Menu

Close

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker, Governor | illinois.gov

Solve a Wildlife Problem

Tunnels of Soil Through My Yard

If tunnels of soil have been pushed up through your yard, you have moles. Moles create these surface tunnels so that they can hunt underground for worms, grubs, and insects.

Photo: IDNR
An Eastern mole coming out of its burrow.
An Eastern mole coming out of its burrow.

Finding mole tunnels is evidence of a healthy ecosystem. They should be left alone whenever possible. Where moles cannot be tolerated, trapping is the most effective way to remove them. Click HERE for more information about mole damage prevention and control measures. Be aware that if the habitat is suitable, trapping moles is a temporary solution—other moles will eventually move to the site.

Photo: Laura Kammin
As moles tunnel under the ground their surface tunnels push soil up through the vegetation.
As moles tunnel under the ground, their surface tunnels push soil up through the vegetation.