Mole, Mole

Although most moles burrow, some species are aquatic or semi-aquatic. Moles have cylindrical bodies covered in fur, with small or covered eyes; the ears are generally not visible. They eat small invertebrates living underground. Moles can be found almost anywhere in North America, Asia, and Europe, although there are no moles in Ireland.

Because their saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze earthworms, moles are able to store their still living prey for later consumption. They construct special underground "larders" for just this purpose; researchers have discovered such larders with over a thousand earthworms in them. Before eating earthworms, moles pull them between their squeezed paws to force the collected earth and dirt out of the worm's gut. The Life of Mammals, David Attenborough, 2002 The Star-nosed Mole can detect, catch and eat food faster than the human eye can follow (under 300 milliseconds).

Problems cited as caused by moles include contamination of silage with soil particles making it unpalatable to livestock, the covering of pasture with fresh soil reducing its size and yield, damage to agricultural machinery by the exposure of stones, damage to young plants through disturbance of the soil, weed invasion of pasture through exposure of fresh tilled soil, and damage to drainage systems and watercourses. Other species such as weasels and voles may use mole tunnels to gain access to enclosed areas or plant roots.

Most common method now is Phostoxin or Talunex tablets. They contain aluminium phosphide and are inserted in the mole tunnels and turn to phosphine gas.

Humane traps which capture the mole alive so that it may be transported elsewhere are also options.

Source: Wikipedia > Mole