Beneath the peaceful lawns, gardens, and pastures of Missouri lies a world few people ever see—a world ruled by small, secretive, and surprisingly powerful creatures: moles. While they rarely appear above ground, their telltale tunnels and raised ridges betray their presence everywhere from suburban yards to forest floors.
Many Missourians view moles as pests because of the upheavals they cause in manicured lawns. Yet these elusive animals are also fascinating in their own right—evolutionary marvels perfectly designed for life underground.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig deep into shocking facts about moles in Missouri you should know—covering their biology, behavior, diet, burrowing abilities, and their misunderstood role in the local ecosystem. Whether you find them frustrating or fascinating, one thing is certain: there’s much more to Missouri’s moles than meets the eye.
The Moles of Missouri
Common Species
Three main species of moles live in Missouri, each with unique features and habits:
- Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) – The most widespread species, found in nearly every Missouri county.
- Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) – A rare species in Missouri, easily recognized by its star-shaped snout.
- Hairy-tailed Mole (Parascalops breweri) – Less common, residing mostly in northern and eastern parts of the state.
The Eastern Mole dominates Missouri’s landscapes and is the one most homeowners encounter.
Appearance and Adaptations
At first glance, moles look odd—like a mix between a shrew and a tiny bulldozer. They typically measure 5–7 inches long with velvety gray fur, tiny eyes, and no visible ears. Their powerful, shovel-like front paws are perfectly adapted for digging, with large claws that can move earth faster than any other mammal their size.
Contrary to popular belief, moles are not blind. They have small, functional eyes, but their sight is limited—they rely far more on touch, smell, and vibration detection.
Burrowers Extraordinaire
Underground Engineers
Moles are among the most efficient diggers in the animal kingdom. They can dig up to 100 feet of tunnels per day and move more than a ton of soil annually.
Their tunnels fall into two categories:
- Surface tunnels – Shallow runs just below the surface, often visible as raised ridges across lawns.
- Deep tunnels – Permanent burrows up to 3 feet deep, used for nesting and long-term travel.
Each mole maintains a complex network of tunnels within its territory, which can cover up to 2 acres.
How They Dig
Their strong chest muscles and broad hands act like miniature shovels. As they push soil backward, their streamlined bodies allow them to “swim” through dirt with surprising speed—up to 1 foot per minute in soft soil.
Moles and Moisture
Missouri’s temperate climate, rich soil, and high earthworm population make it perfect mole habitat. They prefer moist, loamy soils found in forests, pastures, and suburban yards. During dry or cold weather, moles move deeper underground where moisture and insects remain available.
What Moles Really Eat
The Carnivorous Truth
Unlike voles or gophers, moles are not rodents, nor do they eat roots or plants. They are insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates.
Their favorite meal? Earthworms. A single mole can eat 50–100% of its body weight in worms and insects each day.
Moles also consume:
- Grubs and beetle larvae
- Ants and termites
- Centipedes and spiders
- Occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or frogs
Their saliva contains a paralytic toxin, allowing them to store live earthworms in underground “larders” for later consumption—a shocking but efficient survival strategy.
Beneficial Predators
Because they feed on harmful insects and larvae that damage lawns and crops, moles actually benefit the ecosystem. Their tunneling aerates soil, promotes nutrient mixing, and improves water drainage.
In short, moles are more gardeners than villains—they just don’t care much about how your yard looks afterward.
Breeding and Life Cycle
The Hidden Romance Underground
Moles are solitary creatures, except during breeding season (late winter to early spring). During this brief period, males leave their tunnels in search of females, following scent trails through the soil.
After mating, the female constructs a nest chamber lined with leaves and grasses deep underground. She gives birth to 3–5 young after about 4–6 weeks of gestation.
Rapid Growth
Mole pups are born hairless and blind but grow rapidly. Within a month, they’re capable of digging and hunting on their own. By late spring or early summer, young moles disperse to establish their own territories.
Moles typically live 2–4 years, though some have been recorded living up to 6 years in the wild.
Shocking Facts About Missouri’s Moles
- Moles “swim” through dirt—they don’t just dig; their limbs move in a swimming motion similar to breaststroke.
- They can dig 15–18 feet of tunnel in an hour when soil conditions are ideal.
- Moles eat primarily earthworms, not plant roots—a major misconception among homeowners.
- Their saliva paralyzes prey, allowing them to store live worms underground for weeks.
- A single mole can have over 100 worm “storage chambers.”
- Moles are territorial loners. Two adults in the same tunnel network will usually fight to the death.
- Their fur can lie flat in any direction, preventing dirt buildup as they move backward or forward.
- Star-nosed moles can identify and eat prey in less than 0.2 seconds, the fastest reflex in any mammal.
- Moles have six fingers on each front paw, an evolutionary adaptation for digging efficiency.
- Their tunnels improve soil health, indirectly supporting plant growth despite surface damage.
Moles and Missouri Lawns
Why Moles Invade Yards
Homeowners often wonder why moles suddenly appear in their gardens. The answer is simple: food and moisture.
A lush lawn with plenty of grubs and worms is an all-you-can-eat buffet for moles. They don’t care about your landscaping—they’re following the scent of insects and soft soil.
Signs of Mole Activity
- Raised surface ridges or mounds of soil (called molehills)
- Soft, uneven patches of lawn
- Rapid reappearance of tunnels after they’re destroyed
Unlike voles or gophers, moles don’t chew plant roots. Any plant damage comes from roots being displaced by tunnels rather than eaten.
Controlling Moles Humanely
Since moles are beneficial insect-eaters, complete eradication isn’t ideal. Instead, the best approach is deterrence and management:
- Reduce grub populations using natural soil treatments.
- Install barriers—bury wire mesh 2 feet deep around garden beds.
- Encourage predators like owls, snakes, and foxes.
- Avoid overwatering, since moist soil attracts earthworms (and moles).
- Trap humanely if necessary—using tunnel traps designed for release away from residential areas.
Chemical repellents and poisons can harm pets, wildlife, and the environment—so they’re best avoided.
The Ecological Importance of Moles
Nature’s Aerators
Moles play a crucial role in maintaining soil structure. Their digging:
- Improves aeration, allowing roots to access oxygen.
- Enhances water infiltration, preventing runoff and erosion.
- Mixes nutrients, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem.
While unsightly, their activity contributes to long-term soil fertility and biodiversity.
Prey and Predator
Moles themselves are prey for a variety of predators in Missouri, including:
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Owls and hawks
- Snakes
- Domestic cats and dogs
This makes them an integral part of Missouri’s food web, linking subterranean ecosystems to surface predators.
Moles vs. Similar Underground Animals
Feature |
Moles |
Voles |
Gophers |
|---|---|---|---|
Diet |
Insects & worms |
Plants & roots |
Roots & tubers |
Tunnels |
Raised ridges |
Surface runways |
Large mounds |
Eyes |
Tiny, hidden |
Visible |
Small |
Front Feet |
Broad & paddle-like |
Normal |
Large claws |
Impact on Plants |
Indirect (soil displacement) |
Direct (root damage) |
Severe (root feeding) |
Understanding these differences helps homeowners avoid unnecessary control measures. Many people mistakenly blame moles for plant destruction caused by voles or gophers.
Missouri’s Moles Through the Seasons
Spring
Breeding season begins. Moles dig new tunnels in moist soil and establish fresh feeding territories.
Summer
As the soil dries, moles move deeper underground. Tunnels become less visible at the surface.
Fall
Activity increases again with cooler temperatures and abundant food. Homeowners often notice new mounds.
Winter
Moles remain active year-round but spend winter deep below the frost line, where earthworms remain accessible.
Myths and Misconceptions About Moles
Myth |
Truth |
Moles eat plant roots. |
False. They eat insects and worms, not vegetation. |
Moles hibernate in winter. |
False. They stay active underground all year. |
Trapping is the only solution. |
False. Reducing food sources and moisture is more effective. |
Moles are blind. |
False. They can see light and movement, though poorly. |
Moles are rodents. |
False. They belong to the order Eulipotyphla, not Rodentia. |
Coexisting With Missouri’s Moles
Accepting Nature’s Engineers
While frustrating to gardeners, moles aren’t villains—they’re indicators of healthy soil teeming with life. A yard full of moles often means your soil supports abundant insects and earthworms, signs of ecological balance.
Responsible Management
If mole damage becomes severe, aim for humane, non-lethal control. Physical barriers and environmental adjustments can reduce mole presence without harming them or the surrounding ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture
Eliminating moles entirely could disrupt the balance of Missouri’s ecosystems. Their absence might lead to insect outbreaks and poorer soil quality. Sometimes, the best solution is simply learning to live with a few harmless tunnels.
Amazing Scientific Discoveries About Moles
- Star-nosed moles detect electrical signals from prey—the only mammal known to do so.
- Moles’ blood carries extra hemoglobin, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen tunnels.
- Their touch sensitivity rivals that of a human hand, concentrated in their snouts.
- Mole tunnels influence plant root growth, helping redistribute nutrients underground.
- Moles can close their nostrils while digging, keeping out dirt entirely.
- Their body temperature remains stable, even during intense digging.
- Star-nosed moles can catch and eat prey faster than the blink of an eye.
FAQs About Moles in Missouri
Are moles dangerous to people or pets?
No. Moles are non-aggressive and rarely come to the surface. They pose no threat to humans or animals.
Why do moles suddenly appear in my yard?
They follow food sources—especially earthworms and grubs. When these increase due to moisture or fertilizer, moles follow.
Do moles damage gardens?
They don’t eat plants but can disrupt roots while digging. Flattening tunnels and reseeding usually resolves damage.
How can I keep moles away naturally?
Use castor oil-based repellents, reduce soil moisture, and encourage natural predators.
Are moles protected in Missouri?
No, but trapping and relocating them should always be humane and follow local wildlife guidelines.
Conclusion
The moles of Missouri may be small, but their impact—both ecological and emotional—is huge. These underground architects transform the soil, control insect populations, and contribute to the natural balance beneath our feet.
While their raised tunnels may irritate lawn lovers, understanding their purpose reveals a creature far more complex and beneficial than most realize.
So the next time you spot fresh molehills in your yard, remember: those signs of activity are evidence of a thriving ecosystem just below the surface. The shocking truth about moles in Missouri is that they’re not invaders—they’re nature’s hidden engineers, working tirelessly to keep the underground world alive and healthy.
