Mole Control in Richardson

Signs of Eastern Mole Activity in Richardson

The eastern mole, scientifically named Scalopus aquaticus, is the mole species found in Texas, including Richardson and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It spends most of its life underground, so homeowners generally notice the resulting soil disturbance rather than the animal itself.

Eastern moles eat earthworms, grubs, beetles, and insect larvae rather than grass or garden plants. As they tunnel in search of food, they can dislodge roots and disturb lawns, flower beds, and gardens.

Common evidence of mole activity includes:

• Raised lawn ridges: Shallow surface feeding runs push soil and turf upward in visible lines.
• Conical soil mounds: Deeper protective and nesting burrows can leave rounded or cone-shaped piles of excavated soil.
• Recurring disturbance: Fresh ridges or mounds appearing after the soil is pressed down can indicate continued activity.

Moles, Grubs & Voles

Grub damage typically leaves turf loose enough to lift because the insects have eaten the roots. Mole activity produces raised tunnels and soil mounds, although moles may be present where grubs provide a food source.

Voles are small rodents that create visible surface runways and may gnaw vegetation. They don’t create the raised feeding ridges associated with eastern mole tunneling. Correct identification matters because control methods for insects, voles, and moles address different behavior.

Conditions That Draw Moles into a Yard

Moles tunnel through yards while searching for earthworms, grubs, beetles, and insect larvae. New mounds and surface tunnels may become more noticeable on damp, cloudy days during spring and fall, when moles are often more active near the surface.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension identifies trapping as an effective control method when active runways are located and traps are positioned in frequently used tunnels. Commercial grain baits are usually ineffective because moles don’t eat grain. Locating active runways is more useful than placing products without first understanding where a mole travels.

For a small protected area, such as a garden, a physical barrier may limit underground access. The barrier begins at ground level, extends at least 12 inches below the surface, and then bends outward at a 90-degree angle for another 10 inches. Its seams must be secured so the mole can’t pass through gaps between sections.