Lawn Parasites - Ask Extension
We live in Gleneden Beach in Lincoln county and have a mole problem in our yard. We have used ultrasonic solar stakes to try to mitigate the moles wit...
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Lawn Parasites #891745
Asked January 20, 2025, 11:42 AM EST
We live in Gleneden Beach in Lincoln county and have a mole problem in our yard. We have used ultrasonic solar stakes to try to mitigate the moles with some success. Our dog spends considerable time laying in the grass and has developed little bumps on her head and chest area. We are diligent in care for our dog including bathing, brushing and even wiping her down after being outside. We have taken her to the vet with no resolution. Is it possible that there could be parasites in association with the moles and if so, what is the best way to eradicate the problem? Thank you for your consideration.
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
The lawn is likely providing a great "grocery store" of subsurface mole foods such as worms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. Mole visits to the surface and near-surface runs will vary in frequency according to where (depth) the food organisms are hanging out, and they in turn, vary their habitat use by soil temps and moisture.
Although moles, as warm-blooded animals, almost certainly harbor some internal and external parasites, I would not expect the moles to be the point-source for any external parasites visiting your dog - if that's indeed what is causing the skin eruptions on the dog. In your region, there are many surface-dwelling mammals that are likely involved in the life cycles of parasites, such that things like ticks and fleas are (seasonally) likely often "hanging out" on vegetation awaiting the next host to brush by and pick them up.
Depending on breed, age, and many other characteristics, your dog's condition could be resulting from any one of myriad possibilities - several of which might be ruled out (or in) by fine needle aspiration of the bumps' contents - to help figure out what is likely to be causing the symptoms.
Although moles, as warm-blooded animals, almost certainly harbor some internal and external parasites, I would not expect the moles to be the point-source for any external parasites visiting your dog - if that's indeed what is causing the skin eruptions on the dog. In your region, there are many surface-dwelling mammals that are likely involved in the life cycles of parasites, such that things like ticks and fleas are (seasonally) likely often "hanging out" on vegetation awaiting the next host to brush by and pick them up.
Depending on breed, age, and many other characteristics, your dog's condition could be resulting from any one of myriad possibilities - several of which might be ruled out (or in) by fine needle aspiration of the bumps' contents - to help figure out what is likely to be causing the symptoms.
