I think we have moles...what happens if I just leave them alone? (landscaping, food)

[purplebee]

I recently noticed some bumps in our lawn that look like tunnels. Is it likely moles, or another creature?

Either way, what happens if I just leave them alone? Our "lawn" is small, and already has a hefty mix of clover and other weeds. It is green and we keep it mowed, but we are not hoping to win any landscaping awards. Mostly the kids play football on it. We have a stream nearby that supposedly feeds into local drinking water so we generally don't use any chemicals on the lawn.

Any possible negative outcomes, aside from more tunnels?

[mvarghese84]

Your kid accidentally steps on a tunnel while playing football and injures an ankle/lower leg? That's about the only thing I can think of.

[danielbmartin]

Originally Posted by purplebee

I recently noticed some bumps in our lawn that look like tunnels. Is it likely moles, or another creature? ...

Possibly moles, possibly voles. In my yard it is voles.

.

[Waterboy526]

I'd have rabbits burrow a couple holes in my yard recently. One was pretty big. My dog was going absolutely insane for days. I believe they've moved on now. It's happened every year around this time for the last several years.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by purplebee

Any possible negative outcomes, aside from more tunnels?

The folks at NCSU note one positive aspect
Mole - TurfFiles
" Moles play an important role in the management of soil and of grubs that destroy lawns. Tunneling through the soil and shifting of soil particles permits better aeration of the soil and subsoil, carrying humus further down and bringing the subsoil nearer the surface where the elements of plant food may be made available."

I have had decent luck putting out the stuff that also kills ticks and fleas, though repeated applications are needed throughout the year.

[hey_guy]

I think they are a problem if you are trying to seed or landscape otherwise not much

Also it's probably voles

Otherwise thanks for being respectful to nature

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by purplebee

I recently noticed some bumps in our lawn that look like tunnels. Is it likely moles, or another creature?

Either way, what happens if I just leave them alone? Our "lawn" is small, and already has a hefty mix of clover and other weeds. It is green and we keep it mowed, but we are not hoping to win any landscaping awards. Mostly the kids play football on it. We have a stream nearby that supposedly feeds into local drinking water so we generally don't use any chemicals on the lawn.

Any possible negative outcomes, aside from more tunnels?

I think the big fear would be a hole the kids could turn an ankle in. But not a huge deal.

[Vasily]

Originally Posted by danielbmartin

Possibly moles, possibly voles. In my yard it is voles.

.

Voles don't go as deep as moles do; they spend most of their time above ground, unlike moles. Their burrows tend to be shallower than what you'll get with a mole.

[carcrazy67]

Voles also tend to be near shrubs/plant as they feast on the roots. They are primarily herbivorous. You will typically see little half dollar sized holes near the shrubs and plants. Moles can be controlled with an application of Milky Spore. Expensive, but if properly applied, it controls the food source for years.

[poppydog]

I think there's a good Russian spy joke in there somewhere...