Mole & Skunk Removal - Ask Extension
Hello,
I live in Essex Junction and have a wonderfully developed yard from the previous owner. We've lived in our house for 2 years this upcoming ...
Knowledgebase
Mole & Skunk Removal #865813
Asked April 24, 2024, 9:50 PM EDT
Hello,
I live in Essex Junction and have a wonderfully developed yard from the previous owner. We've lived in our house for 2 years this upcoming July. The previous owner used a TrueGreen style lawn service to treat the grass. Last summer and now seemingly again we have a mole problem and I'm anticipating a neighborhood Skunk to appear again as well. The water table in our lawn is extremely high and our sump pump gets quite the workout so I'm not sure if moles are more active because of that. Our lawn is green for the most part (before I treat for grubs/seed this spring) but I feel like it has become lumpier and bumpier each summer.
We have a cat so we don't want to treat for moles with any harmful chemicals. I wouldn't be opposed to the moles traps but didn't know if there were other suggestions to rid our lawn of these pests. The skunk I'd possibly be able to trap as well but unsure of relocation. Thanks for the help!
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi, Phil,
Thanks for reaching out to the EMG Helpline. I’m sorry you’re having critter problems with the lawn. There’s a lot of good information to share about both moles and skunks. I’m giving you some links below that I hope will answer your questions clearly and directly.
I assume you’ve confirmed that your problem is moles, not voles. Here is some good information from Clemson Univ. about both animals, including how to get rid of them. Note that moles are carnivores that particularly like grubs and worms, and that voles are vegetarians that chew through roots and stems. You’ll be glad to read that “Trapping is one of the most successful ways to get rid of moles…..Moles are solitary animals, so ridding the landscape of one or two moles will make a big difference.”
Speaking of grubs, here is info on grub management from UVM and from Clemson. They suggest you sample for grubs (and tell you how) before doing any chemical treatment. If numbers are low, it may be enough to just keep the lawn healthy, including by not mowing it too low,
As for skunks, here’s a straightforward description of skunk behavior and management from Montana State U.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have questions or need more info.
Thanks for reaching out to the EMG Helpline. I’m sorry you’re having critter problems with the lawn. There’s a lot of good information to share about both moles and skunks. I’m giving you some links below that I hope will answer your questions clearly and directly.
I assume you’ve confirmed that your problem is moles, not voles. Here is some good information from Clemson Univ. about both animals, including how to get rid of them. Note that moles are carnivores that particularly like grubs and worms, and that voles are vegetarians that chew through roots and stems. You’ll be glad to read that “Trapping is one of the most successful ways to get rid of moles…..Moles are solitary animals, so ridding the landscape of one or two moles will make a big difference.”
Speaking of grubs, here is info on grub management from UVM and from Clemson. They suggest you sample for grubs (and tell you how) before doing any chemical treatment. If numbers are low, it may be enough to just keep the lawn healthy, including by not mowing it too low,
As for skunks, here’s a straightforward description of skunk behavior and management from Montana State U.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have questions or need more info.
Hello Phil:
Juanita has given you some great information and resources to address your wildlife issues.
I would like to include the following information as well, as there are specific trapping regulations in Vermont for controlling wildlife.
<personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden> - VT Rabies Hotline. They answer nuisance wildlife questions as well as information regarding rabies, wildlife rescue, etc.
List of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators - https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/human-wildlife-conflicts-resources
Note: Trapping - Cannot transport off/across properties in VT.
I hope this additional info. is helpful!
Juanita has given you some great information and resources to address your wildlife issues.
I would like to include the following information as well, as there are specific trapping regulations in Vermont for controlling wildlife.
<personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden> - VT Rabies Hotline. They answer nuisance wildlife questions as well as information regarding rabies, wildlife rescue, etc.
List of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators - https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/human-wildlife-conflicts-resources
Note: Trapping - Cannot transport off/across properties in VT.
I hope this additional info. is helpful!
