Large Japanese mole

The large Japanese mole (Mogera robusta) is a prominent member of the Talpidae family within the order Eulipotyphla. Larger than its European counterparts, this mammal is a highly specialized burrower that thrives in rich, moist soil. While it is beneficial for soil aeration in wild ecosystems, in agricultural settings, its presence is often classified as a pest due to its extensive tunneling activities.

The species causes damage to a variety of agricultural crops, including vegetables, root crops, and nursery stock. As the animal digs its complex network of tunnels, it inadvertently disturbs or severs the root systems of plants. This leads to the disruption of water and nutrient uptake, causing crops to wilt, turn yellow, and often perish during critical growth stages.

The biology of Mogera robusta is centered around its constant search for food, primarily earthworms and soil-dwelling larvae. The breeding season occurs in the spring, with a single litter born annually. Once the young mature, they expand the territory, creating new tunnel systems. Their high metabolic rate requires them to be active throughout the day, which means they cause continuous damage to garden soil and root structures.

The harm caused by this pest is twofold: direct and indirect. Direct damage occurs through root destruction, while indirect harm involves the creation of tunnels that serve as highways for other pests, such as mice and voles, to access subterranean parts of crops. Additionally, the constant upheaval of soil mounds interferes with agricultural practices like tilling, irrigation, and harvesting.

Effective management and control measures include:

• Installing ultrasonic vibration devices to deter the moles.
• Using mechanical mole traps placed in active runways.
• Installing underground barriers like galvanized hardware cloth to protect specific beds.
• Maintaining soil moisture and compactness to discourage digging.
• Cultivating plants with strong odors that are known to act as natural deterrents.

Because these moles are insectivores, traditional rodenticides are generally ineffective and inappropriate for control. Instead, integrating physical barriers with environmental modification is the most successful long-term strategy for farmers and gardeners. Monitoring the site for new mounds allows for the targeted application of deterrents, keeping the mole population from establishing a permanent presence in cultivated areas.