Are your making mountains out of your molehills Although lawn moles are underground creatures the benefits they add to your garden are clearly visible and far outweigh the disadvantages.

Of the six species of mole found in North America the Eastern mole (or gray mole) is the most common. Moles are about the size of chipmunks and weigh from three to six ounces. A tiny creature its total length is just six to eight inches.

Many gardeners and groundskeepers are under the mistaken impression that lawn moles eat the roots of their plants and turf grasses. However moles are insectivores. Their primary diet is earthworms and grubs and a single mole can eat more than 140 grubs and cutworms daily. They also feast on destructive garden pests like snails beetles and millipedes. In fact at just over a quarterpound a mole can consume 45 to 50 pounds of worms and insects each year.

The greatest harm that mole tunneling does to turf grass is by separating soil from roots. Still the moles digging actually improves soil quality by turning and aerating the soil and mixing accumulated nutrients throughout the excavation.

Moles dont continually dig each time they forage for food. Once a tunnel system is established it is infrequently extended. In fact the only signs of mole activity you might see are those when the mole must repair its construction. When disturbed moles may temporarily vacate the area but generally return within a week or two. In addition when a tunnel is abandoned a new mole inhabitant will

recolonize using the handiwork of its predecessor.

For these reasons even the most effective method of mole removal trapping is not a permanent solution to a mole problem. Besides which the three types of mole traps that work with any success sound like relics from the Spanish inquisition harpoons scissorjaws and choker loops. In fact numerous remedies have been used to try to control moles Pickle juice red pepper razor blades bleach moth balls brambles human hair braids and hair balls vibrators ultra sonic devices and poisons offer inconsistent and generally ineffective results; many including environmentally unfriendly side effects.

As in all elements of lawn care the best solution to a lawn mole problem is applying practical gardening principles. Mole tunnels (except for the hilled entrances) are typically deep enough to be almost invisible. Overwatering your yard brings earthworms and other invertebrates close to the surface making it necessary for the moles to move up in search of them. Reducing the amount or frequency of watering may help both moles and their prey stay underground where they are most beneficial to your lawn.

Another solution to a lawn mole problem is to reduce the size of your lawn converting it to gardens paths and hedgerows. First moles prefer straight tunnel runs. However more importantly converting some lawn to gardens paths hedgerows and patio areas adds eyeappeal reduces signs of damage and in addition attract birds and butterflies to your property.

Hans is author of

The

Lawn Care section of http://www.lawnmowerguide.com