Page 188 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

MOLE

Photo Courtesy of Bell Labs

MOLE MOLE

Life Cycle
Moles create a nest chamber and line it with grass and leaves. Moles only
have one litter per year, with about 2-5 young in each litter. They are usually
born in March or April every year. They are active year-round.

Photo Courtesy of Bell Labs
Actual size 7”
MOLE

Moles have a head and body about 5-6 inches long, with a short tail of about 1 ½ inch. They
have broad front feet for digging, and a characteristic naked nose that points upward. They
have dark brown to black fur, with only a little fur on the tail. Moles prefer porous soils such as
agricultural fields and meadows. They rarely come above ground, remaining in their tunnels
and eating earthworms and other insects. They can create an extensive network of adjoining
tunnels. Tunnels are about two inches in diameter, and are formed about a foot below the
surface. Moles have a voracious appetite, and need to have a source of water. While they can
damage lawns or gardens, they are usually considered beneficial. The main problem is their
burrowing nature creates mounds and may dry out plant roots, killing crops.

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