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Eastern Moles
Welcome to the Living The Wildlife Podcast
Welcome to another episode of the Living The Wildlife Podcast with your host, wildlife control consultant Stephen Vantassel! In this episode, Stephen delves into the fascinating diet of the Eastern Mole, providing insights into their behavior and how to manage conflicts with these unique creatures. Whether you’re a professional in wildlife control or simply interested in learning more about wildlife, this episode is packed with valuable information.
Understanding the Eastern Mole
The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is a small, burrowing mammal commonly found in eastern North America. Known for their cylindrical bodies, powerful forelimbs, and velvety fur, Eastern Moles are remarkable diggers. Despite their tiny eyes and ears, which are often hidden beneath their fur, these creatures have adapted well to a subterranean lifestyle. Their primary habitats include lawns, gardens, pastures, and meadows where they can create intricate tunnel systems.
The Diet of the Eastern Mole
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Eastern Mole is its diet. These moles are insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates. Earthworms are a primary food source, making up a significant portion of their diet. In addition to earthworms, Eastern Moles also consume beetles, ants, and various larvae. Their feeding habits are essential for maintaining soil health, as they help control insect populations and aerate the soil through their tunneling activities.
Behavioral Insights
Understanding the behavior of Eastern Moles is crucial for effective wildlife management. These moles are solitary creatures, spending most of their lives underground. They are active year-round and do not hibernate, which means they can be a persistent presence in your yard or garden. Eastern Moles are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, although they can also be active at night.
Managing Conflicts with Eastern Moles
While Eastern Moles play a vital role in the ecosystem, their tunneling behavior can cause conflicts with humans. Molehills and surface tunnels can damage lawns, gardens, and sports fields. Managing these conflicts requires a strategic approach that balances the ecological benefits of moles with the need to protect human interests.
Non-Lethal Management Techniques
- Habitat Modification: Reducing soil moisture through proper irrigation practices can make your yard less attractive to moles. Additionally, removing mulch and leaf litter can reduce the availability of food sources.
- Barriers: Installing physical barriers such as wire mesh around gardens and flower beds can help prevent moles from entering these areas. Ensure that the barriers are buried at least 12 inches deep to be effective.
- Repellents: There are various commercial mole repellents available that use castor oil or other natural ingredients. These can be applied to lawns and gardens to deter moles from tunneling.
Lethal Management Techniques
- Trapping: Trapping is a common method for controlling mole populations. Various types of traps, such as harpoon, scissor-jaw, and choker loop traps, are available. It’s essential to place traps in active tunnels and follow local regulations regarding their use.
- Toxicants: In some cases, toxic baits may be used to control moles. However, this method should be used with caution and only as a last resort due to potential risks to non-target species and pets.
The Role of Professional Wildlife Control
For persistent mole problems, consulting a professional wildlife control expert like Stephen Vantassel can be highly beneficial. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools to assess the situation accurately and implement effective management strategies. Stephen Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, and his team at Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC, specialize in helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research.
Connect with Stephen Vantassel
Stephen M. Vantassel is a renowned wildlife control consultant with extensive experience in managing wildlife conflicts. You can connect with Stephen through various platforms to learn more about wildlife control and access valuable resources:
- Blog: Wildlife Control Consultant
- Papers: Stephen M. Vantassel’s Research
- Videos: Watch more on YouTube
- Podcasts: Living the Wildlife & Pest Geek Podcast
- Phone: 406-272-5323 (Mtn Time)
Conclusion
In this episode of the Living The Wildlife Podcast, Stephen Vantassel provides a comprehensive overview of the Eastern Mole’s diet, behavior, and effective management strategies. Understanding these aspects can help homeowners and wildlife control professionals address mole-related issues more effectively. Remember, while moles can be a nuisance, they also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. By adopting a balanced approach, we can coexist with these unique creatures.
Disclaimer: Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC’s Living the Wildlife & Pest Geek Podcast provides information for educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific results. Always consult with a professional for wildlife control advice.
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Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of the Eastern Mole. We hope you found this episode informative and engaging. Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore the fascinating world of wildlife and provide insights into effective wildlife management.
