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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:
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.
Moles live for one thing: food. Specifically, insect pests like:
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.
Three key factors can make your property a mole magnet:
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.
Moles are elusive, but the evidence of their presence is hard to miss. Signs include:
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.
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.
Controlling moles requires understanding their behavior and targeting their food supply. Here’s what experts recommend:
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.
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.
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.
While removing moles isn’t the most difficult thing to do, there are some actions you want to avoid. For example:
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.
Once you’ve cleared a mole infestation, prevention is key:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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