Unearthing the Truth: Moles vs. Voles and How to Manage Them
Quick answer: Moles are insect eaters that tunnel underground and push up raised ridges and mounds of soil. Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that eat grass, roots and bulbs and leave shallow runways on the surface. Moles rarely eat plants, so chewed plants usually mean voles. Baiting and trapping in travel runs work on moles; most home remedies do not.
by Taylor's Way | Apr 1, 2024 | Blog
The unexpected climate shifts—last year's drought followed by an early Spring and significant precipitation—have not only altered our landscapes but have also led to increased mole activity in our lawns. At Taylor's Way, while we offer baiting and Repellex treatments to manage these critters, we acknowledge that there's no foolproof solution. However, understanding the difference between moles and voles, and debunking common myths, can empower homeowners to take more effective actions toward managing their presence.
Moles vs. Voles: Know Your Foe
Though often confused for one another, moles and voles have distinct habits and impacts on your garden and lawn.
Moles
Moles are solitary creatures that live underground, rarely seen by homeowners. They're insectivores, primarily feeding on earthworms and grubs. The visible signs of their presence are mounds of soil and raised ridges across your lawn, resulting from their tunneling activities. These tunnels can disrupt root systems, indirectly harming plants.
Voles
Voles are small rodents that resemble mice. Unlike moles, voles eat plants as well as insects and can cause significant damage to grass, perennial plants' roots, and bulbs. They create numerous shallow tunnels and paths in the lawn and are more likely to be seen by homeowners.
Did You Know? Mole Facts
Active Year-Round
Moles do not hibernate — they eat and tunnel all year long.
Voracious Appetite
A mole needs to consume 85% of its body weight daily, consuming 45–50 pounds of earthworms per year. Earthworms are their primary diet.
Speedy Diggers
Moles can dig nearly 18 feet of surface tunnels per hour and travel 80 feet in one minute.
Deep Tunnels & Reproduction
Subsurface tunnels can be as much as 5 feet beneath the surface. Moles reproduce 2–6 young in the spring.
Effective Management Strategies
Baiting
Mimics their natural food source and can be an effective way to manage their population. Target travel runs — long, straight runs moles use to navigate their territory — for best results. Moles are more likely to re-use travel runs, leading to higher success rates.
Traps
Use press down spike or scissor traps to control moles by placing traps in travel runs for the most effective results.
Repellex
A treatment that makes their food source unpalatable, encouraging moles to move elsewhere. Taylor's Way offers Repellex treatments as part of an ongoing management plan.
Warning: DIY Remedies That Don't Work
Many people believe that DIY mole control remedies are worth trying. The problem is that not only are these methods ineffective, but some are outright dangerous! Mole and vole control is an ongoing process that requires maintenance. Applying gasoline or vehicle exhaust to affected areas (both highly dangerous!), inserting chewing gum or glass into the mole tunnels (moles will just dig around these!), or using pinwheels and other items to cause vibrations underground are not effective ways to rid your yard of these pests. The most effective method is installing a system of baits, traps, and repellents that are continuously monitored.
Myth-Busting Moles
Myth 1: Moles Eat Plant Roots
Moles are insectivores focused on earthworms. Plant damage is collateral, caused by tunneling. Voles, however, will often feed on the fleshy roots of plants such as Daylilies and Hostas, causing serious injury or death.
Myth 2: All Tunneling is Moles
Not all lawn damage is caused by moles. Voles, which eat plant material, create burrows and pathways that can easily be mistaken for mole activity.
Myth 3: Moles are Nocturnal
Moles can be active at any time of day and are often more active during wet periods, regardless of the time.
Myth 4: Killing grubs will get rid of Moles
Grub killer products have no effect on the moles' primary food source: earthworms. So even with a grub-free landscape, there will likely be plenty of food for hungry moles to root around for.
In Conclusion
Understanding the differences between moles and voles is crucial for effective lawn and garden management. While our services at Taylor's Way — like baiting and Repellex treatments — provide avenues for management, identifying the specific culprit and employing targeted strategies leads to better outcomes. A balanced approach combining physical, chemical, and cultural methods often yields the best results in keeping your outdoor spaces healthy and beautiful.
Get Expert Help from Taylor's Way
For more tips on lawn care and managing wildlife in your garden, call our office at 815-875-8231 or send us an email at info@taylorsway.com
