Have you ever noticed unsightly tunnels running through your perfectly manicured lawn? Or perhaps you’ve spotted evidence of nibbling on your plants and shrubs, leaving you frustrated and puzzled. If so, you may be dealing with a mole or a vole infestation. These small furry creatures may seem similar, but they exhibit distinct behavioral differences and cause varying degrees of damage. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between moles and voles, the damage they cause, and prevention techniques you can use to keep them at bay. So, let’s dig in!
What Are Moles and Voles?
Moles and voles are two small creatures that can cause significant damage to a lawn or garden. Both these animals have some similarities, but they also have a few distinct differences. Understanding the difference between moles vs. voles, their behavior, and prevention techniques can help homeowners protect their gardens, crops, and landscapes from these tiny animals.
Moles: Moles are small, burrowing mammals with cylindrical bodies, short legs, and pointed snouts. Moles usually have gray or brown fur, small eyes, and no visible ears. Moles are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Moles are creatures that have evolved in soil or subterranean living, and their shovel-like front paws and short, spade-shaped claws are designed explicitly for digging through soil.
Voles: Voles, also known as meadow mice, are small rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae. Unlike moles, voles have rounded snouts and prominent black eyes and ears. They have dense brown or gray fur and are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Voles do not have the same digging ability that moles have, but they create small underground tunnels to travel through.
Despite their physical differences, both moles and voles are known to cause similar types of damage to lawns and gardens. However, the prevention techniques used for each creature are different. To prevent damage, it is important to first understand their behavior and habits.
Understanding mole’s digging behavior and diet can help homeowners prevent garden damage. Moles in the ecosystem is an interesting myth vs. fact topic. Also, weather can affect mole’s behavior and navigation; understanding how they behave in different weather conditions will help in prevention techniques. Meanwhile, understanding voles’ behavior and navigation will help prevent their infestation.
In the next section, we will discuss the differences in behavior between moles and voles, which will further help in identifying and preventing infestations.
Moles
When it comes to garden pests, moles are a common culprit. These burrowing creatures are often confused with their close relative, the vole. However, moles have distinct behavior patterns and characteristics that set them apart from voles. Moles are known for their incredible digging ability, which helps them search for their favorite food – earthworms. Understanding mole behavior is essential for effective prevention and control techniques. To learn more about mole behavior and prevention, see our article on mole behavior and prevention.
Voles
Voles, also known as meadow mice, are small rodents that typically grow up to six inches in length. They have compact, sturdy bodies with short legs and small eyes and ears. Here are some characteristics of voles:
- Diet: Voles are herbivores and primarily feed on plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. They can cause significant damage to gardens, orchards, and lawns.
- Habitat: Voles prefer living in grassy areas, meadows, and fields. They can also be found in wooded areas or near bodies of water. They typically build their nests in underground burrows.
- Reproduction: Voles breed frequently and have a short gestation period of around three weeks. Females can give birth to up to ten litters per year, with each litter containing around three to six offspring.
- Behavior: Voles are active year-round, but are most active during the cooler months. They are primarily active during the night and spend most of their time underground. They are known to create complex tunnel systems and burrows, which can lead to damage to plant roots and soil erosion.
Voles can be mistaken for moles due to their similar burrowing behavior, but they primarily eat plant material rather than insects. If left unchecked, voles can cause significant damage to gardens and lawns, so it is important to take preventative measures, such as planting voles-resistant plants and using fencing to keep them out of certain areas.
Behavioral Differences
Moles and voles are often mistaken for each other, but they have distinct differences in their behavior. Knowing these differences can help you identify which type of rodent is causing damage to your yard or garden.
Moles: Moles are solitary animals that spend most of their time underground. They are well adapted to digging and have powerful front legs and large paws with sharp claws that allow them to tunnel through soil with ease. Moles are active throughout the day and night, but they tend to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
One unique behavior of moles is their ability to navigate underground using their sense of touch and smell. They have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to locate prey and navigate their tunnels. They also use small, specialized hairs on their body to sense vibrations in the soil, which helps them detect movement of insects and other prey.
Voles: Voles, also known as meadow mice, are rodents that mainly live above ground. They have a rounded body shape, smaller eyes and ears, and a shorter tail compared to moles. Voles are social animals and live in colonies with multiple individuals.
Voles are active during the day and night, but they tend to be more active at night. They do not have the same digging abilities as moles, and they typically create shallow tunnels on the surface of the soil. Voles have a primarily herbivorous diet and can cause significant damage to vegetation in gardens and lawns.
Unlike moles, voles do not navigate by touch and smell. They rely on their vision and sense of hearing to detect threats from predators.
Understanding the behavior of moles and voles can help you identify which type of rodent is causing damage to your property, and choose the best prevention and removal techniques. For more information on the behavior and habits of moles, check out our article on moles’ behavior and navigation, while you can read about their role in the ecosystem in our article about myths and facts about moles in the ecosystem. If you’re interested in understanding moles’ diet, read our article on how to prevent garden damage from moles. If you want to know more about moles’ digging behavior and its effect on lawn, you can read our article on moles’ digging behavior. Weather also plays a role in the behavior of moles, learn more at our article on weather and moles’ behavior.
Moles
When it comes to rodents that cause chaos in our yards and gardens, moles are often at the top of the list. These furry creatures have the ability to tunnel through the ground at a rapid pace, leaving mounds of dirt in their wake. Although they don’t eat plants or their roots, their tunneling can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens. But what do we really know about moles, and how can we prevent them from wreaking havoc in our outdoor spaces? Let’s dive into some key facts and prevention techniques.
Voles
When it comes to identifying voles, there are a few important traits to look for. These rodents are small in size, typically measuring between 5 and 8 inches long. They have stocky bodies covered in dense fur that can range in color from reddish-brown to gray. Voles are also known for their distinctive round ears and short tails.
Another distinguishing feature of voles is their feeding behavior. These rodents are herbivorous and feed primarily on the roots of plants. They will also consume bulbs and tubers, which can cause damage to gardens and landscaping.
Voles are also known for their burrowing behavior. Unlike moles, which create tunnels underground, voles dig burrows and pathways on the surface of the ground. These burrows can range in size from small divots to larger holes that can cause tripping hazards.
Here is a table summarizing the important traits of voles:
| Size | 5-8 inches |
| Fur Color | Reddish-brown to gray |
| Feeding Behavior | Eats roots, bulbs, and tubers |
| Burrowing Behavior | Digs burrows on the surface of the ground |
Understanding the behavior and traits of voles is an important step in identifying and preventing damage to your landscaping and garden. By using natural repellents, traps, exclusion techniques, or seeking professional removal services, you can effectively protect your property from the damage caused by these pesky rodents.
Damage Caused by Moles and Voles
Moles and voles are known to cause considerable damage to yards, gardens, and crops, which is why it is important to know the difference between these two creatures and how to prevent their intrusion. Moles, for example, dig extensive tunnel systems that can damage root systems, create unsightly mounds of soil, and make it difficult to mow a lawn. Their tunnels can also disrupt the infrastructure of your yard, such as water, gas, and electrical lines, which can be a safety hazard.
On the other hand, voles are known for their love of plants and can wreak havoc on vegetation by damaging root systems, gnawing on the bark of trees and shrubs, and consuming both flowers and fruits. They can greatly affect the overall health of your garden and landscape plants. Vole damage is often invisible below ground, which can make it difficult to detect until it’s too late.
The damage caused by both moles and voles can be extensive and costly if not addressed in a timely manner. In addition to the physical damage, these pests can also attract other predators, like snakes and rodents, which can become a new issue to address.
It is important to understand the differences between these two creatures so that you can use the appropriate prevention techniques to protect your property from damage.
Moles
Moles are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Talpidae. These small mammals are known to burrow their way through soil and create complex underground tunnels. They have a cylindrical body with strong forelimbs that are perfect for digging. Their snout is long and pointed, and their eyes and ears are small and usually not visible. Moles are highly adapted to living underground, and they have specialized physical features that make them excellent burrowers. Let’s dive deeper and discover some interesting facts about the behavior of moles.
Voles
Voles, also known as meadow mice, are small, compact rodents that share similarities with other burrowing animals such as hamsters and gophers. They have a round body with a short neck and legs, and typically have brown or gray fur.
Diet:
Voles are herbivores and primarily eat grasses, roots, and bark. Their diet also includes various garden vegetables and fruits, which can cause significant damage to agricultural crops.
Habitat:
Voles are found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, forests, and residential areas. They prefer areas with dense vegetation, such as tall grass, shrubs, or overgrown areas.
Behavior:
Voles are active year-round and are most active during the morning and evening hours. They are excellent burrowers and build complex tunnels and burrow systems underground. These tunnels can often be seen in lawns and gardens as raised ridges or bumpy areas. The rodents have small, sharp teeth that they use to gnaw on plant roots and tree bark.
Breeding:
Voles have a high reproductive rate and can produce up to ten litters per year, with each litter containing between three to ten pups. The young voles become sexually mature between two to three months and can develop into a full-grown adult in just one month.
Signs of Infestation:
The presence of voles is indicated by the appearance of runways and burrows in yards or gardens. Damage to plants and vegetables is also a sign of their presence. Voles also leave behind distinctive droppings that are small and round.
Control Methods:
To control a vole infestation, there are several measures that can be taken. One effective approach is to remove any cover, such as debris and tall grass, which can serve as a habitat for voles. Another option is the use of physical barriers, such as mesh wire, to protect garden plants and trees. Voles can also be deterred by natural repellents, like castor oil, or by traps specifically designed for their size and behavior.
Voles’ burrowing behavior and herbivorous diet may cause notable damage to gardens and crops, but with appropriate prevention techniques and timely action, infestations can be effectively controlled.
Prevention Techniques
One of the best strategies to keep moles and voles at bay is prevention. Even if you do not have a current infestation, these techniques can help keep these damaging critters from making themselves comfortable in your yard.
Natural Repellents
There are a variety of natural repellents that can deter moles and voles from inhabiting your yard. Castor oil, for example, can be applied to your lawn and garden to emit an unpleasant smell that these pests find unappealing. Similarly, garlic and red pepper flakes can produce a scent that will deter both moles and voles.
Traps
If you have a current mole or vole infestation and want to get rid of them, traps can be a useful tool. There are various types of traps available, ranging from lethal traps to humane ones that allow you to capture and release them elsewhere. It is important to check your traps regularly so that you can quickly remove any trapped animals.
Exclusion
Exclusion techniques work by simply blocking off entry to your lawn and garden. This can be done by placing a barrier around your garden or burying wire mesh underground. Be sure to also fill in any holes that may allow these pests to enter your yard.
Professional Removal
If your mole or vole infestation proves too difficult to manage through prevention techniques or traps, it may be time to call in professional help. Pest control companies have a variety of tools and resources at their disposal to properly and safely remove these pests from your property.
By using one or more of these prevention techniques, you can keep your lawn and garden healthy and free from damage caused by moles and voles. Keep in mind that early intervention is key when it comes to pest infestations, so be sure to monitor your yard regularly so that you can address any issues as soon as possible.
Natural Repellents
One of the most effective ways to prevent a mole or vole infestation in your yard is through the use of natural repellents. These products work by emitting odors or flavors that are unpleasant to moles and voles, causing them to stay far away from your property. While there are many different natural repellents on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Keep reading to discover some of the best natural repellents and how they work.
Traps
One effective way to control moles and voles is by using traps. Traps can be an effective way to capture and remove these unwanted pests from your yard or garden. Here are some common traps used for moles and voles:
| Trap Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Scissor-Jaw Trap | Can catch multiple moles or voles in one setting. Quick and humane. | Can be difficult to set. Must be checked regularly. |
| Harpoon Trap | Highly effective at killing moles quickly. | Can be dangerous to set. Not as effective for voles. |
| Bait Station | Can be used to control both moles and voles. Allows for the use of poison. | Poison can be dangerous for pets and wildlife. May not be as effective as other traps. |
| Pitfall Trap | Can be effective for both moles and voles. Less harmful to non-target animals. | Not as effective at catching larger animals. Must be checked regularly. |
It’s important to note that the use of traps requires some knowledge of the behaviors of moles and voles, as well as careful attention to safety procedures. Traps should always be used in a responsible and humane manner. Additionally, checking the traps regularly will help ensure that the pests are removed from your yard as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Exclusion
A crucial step in preventing mole or vole damage is excluding them from your garden or yard. This can be done by using physical barriers that are too difficult for them to burrow through, and there are several methods you can use.
Method | Pros | Cons
Mesh fencing | Effective in blocking off a large area | Can be costly and difficult to install
Hardware cloth | Smaller openings prevent voles from getting through | Still possible for moles to get through
Rock barriers | Attractive and natural-looking | Not as effective as mesh or hardware cloth
Plant bulbs in cages | Protects bulbs from being dug up by voles | Not effective for moles or larger animals
No matter which method you choose, be sure to overlap the barrier material and bury it deeply enough to prevent burrowing. It’s important to note that exclusion alone may not solve your mole or vole problem, and it’s best to use in combination with other prevention techniques such as natural repellents and traps.
Professional Removal
When all else fails, it may be necessary to call in the professionals to remove moles or voles from the property. Professional removal services utilize a variety of methods to eradicate these pests, and they can be a good option for those who have tried other methods without success.
Chemical Treatments: Professional pest control companies often employ chemical treatments to get rid of moles or voles. These treatments may include baiting, poison, or gas to kill the burrowing creatures.
Trapping: Trapping is a common method used by professional exterminators for the removal of moles and voles. Traps can be placed in or around tunnels and are designed to capture the pests without harming them. After the pests are captured, they can be removed from the property and relocated to a new environment.
Extermination: In some cases, extermination may be the only effective option for getting rid of a mole or vole infestation. Professional exterminators have access to powerful insecticides and other tools that can effectively and quickly eradicate pests.
Preventive Measures: Once the pests have been removed from the property, professional exterminators can also provide preventive measures to ensure that they do not return. This may include ongoing monitoring, exclusion techniques to prevent re-entry, and other measures designed to keep moles and voles away from the property for good.
It is important to choose a reputable and experienced pest control company to ensure that the mole or vole infestation is effectively removed from the property. A qualified pest control technician can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for the specific type of pest and the severity of the infestation. With professional help, homeowners can rid their property of these destructive and frustrating pests and enjoy a pest-free outdoor space once again.
How to Tell If You Have a Mole or Vole Infestation
When it comes to identifying whether you have a mole or vole infestation, there are several tell-tale signs to look out for. One of the most easily noticeable signs is damage to your lawn or garden. Both moles and voles dig tunnels and burrows underground in search of food, so if you notice raised tunnels or ridges in your lawn or garden, it is likely that one of these creatures is to blame.
However, there are some behavioral differences between moles and voles that can help you identify which one is causing the damage. Moles typically create raised molehills in your lawn, which are large conical mounds of soil. Voles, on the other hand, create shallow burrows in your lawn or garden, which can be identified by their flattened shape.
Another way to identify whether you have a mole or vole infestation is to look for their droppings. Mole droppings are usually cylindrical in shape and are around 1-3 inches in length. In contrast, vole droppings are smaller and more rounded. They are usually around ¼ inch in length and are commonly found near the entrances to their burrows.
You can also look for the physical characteristics of the creatures themselves. Moles have large, paddle-like front paws that they use to dig tunnels, while voles have smaller feet and are not as adept at digging. Moles have pointed snouts and no external ears, while voles have shorter snouts and visible ears.
If you suspect that you have a mole or vole infestation, it is important to take action quickly to prevent further damage to your lawn or garden. There are a range of prevention techniques available, including natural repellents, traps, exclusion, and professional removal. By identifying the type of pest causing the damage, you can choose the most appropriate course of action to effectively eradicate the infestation and protect your lawn and garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between moles and voles is crucial for effective pest control. While both can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens, their behavior and habits differ greatly.
Moles are burrowing animals that create extensive tunnels and molehills, and feed mainly on insects and grubs. Voles, on the other hand, are more similar to mice and rats, and tend to live in above-ground runways, feeding on plant material.
To prevent infestations, it is important to implement a variety of prevention techniques, including natural repellents, traps, and exclusion. However, if prevention methods are unsuccessful, it may be necessary to seek professional removal services to eliminate the problem.
If you suspect that you have a mole or vole infestation, it is important to assess the damage and look for signs of their activity. Early detection can help prevent extensive damage to lawns and gardens.
In conclusion, by understanding the differences between moles and voles, their behavior, and prevention techniques, homeowners and gardeners can effectively protect their landscapes from significant damage caused by these pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I differentiate between moles and voles?
Moles have cylindrical bodies, paddle-like front paws, and no external ears, while voles have rounder bodies, small rounded ears, and visible eyes and whiskers.
2. What kind of damage do moles cause?
Moles create tunnels and mounds in the soil, which can damage the roots of plants and make the soil unstable.
3. Are moles harmful to humans?
No, moles are not harmful to humans. They are beneficial to gardens as they help aerate the soil.
4. Do voles cause damage to plants?
Yes, voles can damage plants by gnawing on the bark and roots of trees and shrubs, which can lead to their death.
5. What are some natural repellents for moles and voles?
Castor oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes are all natural repellents for moles and voles.
6. How do I set a trap for moles or voles?
Moles can be trapped using specially designed mole traps, while voles can be trapped using snap traps or live traps.
7. What is exclusion and how does it prevent moles and voles?
Exclusion involves placing barriers around plants or gardens to prevent moles and voles from accessing them. This can include wire mesh or hardware cloth.
8. Can I remove moles or voles myself?
Yes, but it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure humane removal and proper prevention techniques.
9. What are the signs of a mole or vole infestation?
Mole infestations are indicated by raised soil mounds or surface tunnels, while vole infestations are indicated by gnawed bark and roots or visible tracks in the snow.
10. Can I use poison to control moles or voles?
It is not recommended to use poisons for mole or vole control, as they are often ineffective and can harm other animals and the environment.
