Dig Deeper: Advanced Mole Management with the BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer

Mole Tunnel Anatomy and Active Management

Mole tunnel depths range from one to three feet deep and are strongly influenced by soil type. Soil type will dictate the use pattern of the BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer. Sandy soil may cause tunnels to collapse more readily when compared to clay soils. Careful placement of the exhaust nozzle and multiple treatments are recommended in sandy soil. With clay soil being more stable, the use of the probe will be easier.

Moles live nearly their entire lives beneath the surface, constructing elaborate tunnel networks that function as habitats and hunting territories. They have several specialized tunnel types. Each one serves a different purpose:

• Feeding Runs: These surface runs are the most visible, are close to the surface, and are marked by raised ridges. It is where moles hunt earthworms. These tunnels are short-lived and infrequently used.
• Permanent Runs: Living tunnels, which delve deeper into the soil, serve as the moles’ main pathways. Constantly in use, these more intricate tunnels facilitate travel, nesting, and rearing young. They form an extensive network, spanning several meters to connect various burrows.
• Exploratory Runs: Often temporary, these runs are used by moles to discover new foraging areas.

The average length of mole tunnels varies greatly and depends on the mole species and the environment. Typical tunnels stretch from tens to hundreds of feet long.

Take It From a Pro

Art Guzman, western sales rep for BurrowRx, has been a mole control advisor for over 30 years: “Active runs usually connect landscaped areas, row crops, and wooded areas. Moles constantly search for new food sources and commonly use the same runs hourly.”

Working with the property owner is key. Art recommends that the owner not use or stop any treatment that can temporarily deter a mole from entering an active run. Mole activity often extends beyond property lines. If neighbors are reluctant to allow treatment, consider setting traps on the boundary areas to prevent re-infestation.

Best Practices for Using the BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer for Moles:

Rich Williams, central sales rep for BurrowRx, has over 20 years of experience dealing with moles. He has advised hundreds of BurrowRx owners on mole management strategies. Here are some of his takeaways:

1. Locate Active Runs: To identify active runs, use the BurrowRx probe to create a small hole in the tunnel. Return in 24-48 hours to see it’s been re-plugged —a sure sign of mole activity.
2. Effective Placement: Once an active run is confirmed, insert the Burrow RX exhaust nozzle into the burrow and start the engine. Watch for the smoke oil indicator to determine the tunnel system’s location. Allow the BurrowRx to run for three minutes for every 15-20 feet of a run.
3. Monitoring and Adjustment: Move the sprayer around until the entire run has been treated. It may be necessary to probe adjacent areas to determine the extent of the tunnel system. Multiple treatments may be needed in long, deep runs or in sandy soil areas.
4. Comprehensive Mole Management: Recognize that more mounds usually indicate more moles—each mound represents a single nest. Regular monitoring and treatment are crucial to prevent population booms, especially during the breeding season.

Smoke Oil is Crucial

Unless the mole is in the immediate runway you are treating, they likely will not be exposed to enough carbon monoxide to get rid of them. Treatments will be most effective when the Burrow Rx Smoke Indicator is used with the BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer. The visual cue of the non-toxic smoke allows you to see precisely where your treatment is going, reveals gas paths, exposes hidden exits, and helps you get total coverage.

Conclusion

Managing moles effectively requires a detailed and strategic approach. The BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer provides precise control over managing burrowing pests, including moles.

For more information on using the BurrowRx Carbon Monoxide Sprayer for moles, speak to one of our highly knowledgeable sales reps: https://www.burrowrx.com/find-a-sales-rep/