Can Moles Really Swim?

The Mole Patrol

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Homeowners who are dealing with a mole problem will stop at nothing to try and take back control of their lawn again. One of the most popular home remedies for removing moles is to flood their tunnels and holes in an attempt to drown these little underground creatures.

Unfortunately, all this accomplishes is a muddy, watered down lawn and a headache. Why? Because moles can swim and they can also tunnel faster than the water can get to them. In fact, they can build secondary tunnels to escape and block their holes in as little as 2-3 seconds.

Can Moles Really Swim?

Most homeowners don't believe that moles can swim - but they can! 

While moles prefer to stay underground and dry, all moles can swim if the need arises. They have been observed to swim up to an hour at a time and can cover distances of a half a mile while swimming. They use their powerful arms to swim through the water, much like the way they move through the dirt.

Some moles even swim underwater and can hold their breath for up to 10 seconds at a time. The star-nosed mole, for example, is semi-aquatic and obtains some of its food underwater.

Moles use this swimming ability to get to safety in times of flooding. In fact, during high periods of flooding, moles will use their swimming skills to get to higher ground.

While they prefer to tunnel extensive underground systems and block off flooded tunnels when they occur, the hard truth is that they aren't afraid to get wet.

If Moles Can Swim, How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Most wildlife experts agree that trapping moles is the most effective and humane way to get rid of them. Since moles have extensive tunneling systems, flooding their tunnels or holes will not kill them. Instead, they will tunnel further down and block off the flooded holes in a matter of seconds. As such, trapping them is the only way to get rid of moles.

Unfortunately, trapping moles is difficult and requires a skilled and experienced mole removal expert. At the Mole Patrol, our trained technicians use their extensive knowledge of moles to eradicate mole problems quickly and efficiently.

We survey the property and install and secure our equipment to ensure favorable results. We then return to your property every 5-10 days to bury and flag the location of any moles that have been caught and to make adjustments accordingly.

When your mole problem is gone, we then offer a 6-month limited warranty, waiving the set-up fee should another mole decide to move in.

Do You Have a Mole Problem? We Can Help!

At Mole Patrol, we know how damaging moles can be to lawns, landscaping, and property. We use our expertise to catch moles and eliminate them so that you can repair the damage done to your property efficiently. Moles are difficult to control in the Pacific Northwest and not all companies know most effective remedies.

If you are dealing with a mole infestation in Bothell, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bellevue, Woodinville, Sammamish, Kirkland, or Redmond, call the Mole Patrol at 425-744-0371 or fill out our Request for Service form to get started with one of our Seattle area mole exterminators.