Summary

Moles tunnel underground , induce damage to your lawn , while voles burrow underground , airlift Gunter Wilhelm Grass and detrimental plants in your yard . But since the creatures are so like in appearing and negatively affect the lawn , it can be hard to determine which one is causing scathe to your cubic yard . They also require unlike discourse and prevention method , so it is of import to make out whether it is moles or voles wreaking havoc in your pristine yard .

Learn the difference of opinion and characteristics of moles and voles , as well as what type of impairment they cause , and how you may free them from your yard and foreclose them from returning in the future .

Voles vs Moles: The Differences

How to identify voles vs moles

Though moles and voles may appear similar at first glance , they are in reality entirely different creature .

While bulwark and voles are very common , some might also wonder aboutmoles vs vole vs shrew . There are several differences between mole , vole , and termagant that make them identifiable .

vole

mole and vole holes in the garden

Moles

Shrew

Size

Close up of mole coming out of the ground

Image credits:Beeki via Pixabay

Length : 5 to 8 inch Weight : 2 to 9 ounces

Length : 6 to 8 inch Weight : 3 to 5 ounce

distance : 3 to 4 inch Weight : less than 1 ounce

Mole mounds and hills in the grass

Image credits:Counselling via Pixabay

Where They live on

pass a lot of time above ground , though they tunnel and make nest underground .

Spend almost all of their time underground , require pinna and oculus security .

vole trapped in cage

Spend a quite a little of time in underground burrows and live underground or in tree cavities .

Fur Color

Dark brown fur with a gray - ish abdomen that turns white in winter .

screen mesh for garden

Gray or brown velvety fur .

Gray to black in colour .

What They Eat

Shrews , dead animals , succulent root systems , and implant lightbulb .

Earthworms , grubs , and insect , as well as some seeds and veggie matter .

Insects , earthworm , centipedes , millepede , escargot , and Gaul .

Identifying feature

Long , haired backside with a small round head , small eyes and ears , and large front tooth .

Pointed snouts with big , webbed front foot with short claws .

Long nozzle and precipitous , spike - similar teeth , with small eyes .

How They Cause Damage

And how to identify holes from voles vs moles vs gophers

If you are not able to spot a mol or field mouse in your yard , you could still differentiate between the two from how they affect your yard . apart from eat parts of your garden , moles and field mouse make harm to lawns .

Voles vs Moles Tunnels and Runways

Voles vs Moles Holes and Mounds

Voles create 1- to 2 - in runway along the control surface of grass , induce dead patches .

vole forget hole around the bases of trees , which is where they tend to hide out .

Moles create a web of undercover tunnels . They also leave runway on the lawn .

When mole surface from their tunnels , they make molehills , lifting the sod and creating a atomic pile of soil .

Mole cumulus are strobilus - shaped and about 2 inches in diameter . While gopher also leave mounds in the garden , they are typically crescent - influence , and the creatures cut into holes on the side of the mound rather than the top . Gopher agglomerate are also much large , being 12 to 20 inch in diameter .

To determine if a runway or tunnel is still active , step on it to flatten it out . go over on it the next day — if it is still vapid , it is no longer combat-ready , butif it has reopen , there are potential mole animals or voles in the orbit .

If you acknowledge large holes in your yard , there is a chancethey are not because of Snake River ! A snake kettle of fish is 1 to 2 in in diameter and several animal foot bass , while mole hole are generally 2 in in diam and 10 inches cryptic .

Trapping Voles vs Moles

Voles like peanut butter while moles do not care

Humane trap are a good option for handling moles and voles . Placing sand trap in areas where the animal frequent is idealistic . For model , voles will come out of the holes around trees and their nests , while moles may come out of their molehills . So , it is ideal to place the trap around the kettle of fish or hill in the ground . Also , voles are attracted to rag , such as peanut butter , while moles do not necessarily care for it . Moles are typically not draw in to baits , so proper hole placement is the best wager .

To safely release moles from humane ambush :

Prevention Tips

Using insecticides and barriers to prevent moles vs voles

Since moles and field mouse are different animals and do not eat the same thing or make the same eccentric of damage , they require unlike preventative measuring . However , a good rule of thumb is toremove their food generator .

Repel moles with home remedies

Since moles are meat eaters , you canrepel themby treat your lawn and garden with insecticidesto slay common food sources , such as grubs . Other option include :

Prevent voles with barriers and proper yard care

To forbid voles , instal a engagement fence , about 6 to 10 inches rich , around your gardento prevent the creature from accessing and gnawing on your plants . It is also good to :

Do You Dig It?

To get rid of moles and voles , it is crucial to get laid the difference , so you may properly plow , command , and prevent the problem . While both breakwater and field mouse make runways , mole make burrow and pitcher , while vole create fix near trees . Also , vole tend to eat the vegetation , while gram molecule create tunnels that may damage their origin systems . The best way to remove moles and field mouse is with a humanistic trap , andto preclude the creatures from come back , be certain to remove their intellectual nourishment source .

Do you know anyone who is struggling with what may be a mole or vole problem ? divvy up what you learned to lend a helping helping hand !