Moles are a nuisance for many homeowners. "Damage often is noticeable with softer soil conditions such as this spring," says John Church, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator.

Trapping is the most successful method of getting rid of moles, but patience and persistence is often needed. Some of the best times to trap are when tunnels are first noticed or after the first fall rains. Moles are insectivores, feeding on live earthworms, grubs, beetles, ants and other insect larvae. Their food source during the spring and early summer is primarily earthworms.

Some people assume that treating the lawn for white grubs will solve the mole problem. But, since moles feed primarily on earthworms now, the application of insecticides to reduce the number of grubs and other soil insects is not likely to be real successful as a control program. Most turf insecticides have little effect on earthworms, which is fortunate because the earthworms are beneficial in the soil for aeration and other conditioning.

Annual white grub populations are usually more prevalent, if present at all, in the late summer. There are always some grubs present, and their removal does not insure reduction in mole problems. Treatment for annual white grubs should be done in late August for most effective control and only used when grub populations and damage are present at appropriate levels. "Use insecticides only when needed for grubs, not to control moles," says Church.

Traps work well because they capitalize on the mole's natural instinct to clear an obstructed tunnel. A harpoon trap is perhaps the easiest to use; follow directions that come with the trap and place it over an "active" tunnel. Active tunnels are usually somewhat straight and connect other tunnels or soil mounds. Feeding tunnels, on the other hand, tend to be meandering and winding and commonly make a dead end without connecting with another tunnel. Feeding tunnels are the paths where the mole traveled during feeding; these tunnels are not likely to be reused. Thus, a trap placed across a feeding tunnel will not usually catch a mole.

If you're unsure about where the active tunnels are, mash down a few inches of each tunnel and mark with a flag or stick. Active tunnels will be repaired and rebuilt within a few days. If after two days no mole is caught, reset it over another active tunnel.

Most turf areas will contain only one or two moles even though the tunneling may be quite extensive. Moles will often be more abundant in places that border areas where conditions are ideal or less disturbed, such as meadows, prairie areas, creeks and wooded areas.

For more information, contact the Extension office, 439-3178.