If you’re a Florida homeowner staring at strange ridges popping up in your lawn or noticing damage to your ornamental or garden plants, you’re not alone—and you’re likely dealing with one of the state’s lesser-known nuisance animals: moles.
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that belong to the order Insectivora, which means they primarily eat insects. They have powerful front limbs designed for digging extensive tunnel systems underground. Although often mistaken for rodents, moles are insectivores that feed on soil-dwelling pests like grubs, beetle larvae, and mole crickets.
Yes, moles do live in Florida. But the story of moles in the Sunshine State is as twisty as the tunnel systems they leave behind.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are moles, and do they live in Florida?
- Why do you have moles in your yard?
- How to identify a mole problem
- What methods of mole removal are effective in Florida?
Meet the Mole: What Species Are in Florida?
Florida is home to the Eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), a solitary and secretive creature that spends most of its life underground. While many assume these animals are rodents, they’re actually insectivores—members of the order Insectivora, which literally means insect eater. This group includes not only moles but also shrews and hedgehogs.
Another mole species occasionally reported in Florida is the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), although it’s far less common and more likely found in northern states with wetter soils. The Eastern mole is the primary culprit behind Florida’s mole problem.
Mole Behavior and Damage From Mole Tunnels
Moles live for one thing: food. Specifically, insect pests like:
- Mole crickets
- Beetle larvae
- Moth larvae
- Wire worms
- Ant brood
- Other soil insects
A single mole can tunnel up to 18 feet per hour, creating a network of surface tunnels and deep burrows as they dig in search of prey. These tunnels, especially characteristic mole ridges, ruin lawns and kill grass by disrupting the root systems of garden plants and ornamental landscaping.
Florida’s loose soil, especially in sandy soils, dune sand, and well-drained soils, provides an ideal environment for moles. The Eastern mole prefers loose, loamy soils where rich forest humus and a large earthworm population support its voracious appetite.
Why You Might Have Moles in Your Florida Yard
Three key factors can make your property a mole magnet:
- Abundant Soil Insects- Moles are not after your plants—they’re hunting insects, causing root damage. If you’ve got an insect problem, moles may follow. Turf insects like grubs and mole crickets are especially attractive to these insectivores.
- Moisture Levels- Moles are drawn to wet soils where food is plentiful. Florida’s climate, especially during rainy seasons, boosts soil insect populations and softens the ground, encouraging digging foraging tunnels.
- Organic Material- Lawns rich in organic material may also harbor mole nests, usually built in deep tunnels with an expansive mole’s nest chamber.
If you believe you have a mole problem in your yard, it’s time to call a wildlife removal company. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we can assess your mole infestation and come up with an efficient plan to remove them. Additionally, we use humane removal methods, which means you don’t have to worry about us harming the moles.
Identifying a Mole Problem
Moles are elusive, but the evidence of their presence is hard to miss. Signs include:
- Raised ridges or mounds (from surface and deep tunnel systems)
- Tan or orange blotches on dying grass
- Sudden decline in plant health (from disrupted roots)
- Traps of pushed-up soil indicate a recent active tunnel
It’s important not to confuse moles with voles (especially pine voles) or other burrowing animals. Unlike rodents, moles don’t eat plant roots—they eat mole crickets and other insect pests—but their tunnels cause collateral damage.
Do Moles Serve a Purpose?
Surprisingly, yes. Moles can be beneficial in small numbers, helping to control turf insects and aerate soil. However, when they overstay their welcome, they become an intolerable nuisance—particularly for homeowners with manicured lawns or valuable landscape plantings.
Because moles are native wildlife, removing them improperly may violate Florida laws. In many counties, you may need a poison permit or consult a pest control technician to trap nuisance animals legally and humanely.
Effective Mole Control in Florida: What Actually Works
Controlling moles requires understanding their behavior and targeting their food supply. Here’s what experts recommend:
1. Eliminate the Food Source
Start by managing your lawn pests. An insecticide treatment targeting beetle larvae, grubs, and mole crickets can force moles to relocate due to a diminishing food supply. Always consult a licensed pest control technician to ensure an environmentally safe application.
2. Use Mole Repellents
There are several mole repellents on the market, but not all are effective. The most consistent performer is emulsified castor oil, which irritates moles’ digestive tracts and encourages them to relocate. Apply to active tunnels and surrounding areas.
Avoid old wives’ tales like Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum—this method rarely works and has no scientific backing.
3. Trapping
If repellents and insect control fail, mole trapping is often the most reliable mole control method. It requires identifying an active tunnel, placing a mechanical trap, and checking daily. Professional trapping services ensure humane, legal removal and reduce the risk of harming non-target animals.
What NOT to Do
While removing moles isn’t the most difficult thing to do, there are some actions you want to avoid. For example:
- Don’t flood tunnels: Moles often build deep burrows that water can’t reach.
- Don’t use chemical pesticides indiscriminately: This can harm native insects that are not pests and even parasitize insects that benefit your lawn.
- Don’t plant mole-attracting flora: Some garden plants attract insects that bring in moles. Work with landscapers to choose low-risk ornamental plants.
If you are having a hard time getting rid of moles in Florida, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help. We have decades of experience in removing all types of animals from Florida homes and yards, making us the perfect choice for professional mole removal.
Prevention Tips for Mole-Free Lawns
Once you’ve cleared a mole infestation, prevention is key:
- Aerate your lawn regularly to reduce organic build-up
- Avoid overwatering to prevent soggy, mole-friendly soil
- Apply beneficial nematodes to combat insect larvae naturally
- Keep your lawn trimmed—fine grass can make mole activity more visible, helping you respond faster
- Inspect frequently for mole searches or fresh pushing soil
Keeping moles away can be a tricky task. That said, these tips will keep your yard free of moles once you’ve eradicated the infestation.
Get Connected to Mole Removal and Pest Control With Nuisance Wildlife Rangers
Yes—there are moles in Florida, and they’re more common than many homeowners realize. While they serve a purpose in the ecosystem by feeding on soil insects, their destructive tunneling can damage plant roots, kill grass, and disrupt landscaping.
With the right strategy—trapping, insect control, and mole repellents—you can protect your property from this underground menace. And if all else fails, a licensed pest control technician can help you apply the appropriate control method without harming the environment or violating wildlife laws.
Have a mole problem? Don’t ignore it. The tunnels you see may be just the beginning. Contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today for more information on how we can help you solve your mole infestation.
FAQ: Moles in Florida Lawns and Gardens
Q1: Do moles hibernate during the winter in Florida?
No, moles remain active year-round in Florida due to the state’s mild climate. While their activity may decrease slightly during colder months, they continue to dig and forage underground where temperatures remain stable.
Q2: Can moles bite or harm pets and children?
Moles are shy, solitary creatures that avoid contact with humans and pets. They are not aggressive and rarely surface, so the risk of bites or direct encounters is extremely low.
Q3: Are there any natural predators of moles in Florida?
Yes, natural predators include snakes, owls, hawks, foxes, and domestic cats. However, predators usually catch moles only when they surface, which is rare, so predation alone isn’t an effective control method.
Q4: Can certain landscaping choices help deter moles?
Yes. Reducing mulch depth, avoiding insect-attracting plant species, and minimizing excessive irrigation can make your yard less appealing to moles by lowering insect populations and soil moisture.
Q5: How can I tell if the damage is from moles or another animal like a vole or armadillo?
Moles create raised, linear ridges and small volcano-shaped mounds, while voles leave open runways on the surface and chew plant stems. Armadillos, on the other hand, dig deep, conical holes typically several inches wide in search of insects.
Q6: Is it possible to eliminate moles from a yard permanently?
Permanent elimination is difficult since moles can return from adjacent properties. However, consistent monitoring, pest control, and lawn maintenance can significantly reduce the chances of long-term infestations.
