Voles vs. Moles: How to Identify and Effectively Treat These Garden Pests

At Grasshopper Gardens, homeowners frequently ask about the differences between voles and moles and how to prevent them from damaging their lawns and gardens. While both pests can cause significant landscape issues, they exhibit distinct behaviors and require different control methods. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between moles and voles, how to identify their presence, and the most effective treatments to protect your yard.

Understanding the Differences Between Voles and Moles

Despite their similar-sounding names, moles and voles are entirely different animals with unique habits. Correctly identifying which pest is damaging your lawn is crucial for applying the proper treatment strategy.

What Are Moles?

Moles are small, burrowing mammals with elongated, cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and powerful, spade-like front paws designed for digging. Unlike rodents, moles are insectivores, meaning they primarily feed on insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates found in the soil.

Signs of Mole Damage

Moles create underground tunnels, leaving behind raised ridges and small dirt mounds. Their burrowing activity disrupts lawns, causing uneven ground and unsightly patches of displaced soil. While moles do not directly feed on plant roots, their tunnels can loosen the soil and expose plant roots, leading to weakened vegetation.

Common Misconceptions About Moles

A widespread belief is that moles indicate a grub infestation in your lawn. While moles do eat grubs, they also consume earthworms and other insects. Having moles in your yard does not necessarily mean you have a grub problem, and conversely, you could have a grub infestation without attracting moles. Properly diagnosing the issue is essential before implementing any treatment.

What Are Voles?

Voles are small, mouse-like rodents with short tails, rounded ears, and a preference for feeding on plant materials. Unlike moles, voles remain above ground and primarily damage gardens and lawns by chewing on grass, plant roots, and the stems of young shrubs.

Signs of Vole Damage

• Surface-level runways: Voles create visible pathways in the grass where they travel and feed. These narrow, worn-down trails can be seen in lawns and garden beds.
• Plant destruction: Voles feed on grass, plant roots, and stems, often causing significant damage to young plants and shrubs.
• Gnawed bark: In winter, voles may chew on the bark of trees and bushes, potentially leading to plant death if left unchecked.

Why Vole Damage is More Noticeable in Spring

Vole damage is most evident in the spring, particularly after winters with prolonged snow cover. Snow provides voles with protection from predators such as hawks and owls, allowing them to thrive and feed beneath the surface. Once the snow melts, homeowners may discover extensive damage to their lawns, including chewed grass and exposed root systems.

The good news is that vole damage is typically temporary. Since voles do not destroy the entire root system of grass, affected areas often recover naturally as new growth emerges in warmer months.

How to Repair Vole Damage in Your Lawn

If you’ve noticed vole damage in your yard, you can take simple steps to promote grass recovery:

1. Rake Up Dead Grass: Remove any dead grass and loosen compacted soil to allow for new growth.
2. Apply Seed and Soil (Optional): While grass usually regenerates on its own, adding fresh seed and soil can help accelerate the recovery process.
3. Encourage Natural Predators: Owls, hawks, and foxes naturally prey on voles. Encouraging these wildlife species in your area can help keep vole populations in check.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Lawn

Unlike voles, moles require different treatment strategies to effectively eliminate them from your yard. Here are some proven methods:

1. Use Mole Bait or Traps: Mole-specific baits mimic their natural food sources and are highly effective in reducing mole activity. Traps can also be strategically placed in active tunnels.
2. Reduce Soil Moisture: Since moles are attracted to moist, insect-rich soil, reducing watering and improving drainage can make your lawn less appealing.
3. Eliminate Their Food Source: If you suspect a grub infestation, treating your lawn for grubs can help deter moles by cutting off their primary food supply.

Preventing Future Vole and Mole Infestations

Preventative measures can help protect your landscape from future vole and mole damage:

• Keep Your Lawn Well-Maintained: Regular mowing, raking, and removing excess vegetation can reduce shelter for voles.
• Install Barriers: Wire mesh or underground fencing around garden beds can help prevent voles from accessing plant roots.
• Use Repellents: Natural or commercial vole and mole repellents, such as castor oil-based products, can deter these pests from burrowing in your yard.

Final Thoughts

While both moles and voles can be disruptive to lawns and gardens, their impact differs significantly. Moles create underground tunnels that affect the appearance and structure of your lawn, while voles cause direct plant damage. Fortunately, vole damage is usually temporary and can be remedied with simple lawn care practices.

For mole infestations, targeted baiting and trapping methods are the most effective solutions. If you need professional assistance in managing these pests, Grasshopper Gardens is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and tailored solutions to restore the health and beauty of your landscape.