Moles are rarely seen as these mammals live mostly underground. They dig out a system of tunnels and chambers, and dispose of the excavated soil by throwing up molehills on the surface.

Moles don’t feed on plants, they are carnivorous feeding on invertebrates that fall into their system of tunnels. Any plant damage they cause is incidental to their lifestyle. Molehills on lawns can be removed before mowing and collapsed surface tunnels filled to maintain a level lawn surface.

Mole activity is usually greatest in late winter and early spring.

Moles are very territorial and in many cases the mole hills seen in a garden are the activity of just one individual. 

You may see the following signs of mole activity:

• The first sign of mole activity is heaps of excavated soil thrown up on the surface of lawns and flower beds (molehills)
• Moles tunnelling through the soil can disturb the roots of
  A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

  seedlings and other small plants in flower beds and vegetable plots

Where possible moles should be treated as part of the

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

Mole netting

Netting is available which can prevent moles coming to the lawn surface to create molehills. This must however be installed before turf is laid. This is usually made of plastic and so can add to plastic pollution. 

Electronic devices

Electronic devices are available from some garden centres and mail order firms. The buzzing noise is said to drive moles away; however this may only be to another part of the garden.

Mole repellents

A type of mole-repellent smoke, sold as Pest-Stop Biofume Mole Smoke, emits castor oil fumes. These are said to line the tunnels and deter worms and other mole food from entering the tunnels. The hungry mole may move elsewhere, or it may simply create new tunnels nearby.

Planting

Caper spurge, Euphorbia lathyris, which is a

Biennials are plants that complete their life cycle over the course of two years. In the first year, biennials typically produce leaves and roots but no flowers. In the second year, they flower and produce seeds before dying. Some common biennials include foxgloves (Digitalis), honesty (Lunaria annua) and viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare).

These are fleshy, rounded, underground storage organs, usually sold and planted while dormant. Examples include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies, onions and garlic. The term is often used to cover other underground storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes.

Bulbs

Live moles are rarely seen above ground. They are about 15 cm (6 in) long, with dense blackish-brown fur and broad front paws that are adapted for digging.