Thank you for your question. Moles will remain active in your yard over the winter. However, their activities during this time will largely be limited to soil below the frost line. Moles feed on other inhabitants of the soil such as earthworms and small insects. Here is some general information about moles.

https://metromolecontrol.com/minnesota-mole-removal-services/ - :~:text=A moles diet consists of,live below the frost line.

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/bumps.html

I would suspect that the frost line in Hennepin county is on the order of three feet deep or so. Moles would be at this soil level during our impeding winter. For this reason, trying to control their numbers over the next few months will not be very effective. At this time, plan the steps that you should take next spring (March to April 2026) as the snow melts and the ground thaws. Here are some ideas:

1). As the snow melts, look for mole tunnels on the surface of the grass. These should be active tunnels as recognized by the brown grass on their tops while adjacent grass is greening up. Also to identify an active tunnel, step lightly on a raised surface run to flatten it. If it pops back up within 24 hours, it’s active. At this point, trapping would be your fastest route. Set the trap on THAT tunnel. Underneath the trap, press down the soil so the mole will be forced to reopen the tunnel. Place the trap so it fires when the tunnel is pushed upward by the mole’s activity. If you do not trap a mole during the next 48–72 hours, you’re on the wrong tunnel. Then relocate the trap to a different tunnel. Although I cannot recommend a specific brand of trap, look for one having a spear, loop, or scissor apparatus.

2). Use of poisons is also recommended though studies generally show that they are not as effective as trapping. One effective substance used as bait is called Talpirid. Look for a product containing it. Be sure to follow the use instructions on the product label.

The following should provide you information on these and related points:

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-trap-moles

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/holen/article/1995dec19.pdf

https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/management-of-moles/

https://www.vikingpest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Talpirid-Mole-Bait-Label.pdf

Besides doing either or both methods in spring 2026, repeat during late summer and early fall 2026. This latter window would be especially important if you see the presence of new tunnels. These critters are resilient so it may take more than one season to eliminate them completely.

One final point.  Active moles often indicate lawns that have a grub population.  Goggle "grub, turf" for information regarding the indication of grub activity.

Good Luck. Please get back to us with any additional, related questions. Thanks for consulting us.