table of contents
- Features of the mole
- Tunnel system of the mole
- When does the mole dig?
- frequently asked Questions
If you see large, blackish-brown piles of earth in your garden, a mole has probably settled. Many gardeners are not very pleased with the mounds in the garden. But at what time does the mole actually dig them?
In a nutshell
- Moles live in tunnel systems
- both diurnal and nocturnal
- Active for 4 to 5 hours in the mornings, afternoons and around midnight
- most hills in winter and spring
Features of the mole
In Europe only the European mole (Talpa europaea) is native. While the molehills in the garden can be spotted quickly, you rarely see moles. They spend most of their lives in underground passages that the mole digs itself. They only leave their tunnel system occasionally, for example when there is acute danger. Moles can be characterized by the following criteria:
- cylindrical hull
- long, pointed snout
- 14 - 16 cm tall incl. short tail
- short, dark gray fur
- shovel-shaped hands with claws
- Lifespan: 3 - 5 years
Note: Moles are behind § 1 Federal Species Protection Ordinance and Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act under special protection and must not be disturbed, captured or killed.
Tunnel system of the mole
Moles live in underground tunnel systems, close to the surface of the earth. The tunnels show a certain similarity to those of the vole. The size of the underground systems depends on the food supply and varies between 1000 and 6000 square meters. The individual tunnels are around 100-200 meters long and connected to other tunnels. They serve as a
- Sleeping place
- Nest chamber
- Ventilation system
- Pitfall for microorganisms
When does the mole dig?
time
Moles have adapted to the darkness underground and therefore no regular day-night rhythm. Instead, they have 3 active wake phases a day that last around 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the small mammals search for food and expand their tunnel system if necessary. Usually these phases occur in the morning, in the afternoon and around midnight. However, there is no exact time. This is followed by a resting phase in which the moles sleep.
Note: Moles have a very high need for food. That is why they have to eat and dig every 12 hours at the latest. They do not survive longer than 24 hours without food.
season
Moles do not hibernate and are active all year round. The microorganisms on which the mammal feeds, however, move less in winter. In order to continue to find sufficient food, the mole must therefore actively search. To do this, the mole digs more. Therefore there are more molehills in winter than in summer. The mammals are particularly active during the mating season between January and March. In search of females, males dig many new tunnels.
frequently asked Questions
A lot of soil is produced when digging the tunnels. So that the tunnels are well ventilated and accessible, the mole transports the excavated earth to the surface. This is how the characteristic mounds of earth are created.
Treading the hills flat is not recommended. Since they are used for ventilation, moles simply dig new tunnels. This means you have more hills in the garden after leveling than before. It is better to remove the loose soil and use it as a substrate for flower boxes.
On the contrary. Moles do not damage roots when digging the tunnels. However, through the tunnels they loosen up the earth so that rainwater can drain away better. They also eat garden pests and are therefore rather good for the plants.
Chasing, catching and killing moles is prohibited by law. However, it is allowed to drive them away. For this purpose, agents that irritate the sensitive olfactory or hearing organs of the moles are suitable. Spreading a little buttermilk or garlic water in the aisles works best. Loud knocking on a metal rod stuck in the ground is also effective