Moles (Talpa europaea)

Moles belong to the order of mammals known as the Insectivora, which also includes the shrews and hedgehogs. Moles are adapted for burrowing underground; the fore limbs are shovel-shaped and very muscular, but the hind limbs remain unmodified for running. Their eyes are reduced in size and are used to distinguish differences in light intensity.

The fur is silver-grey to black with a distinctive sheen; moles moult twice (spring and autumn) and weigh up to five ounces, reaching a length of six inches.

Although a mole is classified as an Insectivore, earthworms comprise 80 to 90% of its diet; one mole consumes between 40 and 80lbs of food in a year. Their sense of smell is thought to be poorly developed, and moles probably find their food by an acute sense of touch and vibration. Their burrowing activity over large areas is closely associated with their need to find an amount of food equal to half their body weight each day. The extensive area of the tunnel system provides easy access to a large number of worms which enter the burrows. It is thought that moles feed at about four-hourly intervals returning to their nests to rest and sleep.

Successful control of moles requires a close understanding of the pest species, it's biology, lifestyle and habits.