Quick Answer
Yes. While moles don’t feed on plants, their tunneling can disrupt soil structure, damage root systems, and leave lawns uneven or bumpy over time. Understanding what moles actually do underground helps homeowners decide when to address the activity.
Moles are insect-eaters. They spend nearly all of their time underground searching for earthworms, grubs, and other soil insects. To find that food, they tunnel extensively beneath lawns and landscaped areas.
Their tunneling is the source of the damage, not their diet. If you’re not sure whether what you’re seeing is mole work, our guide to what mole digging looks like shows the telltale patterns.
One of the most common myths is that moles damage lawns by feeding on grass or plant roots. That’s not what moles do. Damage to plant roots or bulbs is far more often the work of gophers or voles.
If you’re seeing plants disappearing or dying at the root, the underground culprit is likely something other than a mole. Narrowing down which pest is causing the damage is worth doing before you treat for the wrong animal.
Extensive tunneling can separate roots from the surrounding soil, making it harder for grass and plants to absorb water and nutrients. Over time, this can leave lawns thinning or patchy even though moles aren’t feeding on the plants directly.
Surface tunnels and repeated mound-building leave lawns uneven, bumpy, and difficult to mow. In active areas, the surface can feel soft or spongy underfoot.
Disturbed soil and shallow tunnels can affect how water moves through the lawn, leading to dry patches, uneven irrigation, and reduced overall lawn health.
Occasional mole activity may resolve on its own if the food source becomes less available. Ongoing tunneling across a lawn, though, is a sign the moles are established and additional damage is likely.
If mole tunneling continues to spread, if lawn surfaces are becoming noticeably uneven, or if you’re not sure whether moles or another underground pest is responsible, professional evaluation is the best next step.
For more information, visit our Northern California Mole Control page.