Latin: Talpa Europaea
Moles are a pest that many homeowners fears. Moles can be found all over Denmark, even though certain islands do not have them, like Bornholm, Samsø, and Møn. A mole is an insectivore, just as hedgehogs and shrews, and it is something of a distinctive animal. Although they are useful in regards to the ecosystem, they can at the same time create a lot of damage in gardens and lawns, which is the most obvious reason why many people want to get rid of them.
The mole is a powerful but annoying mammal, but useful, even when they leave molehills all over the place. The moles eat their way through insect larvae, as they are insectivores, which can get in the way of humans and other animals. Therefore, one must seek information regarding the moles, as there are laws and regulations which must be considered before trying to control them.
Appearance
Not many people will see a live mole, but if they do, it can be recognized by its special appearance. A mole is furry, and the fur is usually completely black. It has fore- and hind paws, and the forepaws are turned away from the body, making it easier for the mole to shovel soil away in front of it.
Even though many believe that moles are completely blind, they actually do have tiny eyes, which are hidden by their thick, black fur. It is assumed that it is possible for the mole to distinguish between light and dark with its eyes but other than that it cannot see very much. On the other hand, the mole has a formidable sense of smell and touch, which makes up for the poor eyesight. Its strong snout is distinct and pointed on the front of the head, opposite the eyes, which may give the impression that the mole has no eyes at all.
Biology and behavior
Moles live almost their entire lives under the ground. Here they dig passages with their shovel-like forepaws, where they look for food and make nests for themselves and their young. Moles typically have a single litter a year, but the size of the individual litters varies. The average number of pups is four per female. These litters are typically born in early summer, and in late summer the pups are ready to establish their own passages.
Damage
Moles are mostly harmful because their mole hills and digging activity are destructive to gardens and other green areas. However, moles do not damage trees and bushes, but they can nevertheless destroy harvest, grazing and other essential aspects of agriculture.
It should be noted that moles can be useful to nature as their digging activity provides an aeration of the soil. Moles in forest areas should therefore be left alone, but should be discouraged from leaving forest areas, as they can create a lot of damage in fields and gardens.
Prevention and pest control
Since moles almost always have been a problem in Denmark, there are several ways to controlling them. These methods include poison, mole scissors and traps. It is not generally permitted for private garden owners to use poison for control, but it is still possible in business contexts to use poison gas pellets, which consist of phosphorus hydrogen. Hydrogen phosphorus is effective, but it is also dangerous, which is why a professional should handle the poison.
For private use, mole scissors and other traps are used. The mole scissors are deadly, and at the same time it is highly effective, as there are rarely more than 10 moles per hectare. You will therefore quickly be able to get rid of the problem and perhaps deter other moles.
According to the law “Lov om drift af landbrugsjorder”, both moles and water voles can be controlled by private individuals, but it is also possible for the individual municipality to take care of the control of moles and water voles. As the municipality can hire a professional who can use poison gas pellets, this can be a more effective solution if the infestation of moles is particularly difficult. In this scenario, all occupants of the affected properties will have to pay for the control.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)