Moles, on the other hand, are insectivores with small eyes, strong digging claws, and dark velvety fur. While they primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and grubs, some may accidentally damage plant roots or tubers. Voles, small rodents measuring 4 to 8.5 inches long, have pudgy bodies, blunt faces, and short legs, with colors ranging from brown to gray. Eight vole species are widely distributed across Colorado, often found in dense grassy habitats.
What’s the Difference Between a Vole and Mole?
While both voles and moles are small, burrowing mammals that can damage lawns, they differ significantly in appearance, behavior, and diet. Voles are rodents with stocky bodies, short tails, and small eyes, creating surface runways and feeding on plant stems, roots, and bark. Moles, however, are insectivores with pointed snouts, large digging paws, and nearly invisible eyes and ears, primarily consuming earthworms and insect larvae. Unlike voles, moles leave behind volcano-shaped soil mounds from their underground burrows, making it important to correctly identify which pest is causing damage before taking action.
How Voles Damage Lawns and Gardens
Voles are small rodents that can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens by burrowing underground and feeding on vegetation. They create a network of tunnels and runways, which disrupt landscapes and leave behind dead grass patches. Voles feed on shrubs, tree bark, flower bulbs, and garden plants, often gnawing at the base of trees, which can lead to severe damage or even plant death. Signs of a vole infestation include visible runways, dead patches in lawns, gnaw marks on plants, and potential risks to pets due to the diseases they may carry.
How To Get Rid of Voles
To control a vole infestation, it is essential to remove their preferred habitat by clearing excess vegetation, mowing regularly, and reducing debris like mulch and dead grass. Protect young trees by wrapping their lower trunks with wire mesh and expose vole runways to make them feel less secure. Additional control methods include trapping with snap or live traps, using repellents such as castor oil or predator urine, and planting deterrent plants like garlic and catmint. Installing wire mesh fencing around garden beds can also help prevent voles from accessing and damaging plants.
How to Get Rid of Voles in Your Yard – Expert Advice
Voles can quickly turn a beautiful lawn into a network of tunnels and mounds, but with the right strategies, you can eliminate them and prevent their return. Effective control methods include trapping with baited snap or live traps, using repellents like castor oil or garlic, and removing their food sources by clearing tall grass and vegetation. Regular yard maintenance, such as mowing, trimming, and keeping the area debris-free, helps make the environment less hospitable for voles. Installing barriers like wire mesh around vulnerable areas and ensuring proper soil drainage can further protect your yard from infestations.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Moles create temporary surface tunnels that appear as ridges and are used briefly for feeding, while deeper tunnels serve as living quarters, forming molehills. A vole infestation can be identified by girdled tree bark, surface runways through matted grass, small feces piles, and short grass pieces. Signs of a personal problem include persistent negative emotions, difficulty managing daily life, risky behaviors, social withdrawal, physical symptoms, and concerns from others. If these issues cause distress or interfere with responsibilities, seeking help is important.
Conclusion
Identifying and managing voles and moles is essential for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens, as both pests can cause significant damage. While voles are rodents that feed on plant material and create surface runways, moles are insectivores that dig underground tunnels, forming soil mounds. Effective control methods include habitat modification, trapping, repellents, and physical barriers to deter these pests. Proper identification and targeted action can help gardeners protect their landscapes and prevent future infestations. If you need more info about How big is a French curve then visit this page.
FAQS
What is the fastest way to get rid of voles?
The fastest way to get rid of voles is by using traps, such as snap traps or live traps, placed near their runways. Removing their food sources and shelter, like tall grass and debris, also helps keep them away.
What scent will keep voles away?
Voles dislike strong smells like garlic, peppermint, and castor oil. Sprinkling these scents around your yard or garden can help keep them away.
What is the natural enemy of voles?
Voles have many natural enemies, including owls, hawks, foxes, snakes, and cats. Having these predators around can help control vole populations naturally.
What is a good repellent for voles?
A good repellent for voles is castor oil, which makes the soil unpleasant for them. Other options include predator urine, garlic spray, or commercial vole repellents.