Moles are notorious pests in certain parts of the country. They rarely eat plants--but as they tunnel along, they heave plants from the ground, sever tender roots, and disfigure lawns.

If only a few moles are present, you may opt to co-exist with them, since they eat many beetle larvae that prey on lawns, ornamental shrubs and trees, and vegetables. When a mole problem is out of hand, however, a spear- or harpoon-type trap is effective in reducing the animals' numbers. The traps come with instructions showing correct placement.

Moles are difficult to kill with poison bait, since they feed primarily on living creatures.