If you find a small, furry creature in your garden, would you know if it’s a vole or a mole? While these animals appear similar and can both cause havoc, identifying the right one is crucial to effectively addressing the problem. Voles belong to the rodent family and are smaller, similar in size to mice, with brown shades and short snouts similar to hamsters. They create surface trails, often visible after snow melts or when objects are moved, as they eat vegetation and roots of plants. Voles are found throughout the continental U.S. and are known for their rapid reproduction, with up to 10 litters a year.
Moles, larger than voles and part of the shrew family, are carnivorous and live primarily underground. They can be seen by the raised turf they create in lawns when digging for food. Usually found east of the Rockies, moles reproduce once a year and are rarely visible.
Damage from these critters is often noted by different patterns. Moles create raised burrows and mounds in search of food, whereas voles create visible surface runways causing plant roots damage. Effective pest control can involve traps, natural remedies, and repellant plants, like castor oil and capsaicin, to deter these garden pests without harming other wildlife.
Identifying and Managing Yard Damage from Voles and Moles
