Key Facts About Moles

The Mole (Talpa europaea) is a member of the Insectivore family.

They have a cylindrical body which is about 12-16cm in length, weigh about 110g and are covered with black velvety hair. Moles are well adapted for burrowing with large spade like forefeet turned permanently outwards for digging. The eyes are very small and hidden among the fur, but well capable of detecting light.

The Mole is very common throughout mainland Scotland but is absent from some off shore islands. Moles are solitary and prefer areas where the soil is suitable for tunnelling and tend to be found on permanent grassland or woodland. They can also be found on playing fields, parks, cemeteries, golf courses and private gardens where they are considered a pest.

Significance of Controlling Mole Activity

The most significant type of damage caused by Mole activity is in agriculture. The inclusion of soil from Mole hills in grass silage can result in spoilt unpalatable silage and is a possible source of the disease Listeriosis in sheep fed on silage.

Mole hills may also be unsightly on amenity and sporting grassland and result in unevenness of the surface. In some cases this can lead to injury of sports people and walkers who trip on the uneaven ground. They are particularly unwelcome on the expensive turf of golf greens and bowling greens. Mole hills can also cause damage to mowing machinery by throwing up stones.

Mole tunneling activity can disturb archaeological strata in historically important areas. Also, underground security systems can be interrupted or triggered by Mole activity. 

Our highly trained service technicians are able to rapidly eliminate any infestation. Contact Pest Solutions at our Glasgow, Edinburgh
or Aberdeen office for a service visit, survey or advice.


Contact 0800 027 2555 today to arrange a free site survey..!

Click here to email us direct

Back