🕳️ Are Moles Active in Winter?
You might be wondering whether those mysterious molehills in your lawn stop appearing once the first frost falls. Do moles go into hiding—or even hibernate—until spring? The short answer is: no, moles stay active all winter long, though their behaviour does change. Here’s a closer look.
❄️ What We Know About Mole Behaviour in Winter
💤 Moles Do Not Hibernate
Contrary to popular belief, moles don’t hibernate. They lack the biological adaptations (fat reserves, for one) to stay dormant through winter. Instead, they remain active beneath the surface, constantly foraging for food.
⬇️ They Move Deeper Underground
When surface temperatures drop and the top layers of soil begin to freeze or harden, moles retreat to deeper soil layers where it’s more insulated and stable.
👀 Visible Activity Often Decreases—but That’s Misleading
Because the ground is harder, and because moles are deeper, you’re less likely to see molehills or surface tunnels during the worst of winter. This gives the impression they’ve “gone away.” But they’re still active.
🪱 Food Sources Still Available
Moles feed mainly on earthworms and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. Even in cold weather, many of these creatures survive under the soil, especially at depth.
📈 Seasonal Peaks in Visibility
Though active all year, mole activity is often more noticeable in late winter and early spring as soil thaws and breeding season begins.
🌱 Implications for Homeowners & Gardeners
- Don’t assume winter means no mole problems. Even if little is visible, damage can still be occurring under the surface.
- Damage may appear after winter. Uneven lawns, dead patches, or soil brought up in molehills may become more obvious once growth resumes in spring.
- Preventative and ongoing control matters. Strategies should not stop just because of cold weather.
- Early action helps. As ground thaws, moles will resume more surface tunnelling. Being vigilant early can help reduce damage escalation.
❓ FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can moles survive freezing temperatures? | Yes. Their deeper tunnels stay above freezing or at least less exposed to extreme cold. |
| Will molehills stop during snow or frost? | Surface molehills often become fewer when the top soil freezes. But beneath the surface, tunnelling will continue. |
| Is control more difficult in winter? | It can be: frozen ground, deeper tunnels and colder weather all make some control measures less effective. But with proper timing, winter is still manageable. |
✅ Conclusion
Moles may be less visible in winter, but they are very much alive and active below ground. If you’re seeing molehills, uneven lawn, or suspect subterranean activity—even in winter—it’s not just a spring issue. At Green Pest Control Services, we’re here to help all through the year, with advice and actions designed to curb mole damage before it gets worse.
