How to Deal with Moles on Sports Pitches-Q+A

In this blog, how to deal with moles on sports pitches we ask the British Mole catchers register ten questions.We also asked ten facts about mole, which is very insightful and hope you enjoy the blog.

Intro about your organisation

The British Mole Catchers Register was the first to be created digitally in the United Kingdom in 2007. It’s the most recognised and trusted within the industry. Our website helps people find an experienced, trusted and traditional mole catcher in their area

We help mole catchers get work by advertising their business and promoting their work. We encourage further study of moles and use our social media channels to highlight recent mole research, as well as advice on why we control them.

Ten facts about worms, not a lot of people know?

Earthworms can be active throughout the year but are usually dormant during cold or hot and dry weather

Earthworms occur in most soils but are scarce in soils that are extremely acidic or prone to water logging

Earthworms eat decaying plant material and do not damage growing plants. They are important to soil structure and fertility

The term ‘earthworm’ refers to a specific group of invertebrates within the taxonomic phylum Annelida – there are 27 species of earthworm here in the UK.

There may be as many as 3,000 species of earthworms globally but the actual number is currently unknown

It’s a common misconception that if you cut a worm in half it makes two new worms. Although they can regenerate to a small degree, usually both halves die.

Earthworms conduct respiration through their skin. Their skin needs to be moist in order to breathe, so if an earthworm dries out, it will die

Earthworms may feel slimy to the touch but they are actually covered in tiny hair-like bristles called setae

The lob worm is Britain’s largest earthworm – biggest individuals can be up to 35 cm in length when moving

Sandy soils are not as good for earthworms as they tend to have less organic matter (for food) and drain faster, so are too dry.

What do moles eat?

Moles eat worms, grubs and larvae – within taxonomy, they are classed within the order Eulipotyphla (subfamily Talpinae), formerly Insectivora.  Moles need to eat around 20 worms per day or half their body weight in order to survive.

If they can’t collect that quota from their current run system, they will carry on digging new runs and hence continue to throw up new mole hills. The European mole has toxins in its saliva that can paralyse earthworms, allowing them to be stored alive for later consumption.

How can you work out how many moles are active on your site?

That’s the skill of the mole catcher! It takes lots of experience to master and isn’t easily explained, as it’s more of a ‘feeling’

What are the main control methods available to control mole activity?

Our members only use traditional mole traps to control mole activity. These are humane traps which despatch the moles quickly without the use of chemicals. Mole traps are checked regularly and live capture devices are not used, as these can cause distress to the mole.

Suitable mole trap devices include scissor traps, tunnel or duffus traps, Talpex and Putange traps. Provided the traps are positioned correctly, they are a reliable and safe method of pest control.

Do you need permission from the land owner to deal with moles?

Yes, of course.

What are some of the typical costs to controlling moles?

Traditional mole catching is a highly skilled job and not as easy as trapping some other pests! Our members are encouraged to charge accordingly for their time and expertise (including travel costs).

What can we do to deter mole actively or restrict to specific areas?

Most mole deterrents found for sale in a DIY store don’t work! They’re often based on the belief that moles don’t like noise. But as many mole runs and hills are found alongside main roads, this is unlikely.

Some people believe that certain plants or food stuffs can deter moles but these also do not work, especially when your garden, pitch or field provides a rich food source of earth worms for them.

What ground conditions/soils do moles prefer?

Moles enjoy a range of soils, especially where earthworms and other insects are present.

How to deal with moles on sports pitches community questions-

We have had good success trapping in sandy soils, but not on heavy clay areas?

Heavy clay soils are difficult because they are tough to dig up to check the moles’ tunnel network. An experienced mole catcher can dig close to a mole hill and discover the direction of the tunnel network, allowing traps to be placed where the mole is most likely to be present.

Clay soil also stays intact which means the mole will not need to maintain them as often so he will head off elsewhere to search for food – usually soft, loose soil with plenty of invertebrates.

Why do moles prefer creating hills on banks, over flat ground?

Moles don’t have a preference for flat or hilly areas.

Big Thanks to the British Moles Catchers Register.

If you have any questions that has not been answered above, leave them in the comments box below for answering.

If you enjoyed,how to deal with moles on sports pitches you why not check out our how to manage worms blog-https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-control-worms-on-sports-pitches/

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