MOLES

The mole (Talpa europaea) is a common British mammal and although rarely seen, due to its subterranean existence, its presence is well marked by the appearance of ‘molehills’ above ground, produced as a result of its underground tunnelling activity. Molehills and tunnels can be a real nuisance in gardens, golf courses, race-courses and other amenity areas.

Moles are territorial creatures, living alone in an extensive network of tunnels. Almost blind but with a good sense of smell, moles feed predominantly on earthworms, which fall into their tunnel systems acting as a pitfall trap. Moles patrol their labyrinth of tunnels on a four hourly cycle. Several young are born every spring but within five to six weeks they move out, over-ground, to establish their own territories.