Have you ever noticed unsightly mounds or holes in your lawn and wondered who the culprits might be? In the realm of lawn pests, moles and voles are often found guilty, but telling them apart can be a challenge. Recognizing the differences in their physical characteristics, diets, and the damage they cause can help you manage these unwelcome visitors more effectively. Let’s dive into understanding these furry foes and explore methods to keep your garden and lawn serene and intact.
One of the simplest ways to differentiate between moles and voles is by considering their diets. Moles are the carnivores of the underground, feasting on insects, grubs, and earthworms. Their appetite for these creatures means that they can actually be beneficial by controlling some of the less-desirable insect populations in your garden. On the flip side, voles have a strictly vegetarian diet, munching on the roots and stems of plants. This can result in significant damage to your garden’s flora and is a key sign that voles, not moles, are at work.
Moles are small, mighty creatures measuring 4 to 7 inches in length. They boast paddle-shaped feet adorned with prominent digging claws, perfectly designed for a life spent tunneling through the earth. Moles have elongated heads and snouts, small eyes, and are earless, with short, velvet-like fur that allows them to navigate their tunnels effortlessly. Their tunnels, which can be constructed at an impressive rate, are often indicated by volcano-shaped mounds scattered across your lawn, a surefire sign of mole activity.
Contrarily, voles bear a resemblance to field mice, with short tails, compact bodies, small eyes, and partially hidden ears, distinguished by their prominent orange teeth suited for gnawing on plant roots and stems. A vole’s presence is heralded by golf ball-sized exit holes in the lawn, often making use of abandoned mole tunnels for travel and shelter. Voles can cause rapid and severe damage to plants, a notable sign when healthy plants suddenly wilt and collapse, having been gnawed at the base.
When tackling moles, a good strategy involves reducing their food supply. Given their carnivorous diet, addressing infestations of grubs and other insects can discourage moles from settling in your yard. This method focuses on removing the primary allure for moles, potentially encouraging them to seek more bountiful grounds elsewhere.
For voles, habitat modification is key. Eliminating the dense vegetative cover under which they hide and feed can significantly deter their presence. Clearing weeds, reducing heavy mulch, and keeping your garden tidy can remove both the vole’s food source and their protective shelter, making your yard less inviting to these vegetarian pests.
When dealing with the aftermath of controlling these pests, safety is paramount. Both moles and voles can carry diseases and parasites. When disposing of dead animals, it’s crucial to wear disposable gloves and either bury them deep in the ground or seal them in plastic bags before disposing of them in the trash. This step ensures a sanitary environment for you and your family, while keeping your home safe and pest-free.
Understanding the nuances between moles and voles can empower local residents, home buyers and sellers, and business owners to protect their property from these common lawn pests. With targeted interventions and a bit of patience, it is possible to reclaim your green spaces from these underground invaders.
