Owen Tree Service
Mole Control
Owen Tree Service: Your Trusted Lawn Care Company in Michigan
Effective Mole Control for Your Lawn: Understanding the Problem and Solutions
Moles are some of the most frustrating pests for homeowners and businesses alike. While these elusive creatures are rarely seen, the damage they leave behind—unsightly ridges and mounds in the lawn—is a daily reminder of their presence. Southeast Michigan is home to two common species of moles: the Eastern Mole and the Starnose Mole. Knowing which species is in your lawn can help tailor your control efforts.
Eastern Mole vs. Starnose Mole
- Eastern Mole: This species has a small red nose and a short tail. It creates shallow tunnels, raising the soil into 2-inch-high ridges, and makes only a few low, rounded mounds.
- Starnose Mole: Easily recognized by its large red nose with 22 finger-like projections, the Starnose mole tunnels deeper underground. It pushes soil to the surface, forming numerous conical mounds.
Eastern Mole
Starnose Mole
Ineffective Home Remedies
Many home remedies claim to control moles, but none have proven effective. Common suggestions like mothballs, motor oil, liming, castor oil mixtures, chewing gum (specifically Juicy Fruit), and flooding are unreliable. In fact, flooding may encourage Starnose mole activity, as they thrive in moist soil.
Mole Control Methods: Three Options
- Direct Killing:
For Eastern moles, determine their active times by observing when they repair flattened burrows and mounds. Once identified, quietly approach the active tunnel and crush the area directly behind the moving soil. This method is ineffective for Starnose moles due to their deeper tunnels. - Trapping:
Trapping requires locating active tunnels. For Eastern moles, a choker-type trap is recommended. If no success is seen within three days, move the trap to a new tunnel. For Starnose moles, flatten soil mounds to identify active ones within 24-48 hours. Dig below the active mound and set a harpoon-type trap. - Mole Baiting:
Hiring a professional service for mole baiting is the most efficient and effective solution. Modern mole bait products have a high success rate, and our mole control program offers season-long protection for your lawn.
Why Moles Invade Lawns
Moles move into areas with abundant food, primarily earthworms, which make up 90% of their diet. Lawns near wooded areas often attract moles because of the high earthworm population. Even after successfully eliminating moles, they may return as their population rebuilds over time.
By understanding the habits of moles and using proven control methods, you can protect your lawn from further damage. For long-term protection, consider professional mole control services tailored to your lawn’s needs.
Counties we Serve
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What Our Customers Are Saying
Tonia Burns
Responsiveness, Professionalism
Called about having a 17ft tree placed in our yard. Received a call back from Trish you was incredibly gracious with her time and information. Unfortunately, trees that are over 6ft can't be planted by them. However, Trish gave me more than enough info to be confident about having a tree of that sized planted. I'd definitely call and use them for any other future services.
Brandon Rowley
Professionalism
Great people and they always do a nice job. We have used Owen Tree Service for years for various things like tree trimming and lawn care.
Andrew Lapeer
I hired Owen to do a tree removal and some pruning for me. Extremely happy with the care they used on my property. I am also using them for my lawn fertilization this year. Arborist seems very knowledgeable.
Rick Stomps
Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Owen Tree Service did an outstanding job. The crew trimmed up the treeline and removed several. Did a great job of cleanup too. Extremely professional, informative, helpful & friendly. Thanks so much to the great crew - Ron, Skip, Tim & Doug ... you were incredible. Thanks so much. I'll tell folks about you! (BTW - the guys deserve a few extra $$)
Tim Nyquist
Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
The folks at Owen Tree Service took such good care of my family. We had a massive tree fall on our house and cars, completely upending our lives, and Dave Kidd, Kay Sicheneder, and their whole crew working on it not only did a great job evaluating and removing, but also spent a good deal of time chatting with us, consoling us, offering advice, and generally putting our minds at ease. I sincerely appreciated everything they did for us and would highly recommend them if you’re looking for a good tree service. I can’t thank them enough.
Linda Janiszewski
Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
We are very happy with the work they did. We had a large birch tree trimmed that had power lines on each side. There were 4 workers and they worked well together as a team to get the job done. They cleaned up the yard around the tree and did a professional job. They also asked us if we liked it before they left. We would highly recommend Owen Tree Service!