Do moles carry diseases?

Raised tunnels crisscrossing your lawn, mounds of dirt popping up overnight, and maybe even a close encounter between a mole and your curious dog; when wildlife gets too close to home, it's natural to worry about health risks. 

The good news? While certain wildlife might pose health risks to your pets and family, moles themselves don't carry communicable diseases. 

However, that doesn't mean they're completely harmless.

The truth about moles and disease

Unlike rodents such as rats and mice, moles aren't known to transmit diseases to humans or pets. They're insectivores, not rodents, which means they have different behaviors and diets. 

Moles spend most of their lives minding their business underground, eating earthworms, grubs, and insects. They're not rummaging through garbage or contaminating food supplies like rats do. Their underground lifestyle keeps them isolated from most human contact.

Of course, any wild animal bite or scratch should be taken seriously. While moles themselves are not thought to carry communicable diseases, any break in the skin can lead to bacterial infection if not properly cleaned and treated. 

If your pet has an encounter with a mole, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge.

The real concerns with moles

Even though moles may not spread diseases, they can still cause problems around your property.

Understanding these issues helps you decide when professional help is needed.

• Lawn and garden damage is the biggest complaint. Moles create extensive tunnel systems just below the surface, leaving raised ridges across your yard. These tunnels can damage plant roots, create tripping hazards, and make your lawn look terrible. The dirt mounds they push up (called molehills) can smother grass and make mowing difficult.
• Parasites are another concern. Moles can host fleas, ticks, and mites. If moles are active near your home, these parasites might find their way onto your pets or into your living spaces. This is especially true if your dog or cat catches or plays with a mole.
• Pet encounters can be stressful for everyone involved. Dogs love to dig and hunt, so a mole tunnel system is basically an invitation to excavate your entire yard. Some dogs will obsessively dig, trying to catch moles, causing even more damage than the moles themselves. And while moles aren't aggressive, they will bite if cornered or grabbed.
• Secondary pest problems can develop, too. The tunnels moles create provide convenient pathways for other animals like voles, mice, and shrews. These rodents actually do carry diseases and can cause additional damage to your property.

Protecting your property from moles

Getting rid of moles isn't as simple as setting a trap and calling it done. These animals are surprisingly difficult to control without professional help. Try eliminating food sources; moles follow food, so reducing their prey can make your yard less attractive to them. However, this approach takes time and doesn't provide immediate results. 

Barriers, such as underground fencing, can also protect specific areas, such as gardens or flower beds. These need to extend at least 24 inches deep to be effective, since moles tunnel at various depths.

Professional trapping is the most effective method, but it requires knowledge of mole behavior and proper trap placement. Moles are smart and will avoid poorly placed traps. Professional wildlife control knows how to identify active tunnels and position traps for maximum effectiveness.

How Western can help

Mole control is tricky. These solitary animals live underground and only eat live insects, so traditional baiting doesn't work. Luckily, Western Exterminator's wildlife team understands mole behavior. Your local team can identify active tunnels, place traps effectively, and prevent new moles from moving in. 

If moles are tearing up your lawn, don't wait until the damage gets worse.