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Animal control > Moles
Animal control > Moles

What does it look like?

There are two mole species in Quebec. The Hairy-Tailed mole, Parascalops and the Star-Nosed mole, Condylura cristata.

The adult Hairy-Tailed Mole measures 16-21 cm. Its tail is short; 2.4-3.6 cm. Its fur is dark grey to black and its tummy is ligther. The head is covered by dark brown fur. It digs 4-5 m/hr.

The adult Star-Nosed Mole measures 18-27 cm long. Its tail is long, 6-9 cm. The Star-Nosed Mole is grey head to tail. Its nose has a star shape with about 22 small mobile tentacles. It digs on average 2m/hr.

Both types of mole have dense and soft fur. Since the mole lives underground, its eyes are poorly developped. The hearing conducts are very small and sometimes absent. The front legs are larger and adapted to dig the soil, with five strong and long claws. Rear legs are smaller.

TaupeBoth types of mole are native. They belong to the Insectivorous order. They are not rodents. Moles teeth have similarities with carnivorous dentition but not rodents.

The Hairy-Tailed Mole prefers dry ground. It feeds on dirt worms, spiders, ants, snails, etc.

The Star-Nosed Mole is semi-aquatic and is a good swimmer. It lives in colony near small water ponds, creeks or flud zones. The Star-Nosed Mole eats aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fishes, molluscs and earthworms. Both mole species have an average life span of 3-4 years.

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Does the Mole represent a risk for me or damage my belongings?

No, The mole is practically blind and is not a threat for humans. The mole has well-developped smell and hearing. It will feel early on the vibrations of your steps and run away in its tunnels before you get close to it. There is no risk of meeting one.

The mole does not damage construction material. It does not gnaw wires nor pipes (ex : underground). The mole does not have incisors like rodents. Plants in flower beds can suffer from dryness when the mole digs underneath; roots become exposed. The mole does not damage plants intentionnally. The ridges are the main damages made by moles, on golf fields, cemetary, parcs and house lawns.

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What are the signs of its presence?

The mole is active day and night, all year round. One notices damage to the lawn mainly in the spring, when the snow has melt or in the fall, before freezing. Several dirt mounds scattered on the lawn. The mounds are cone-shaped, 15-20cm high and 20-30 cm in diameter, depending on the soil type and texture.

taupeThe mole digs underground tunnels, it pushes up the dirt on the lawn surface, causing ridges. The Hairy-Tailed mole digs tunnels of 2.5-3.7 cm in diameter.

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What should I do if I have Moles?

Specialized pest control service is required to address mole problem. A mole can have 5 youngsters/litter. Once they are weaned off their mother, they still tend to stay around which means more moles in the area.

Call SOS Bugs at 819-328-7017.

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