Mouldywarp, the little men in black velvet, whatever you call them the mention of moles will always raise a reaction. These incredible mammals never fail to amaze me and are one of my most respected pests.
Moles are truly fascinating and specialist mammals, who cannot only survive, but thrive in the harsh environment they live in. They are specialists in their field (excuse the pun) and have evolved their body and actions to make the very best of their often inhospitable environment.
Many readers will have never seen a mole, some have only seen “Moley” the character in Wind In The Willows and believe they are as large as a cat. Some people find it hard to believe that such a small animal can do so much digging and cause such damage to their land.
Moles have a cylindrical shape which enables them to travel through their tunnel system and dig through soil extremely efficiently. They are very muscular at their front end which enables their specially adapted front paws often called flippers to propel through the soil. The front paws of the mole have their own uniqueness in that they have a second thumb. This “thumb” is a sickle shaped bone which sits alongside the regular thumb and gives added width and strength for digging and shifting of soil.
There is much deliberation about how much soil a mole can shift in its effort to build its tunnel system. Distances of 10 feet an hour to 65 feet a day the truth is moles will only dig their tunnel system to make themselves safe underground and to hunt for the worms and insects which will drop into the tunnels from the soil above.
The tunnels are not just for feeding in and can provide a labyrinth of safety and opportunity for the mole. The sleeping quarters are included in the tunnel system often lined with dry grass and used by females for nesting and giving birth.
There will also be a food larder constructed which will hold a supply of worms for times of the year when worms are more scarce. Some “worm larders” have been seen to contain over 200 worms each worm with its head bitten off to ward off escape. The mole will squeeze the worm between its front paws to eliminate any soil from within before consumption.
So why should we control moles? Listeria and Clostridium, soil borne bacteria’s are lifted onto the grass when the mole produces its molehill. When silage is harvested and stored these bacteria multiply and will be ingested by cattle or sheep when they feed on the silage through the winter months resulting in livestock loses for the farmer.
Gardeners will soon see the damage to lawns and borders when moles are left unchecked. Along with the spoil the tunnel system leaves on the surface, the lawn soon becomes soft underfoot and collapses. Horse owners cannot afford to allow moles in their paddocks and riding areas due to hoofs disappearing into the voids the mole will leave during tunneling.
Trapping is the most effective method of control in gardens and on farmland. The Guild Of British Molecatchers promotes best practice for all Molecatchers nationwide. The Guild promotes mole welfare to ensure that although traps are used they are used correctly.
You will see lots of molehills on your way around our beautiful county this month so why not give a wave to the little men in black velvet.