Having problems with moles?
When moles suddenly appear it may be due to the weather, the condition of lawn, or in some cases access from a neighbours garden as they have not got a mole trapper in . There could be consistent food source in the garden from worms. This is why a initial Environmental Risk Assessment will take place and any relevant factors recorded:
- Access.
- Level of infestation
- How widespread is the infestation
Once we are sure environmental factors have been check and no wildlife will be harmed we will place down traps cover all the mole runs in relevant locations throughout the garden/field as to manage the infestation safety.
Additional Information
If moles make their way into your garden or golf course, they can cause a lot of frustration and chaos. These creatures can dig as much as 4 metres per hour, quickly forming an intricate network of tunnels leading back to their den. Moles prefer to live in dry, dark underground spaces, but they search for food in areas where the soil is moist and rich in worms and grubs. This activity disrupts the surface, resulting in unsightly mounds of soil scattered across the landscape.
Remedy:
Molecat extermination kits are advertised as a quick and humane method to eliminate moles by delivering a small calibre charge that shocks them. However, in practice, these kits often prove to be both ineffective and costly.
One natural way to deter moles is by planting flowers they dislike, such as daffodils, marigolds, and alliums. By bordering your garden with these plants, you can create a safer environment, especially if you have young children, pets, or other wildlife that frequent your garden.
Noise can also be an effective mole deterrent. Solar or battery-operated devices that vibrate and emit buzzing sounds are available for purchase. To maximize their effectiveness, these devices should be placed around the entire garden.
Pets can help keep moles away as well. The sound of a dog barking and running around the garden, along with a cat patiently waiting for its prey to emerge from the undergrowth, can encourage moles to relocate elsewhere.
Finally, reducing the amount of water you use on your lawn can make the soil less attractive to moles. Although it may not be the most appealing solution, drying out the soil discourages worms, which are a primary food source for moles. Additionally, hard soil is more difficult for moles to tunnel through, further deterring them from settling in your garden.
Follow up visits
This visit will take place in most instances after 24-48 hours as there should be a significant decline in activity and sightings of mole hills. Your Pest Technician will decide on whether he needs to continue with more follow up visits until problem has been sorted. Once the area is cleared of moles it may be weeks, months before you get them again but as with all pests the faster you act the better it is and the less damage will be done to your lawn.
DO MOLES CARRY DISEASES?
Moles are burrowing mammals that primarily feed on insects, playing a role in natural pest control. However, their presence can lead to health risks, not necessarily from the moles themselves but from the parasites they carry.
Diseases Associated with Moles
While direct disease transmission from moles to humans is rare, the following health risks are associated with their presence:
- Rabies – Although uncommon, moles can carry rabies and may transmit it through bites when they feel threatened.
- Vector-Borne Diseases – Moles often carry fleas and ticks in their fur, which are known to transmit:
- Lyme Disease – Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and spread through tick bites, Lyme disease can lead to fever, joint pain, and neurological complications.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – A tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, leading to fever, rash, and severe complications if untreated.
- Anaplasmosis – Another tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause fever, muscle pain, and headaches.
- Tularemia – A serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted through tick bites or direct contact with infected animals, leading to ulcers, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Bartonella (Cat Scratch Disease) – A bacterial infection that fleas can transmit from moles to household pets, which can then spread to humans through scratches or bites.
- Tapeworms – Fleas from moles can also spread tapeworm larvae to pets, which may be transmitted to humans through accidental ingestion.
How Moles Transmit Diseases
- Bites – Though rare, moles may bite in self-defence, potentially transmitting rabies.
- Parasite Carriers – Moles harbour fleas and ticks, which then latch onto pets or humans, spreading dangerous pathogens.
- Environmental Contamination – Walking through mole-infested areas, particularly tall grass and leaf piles, increases the risk of picking up ticks or fleas.
Prevention and Control
- Avoid Direct Contact – Never touch moles, whether alive or dead, to prevent the risk of disease transmission.
- Pest Control Measures – Professional pest control services can help manage mole infestations and prevent further risks.
- Pet Protection – Regular veterinary checkups and flea/tick prevention treatments can help safeguard pets from parasites.
- Habitat Management – Keeping lawns well-maintained and reducing tall grasses or leaf litter can help minimise tick and flea populations.
While moles themselves are not major disease carriers, the parasites they bring can pose significant health risks to humans and pets. Proper pest control and hygiene are essential in preventing associated illnesses.
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Reach Us
Location :
4 Compton Close, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HD
Email :
office@shire-pest-solutions.co.uk
Phone :
01235399073