Moles are small, burrowing insectivores—not rodents—with cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and broad front feet built for digging. Unlike gophers, moles do not have visible ears or external cheek pouches, and their eyes are tiny and often hidden by fur.

Moles live underground, creating complex tunnel networks typically just beneath the surface. These shallow tunnels appear as raised ridges or soft areas in lawns and gardens. Moles use these surface tunnels to hunt insects, especially earthworms, which are their primary food source. They also build deeper tunnels for nesting and resting.

Though often mistaken for gophers because of the damage they cause, moles do not eat plants. However, their tunneling dislodges roots, creates air pockets in the soil, and kills grass and ornamental plants by disrupting moisture and nutrient uptake.

While moles don't directly consume vegetation, their digging can wreak havoc on yards and landscapes:

• Their shallow feeding tunnels create unsightly ridges and soft, uneven ground across lawns and gardens.
• Turf can become detached from the soil due to tunneling activity, leading to dead patches and instability.
• Dislodged roots from flowers, shrubs, and grass can weaken or kill plants.
• Large mole infestations can undermine landscaping efforts and cost homeowners time and money to repair.

Their activity is usually most noticeable during spring and fall, especially in moist, loamy soils where insect prey is abundant.

Moles are solitary and territorial, with each mole typically occupying its own burrow system. They are active year-round and do not hibernate. A female mole gives birth to one litter per year, usually in spring, with 3 to 5 young. Despite their small size and limited diet, even a single mole can cause significant lawn damage in a short time.

Ground squirrels are burrowing rodents commonly found throughout North America. Unlike tree squirrels, ground squirrels live in underground colonies and often forage above ground during the day. They are highly social animals, frequently seen standing upright near their burrow entrances to keep watch for predators.

Their burrows vary in complexity and can stretch several feet below the surface. These tunnel systems provide shelter, food storage, and a safe space for raising young. Ground squirrels often dig in open fields, along fence lines, or under structures like decks, sheds, and patios.

They feed on a wide variety of plants including seeds, nuts, grasses, flowers, and garden crops—making them a significant pest in both residential and agricultural settings.

Ground squirrels can cause widespread damage due to both their digging and feeding habits:

• They eat ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits, and tree bark, stripping gardens and damaging landscaping.
• Their burrows can destabilize soil beneath walkways, retaining walls, and building foundations.
• In agricultural areas, they can reduce crop yields and damage irrigation equipment.
• Their presence attracts predators and can increase the risk of diseases like plague or tularemia.

Visible signs of a ground squirrel problem include multiple small dirt mounds or holes spaced apart across open areas and frequent above-ground sightings.

Ground squirrels are active during the day and may hibernate or enter torpor during the colder months, depending on the region. Breeding typically begins in early spring. Females may produce one or two litters per year, with litters ranging from 5 to 8 pups. Because they often live in colonies, ground squirrel populations can grow rapidly and spread damage across large areas if not addressed promptly.