Molehills in the garden: it is not certain that the mole is causing the damage
Many people encounter annoying molehills on their lawns, especially during the spring and autumn months. When garden owners also notice chewed-off plant roots alongside the lawn, they often immediately blame the mole for the damage. However, according to experts, it is worth being cautious with such accusations.
It is important to know that the mole is primarily an insectivore. Its diet consists mainly of earthworms, larvae, and other soil-dwelling insects, so it does not consume plant roots. If plant roots in the garden are damaged, it is almost certainly indicative of the presence of other pests, such as mole crickets or certain types of voles.
The appearance of molehills, therefore, is more of an indication of the presence of insects living in the soil, which serve as food for the mole. Although the mounds can be aesthetically disruptive, the mole also performs useful work in the garden by ridding the soil of a large portion of pests that are dangerous to plants.
If you experience root damage in your garden, it is worth examining the soil more thoroughly before taking any drastic steps. Gardeners recommend observing the way the plants are dying and only beginning defensive measures once you have definitively identified the true pest.
Overall, the presence of a mole does not necessarily mean that it is the one destroying your flowers or vegetables. To maintain the balance of the garden, it is worth dealing with natural processes patiently and only intervening if the proliferation of pests poses a serious threat to your plants.