The common or Eastern Mole and the Hairy-tailed Mole are the species that commonly cause damage in the eastern United States. The mole we find most often in Ohio is the Eastern Mole, Scalepus aquaticus . These mammals are classified as insectivores and their principle diet consists of live earthworms, grubs, beetles, ants and other insect larvae. Their appetite is voracious, and they usually eat more than their weight in food every day.
Moles can be destructive pests in lawns, gardens, nurseries, parks, golf courses and cemeteries.
This animal, in its search for food, burrows in lawns and other areas where soil conditions are suitable. Moles are very active tunnelers and can tunnel at a rate of 12 to 15 feet per hour. In spring and fall, these burrows are just a few inches below the surface with the soil pushed up into ridges. In summer and winter, burrows are deeper with the only evidence being mounds of soil pushed up to the surface. Both types of burrows produce damage to the lawn or garden.