Mole runs are created by the mole which has greatly enlarged, paddle-like forefeet and prominent toenails, which enable it to "swim" through the soil. They have strong legs, short necks, elongated heads, and they lack external ears, and their eyes are so small that at first glance they appear to be missing. A mole's fur is soft and brownish to grayish with silver highlights.
Moles prefer moist sandy loam soils in lawns, gardens, pastures and woodlands. They generally avoid heavy, dry clay soils. They construct extensive underground passageways (shallow surface tunnels) for spring, summer and fall; and deep, permanent tunnels for winter use. Moles, due to high energy requirements eat 70 to 80 percent of their weight daily. They actively feed day and night on mature insects, snail larvae, spiders, small vertebrates, earthworms and white grubs. Mole activity in lawns usually shows up as ridges of upheaved soil.
Trapping is the most successful and practical method to get rid of moles and eliminate damage.