What Are Moles and Why Do They Dig Up Devon Gardens?

If you've found fresh molehills appearing across your lawn, it's worth understanding exactly what you're dealing with before deciding what to do about it. Here's a clear explanation from Pest Control Services Devon.

What Is a Mole?

Moles are small, solitary mammals that spend almost their entire lives underground. They have powerful, paddle-like front paws specifically adapted for digging, poor eyesight (since they rarely need it), and an exceptional sense of touch and smell that lets them navigate and hunt in complete darkness.

Why Devon Gardens Are So Attractive to Moles

• Devon's mild, damp climate supports healthy earthworm populations, a mole's main food source
• Well-maintained lawns and borders often have soft, workable soil that's easy to tunnel through
• Gardens bordering fields, hedgerows or woodland give moles an easy route in
• Established gardens with rich, undisturbed soil are particularly appealing

What Moles Actually Eat

• Earthworms, which make up the bulk of a mole's diet
• Soil-dwelling insect larvae and grubs
• Occasionally other small invertebrates found in the soil
• A mole's presence is often, ironically, a sign your soil is healthy and worm-rich

How Moles Create Their Tunnel Systems

1. Moles dig a network of tunnels at varying depths. Some close to the surface for hunting, others deeper as permanent routes.
2. Molehills are simply spoil, not entrances. The soil pushed up during digging, not a doorway into the tunnel.
3. A single mole can cover a surprising amount of ground. One animal working an extensive tunnel system can make a lawn look like it has a serious infestation.
4. Tunnels can persist long after a mole has moved on. Which is why old tunnel systems sometimes get reused by a different mole later.

Why Understanding This Matters

• Helps set realistic expectations about the scale of the problem
• Explains why a seemingly large number of molehills doesn't always mean a large number of moles
• Makes it easier to understand why professional trapping, not just repellents, tends to work best
• Gives context for why prevention matters as much as initial removal

Why Choose Pest Control Services Devon

We're mole control specialists covering Devon, using humane, effective methods and honest advice — not a generic pest control call-out. Every job starts with a free assessment and a clear, no-obligation quote.