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Mole/Vole

Moles and voles are small burrowing mammals that frequently cause problems for homeowners by damaging lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Although they are often mistaken for each other, they behave very differently and require different control strategies. In wildlife control, calls involving these animals typically occur when property owners notice tunneling, dying grass, or soft soil throughout their yard. Early identification is important because untreated activity can quickly spread and lead to widespread lawn damage.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice tunneling, plant damage, or spreading lawn destruction, it’s best to address the problem early. Professional wildlife control can identify the species involved, stop the activity, and prevent further damage before the issue becomes widespread.

Identification
Tips

Moles

  • Velvety gray or black fur

  • Large paddle-shaped front feet for digging

  • Very small eyes and no visible ears

  • Rarely seen above ground

Voles

  • Small rodent resembling a mouse

  • Brown or gray fur

  • Short tail and small ears

  • Often visible running along surface paths

A simple rule:
Raised tunnels = moles
Chewed plants and surface runways = voles

Biology and Life Cycle

Moles

  • Lifespan: 3–6 years

  • Diet: Insects, grubs, earthworms

  • Litters: 2–5 young annually

  • Active year-round underground

Voles

  • Lifespan: 3–12 months

  • Diet: Roots, bark, grass, bulbs

  • Litters: 3–6 per brood, multiple per year

  • Populations can grow rapidly

Both species remain active through winter beneath snow cover.

Behavior and Habits

Moles

  • Solitary animals

  • Constantly tunnel while hunting insects

  • Create extensive underground tunnel systems

  • Rarely come to the surface

Voles

  • Social rodents that live in colonies

  • Create shallow tunnels and surface runways

  • Feed heavily on plants and roots

  • Stay close to cover such as mulch or dense grass

Because their behaviors differ, proper identification is essential before treatment begins.

Signs of Activity

Common mole signs:

  • Raised ridges across lawns

  • Soft or spongy soil

  • Mounds of dirt (molehills)

  • Tunnels visible under turf

Common vole signs:

  • Narrow surface trails through grass

  • Small burrow openings

  • Gnawed plant stems or roots

  • Damage to shrubs or tree bark near ground level

Risks and Health Concerns

Moles can cause:

  • Uneven lawns and tripping hazards

  • Root disturbance

  • Damaged turf appearance

Voles can cause:

  • Dead patches of grass

  • Destroyed garden plants

  • Tree and shrub damage

  • Rapid population infestations

Neither animal is typically dangerous to people, but their damage can become extensive if ignored.

Removal and Control Techniques

Effective control depends on correctly identifying which species is present. Professional wildlife management may include:

  • Targeted trapping methods

  • Population reduction strategies

  • Habitat modification

  • Lawn and landscape assessment

  • Long-term prevention planning

Because moles and voles respond to different techniques, using the wrong approach often results in continued damage.

Prevention Tips

To make your yard less attractive to burrowing pests:

  • Keep grass trimmed and landscaping maintained

  • Reduce thick ground cover and heavy mulch

  • Remove food sources such as grubs when appropriate

  • Avoid overwatering lawns

  • Seal gaps along foundations and hardscapes

Healthy lawn management is one of the most effective preventative measures.

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