What damage can moles do to your house?

While moles may seem like harmless creatures that burrow through your yard in search of insects, their presence can pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of your home. These subterranean mammals may be small, but the damage they can inflict is not to be underestimated.

At Best Pest & Wildlife Control, we offer mole control along with a range of other pest control services. Read on as we explore the various ways in which moles can impact your house and why it’s essential to address the issue promptly with the help of a professional.

Tunneling Beneath Foundations

One of the most substantial risks posed by moles is their habit of tunneling underground. As they burrow beneath your yard, moles can inadvertently compromise the stability of your home’s foundation by creating tunnels that not only disturb the soil, leading to voids and uneven support for your house, but also, over time, contribute to foundation settling, causing structural damage that may escalate into potentially costly repairs.

Water Damage

Moles, with an affinity for areas with high soil moisture, are drawn to regions around your home, and their tunneling activities can significantly exacerbate water-related concerns. As these creatures burrow, they create intricate channels in the soil, inadvertently redirecting water flow and, consequently, contributing to soil erosion, thereby amplifying the risk of water seeping into basements and crawl spaces. The repercussions of such water infiltration extend beyond mere dampness, as it can foster the growth of mold and give rise to a cascade of other water-related damages that compromise the overall health and structural integrity of your home.

Landscape Destruction

Beyond the potential harm to your home’s foundation, moles can wreak havoc on your carefully manicured lawn and garden with their relentless tunneling, which displaces your soil, creating not only unsightly mounds and ridges across your yard but also a series of disruptive disturbances that extend beyond mere aesthetics. This diminishes the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and makes it increasingly challenging to maintain a healthy lawn. The exposed tunnels also become inadvertent pathways for weeds, further complicating your landscaping efforts, necessitating additional time and resources for effective weed control measures.

Risk of Infestations

Moles are not the only creatures attracted to the burrows they create. The open tunnels can serve as entry points for other pests, including rodents and insects, seeking refuge or nesting spaces. This can lead to secondary infestations that extend beyond the initial mole problem, requiring additional pest control measures to safeguard your home. As these secondary infestations take root, they may introduce a range of challenges, from potential damage to stored items to health concerns associated with the presence of disease-carrying pests, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive pest management to ensure the long-term protection of your living environment.

Impact on Property Value

The structural and aesthetic damage caused by moles can significantly reduce the resale value of your property. Potential buyers may be deterred by the prospect of dealing with foundation issues or extensive landscaping repairs. Addressing mole-related damage promptly not only preserves the value of your home but also ensures a smoother selling process should you decide to put your property on the market. Furthermore, a well-maintained and mole-free property sends a positive message to prospective buyers, instilling confidence in the overall condition of the home and potentially facilitating a better sale.

Moles may appear harmless at first glance, but they can have far-reaching consequences for your home. Regular monitoring of your yard for signs of mole activity and prompt intervention are crucial to mitigating the potential damage they can cause. If you suspect mole activity around your home, do not hesitate to get in touch with our mole control professionals.