You probably don’t know the basic difference between vole vs. mole. People often mistake them as the same species because they both live underground. Not to mention that they look alike. However, they are quite different, and if you want to pay detailed attention to the form and shape, they are quite different.
The Basic Difference
So, where should you start in the vole vs. mole battle? Moles are underground creatures, and they are specialized for it. That’s why they have small eyes with concealed ears (with furs), and also paddle-like forefeet, useful for digging.
They don’t have any external ears. They are insectivores, meaning their main meal is invertebrates and insects. When they turn your soil upside down, they will create small piles of holes here and there.
Voles are basically rodents, and their size is almost similar to moles. They have small ears with black eyes. The face is blunt with big orange front teeth – useful for gnawing. They are included in herbivores, meaning they eat mostly seeds, roots, and grasses. When they are turning your soil upside down, they will create a net-like hole.
Whatever their differences, both are pesky – they will create mess and damage to your yard. Knowing some of the ways to get rid of them will be handy. After all, there are some great options for methods and solutions.
Comparing Voles and Moles
| Feature | Voles | Moles |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily herbivores; eat roots, bulbs | Carnivores; eat insects, worms |
| Tunnels | Shallow, near the surface | Deeper, creating mounds |
| Appearance | Small, stocky, rounded body, short tail | Larger, elongated body, large front paws |
| Damage to Yard | Chewing on plants, roots, and bulbs | Disruption of soil and plant roots |
| Prevention Methods | Traps, natural predators, maintaining yard | Traps, repellents, encouraging predators |
The Problems with Voles
Now that you have understood the differences between vole vs. mole, you may want to dig deeper into the voles. They are not commonly discussed or talked about, but they are surely annoying and pesky. The biggest problem with voles is that they will eat almost anything.
If you grow fruits or veggies, they will eat those things. What if you have plants or flowers? These voles will damage your yard, for sure. Not to mention that these voles are breeding machines, meaning they will make babies anyway and anytime they can.
You probably want to know more about getting rid of voles naturally, but try to avoid poison as best as possible. The voles will undergo slow and excruciating pain, and it is completely inhumane. There are still other ways to eliminate them without harming them.
How to Control the Voles
There are some things that you can do, including
- Modification to the habitat. If you can make your yard inhospitable or uncomfortable for the voles, they won’t live in it anymore. Remove brush piles because they are the homes for voles. Remove any wood piles, trash, or low bushes, even the sheds and soil. If possible, remove mulch around trees.
- Building a fence. By building a fence, you can protect your yard from their visit—smaller hardware cloth or mesh. Make sure to bury the fence more than a foot down because voles dig. They don’t climb, so be sure your fence is at least 12 inches above the ground. If you live in a snowy area, ensure your fence is taller than the snow’s standard maximum depth.
Having dealt with both voles and moles in my garden, I can attest to the frustration these creatures can cause. I noticed irregular patches of dying grass in my yard a few years ago. After some investigation, I discovered a network of shallow tunnels, which I initially mistook for mole activity.
However, upon closer inspection and observing the small, rounded droppings near the tunnels, I realized it was voles wreaking havoc on my lawn. Understanding these signs is crucial, as it helps determine the correct method to address the problem.
One effective way to deter voles is by using natural predators to your advantage. Encouraging owls, hawks, or even neighborhood cats to frequent your garden can help control vole populations. Additionally, maintaining a tidy garden by removing excess mulch and debris will make your yard less attractive to these pests.
There are still more effective ways to eliminate the voles, or moles, without hurting them. As long as you know the basic difference between vole vs. mole, you should be able to find the right way.
