it is spring and the snow is melting, and you can see all the mole damage that was done to the lawns under the snow. It is still in the
30's at night. Getting calls about mole damage. I was just wondering if anyone has ever taken ground temperatures to see when the moles start to use surface runes. Just looking for that edge to catch more moles with less traps. I have read on this site some trap their mole by digging up the mounds to place the traps in.
Thank you in advance!

Science!

The earthworms need to be on the surface for the moles to start using surface tunnels. Otherwise it’s a waste of precious energy.

So, 33F.

Don't confuse mole damage with Vole damage. Not saying that you don't know the difference. Many consumers don't know the difference. Like stated surface temps need to be conducive for migration and habitation of worms and grubs.

EatenByLimestone
You are 100% correct, I would like to be able to put traps in the ground just before the mole start using the run. I checked the ground today and it was 47degrees F. I have not seen any signs of worm yet.

As soon as the ground is thoughted (s) and the moles start to move, get them.

I’m not sure they’ll use the old tunnels. They could, they’d certainly save the energy of making new tunnels. Excavating deep tunnels is much more work than pushing up surface ones. I’m sure they’d use the deep tunnels as long as they can… as long as there are still worms in the area. But the worms might have left the area due to predation or been eaten. Have you seen them jump out of the ground when sawing through the sod? It’s like mini worm grubbing!

The surface may be thawed, but there’s probably still a layer of frost between the worms and the surface keeping them down.