The University of Missouri Extension says wet weather triggers mole activity. That is the mantra of moles as they follow their favorite food, earthworms,and tunnel throughout your yard.

A molehill creates an upheaval of soil surrounding a vertical tunnel shaft, often occurring after big rains. That is an exit point for moles to get some air, says University of Missouri Extension turf pathologist Lee Miller. Both tunnels and molehills can trap falling worms and serve as fast-food drive-thru lanes for moles.

Moles usually do most of their furrowing and burrowing in spring and fall, but excess rainfall can trigger activity at other times.

Moles alternate between sleeping and being active every two hours, but do not mistake them as sluggish. The velvety creatures are lightning fast, with strong fore-paws that have an extra thumb, allowing them to dig a foot a minute when in pursuit of food. They are voracious eaters, consuming 75% to 80% of their body weight daily.

Moles are often blamed for destroying flowers and ornamentals. The damage actually comes from their tunnels, which can expose roots to air, causing them to dry and die.

The key to finding active mole runways is to take a wooden dowel or stick and collapse a number of areas along the runway system, flagging them to track their location. Remember that moles feed and rest in two-hour cycles, so check back in three to four hours for areas tha mole activity has pushed upward.

There are three main controls for moles. Repellents sold at nurseries and garden centers contain castor bean oil.
Baits are sold that often claim to be flavored like earthworms, moles favorite food. Probably the most effective means of controlling moles is the use of mole traps.