extensive systems may take months to construct.
What time of day are moles most active above ground?
Moles follow circadian rhythms and are most active above ground in the early morning and evening during crepuscular hours when more insect prey is available. Some studies show springtime mating and dispersal happens more often during daytime hours between 10am to 2pm. Otherwise, daylight sightings of moles are very rare since their eyes are tiny and suited for underground settings. Overcast or rainy days may prompt increased daytime activity as well.
Conclusion
Moles are motivated diggers that will tunnel under almost any structure in search of food. Homeowners with moles nearby should expect them to burrow under patios, sheds, fences and foundations in pursuit of earthworms, grubs and plant roots. Through persistence and adaptability, moles exploit prime habitat wherever they can. While occasional shallow tunnels are mostly harmless, extensive burrowing under buildings may require mole control measures to prevent damage. Deterring moles from getting comfortable around your home’s perimeter is key to preventing tunneling underneath. With diligent prevention and removal methods, you can succeed in keeping moles from burrowing under your house long-term.
