what is difference between voles and moles

What is a vole as compared to a mole?

Moles “M” are meat-eaters, and their diet consists of insects, grubs, and earthworms. Voles “V”, on the other hand, are vegetarians and eat the roots and stems of plants. Description of a Mole. A mole is 4 to 7 inches in length with paddle-shaped feet and prominent digging claws.

Do voles eat moles?

Voles sometimes use mole tunnels, which causes moles to be blamed for eating roots instead of the white-grubs they actually eat. Vole damage may also be noticed on trees and shrubs where they have chewed through the bark near the ground. The vole’s front teeth will leave ¼ inch side-by-side grooves in the wood. Vole tunnels in snow Vole runway

What type of animal is a mole?

Though it is often misconceived that moles are rodents, they are in fact mammals. The confusion lies with their similarity in appearance to ground squirrels and marmots. Most species of mole have small bodies covered with dark, small eyes and ears, shovel like paws and hairless snouts.

Do moles eat mice?

While earthworms are their favorite food, moles also eat centipedes, millipedes, grubs, snails, crickets, spiders and other various insects. Some of the larger types of moles will actually eat small mice that enter their tunnel system, but it's not very common.

How can you tell if a mole is voles or shrews?

Here's a quick table of characteristics along with some illustrations to help you better identify moles, voles and shrews.Moles. • Enlarged front feet with prominent digging claws. • No external ears. ... Voles. • Small, mouse-like feet. • ... Shrews. • Small mouse-like feet with longer toes and nails. •

Which is bigger a mole or a vole?

Moles are typically 4 to 7 inches long. Voles have a slightly smaller physical build than moles but are similar in length. Voles typically measure 5 to 7 inches long. A mole's eyes are so tiny that it almost appears as if they have none.

How do you get rid of moles or voles?

Castor Oil. Voles don't like castor oil any more than moles do because it makes the soil smell bad to them. Look for a product containing castor oil that's labeled as a mole and vole repellant and follow the label directions.

How do you tell if you have voles or moles?

Tunneling habits is another big differentiator between voles vs. moles. While voles have those open entranceways and make tunnels that aren't raised, moles dig visibly raised tunnel ridges, leave mini volcano-shaped soil mounds, and create more of a closed tunnel system without visible entrance holes.

How do you know if you have voles?

Here are a few sure-fire signs of voles in your yard:Paths 1”-2” wide in the turf surface.Vole burrows look like holes in the lawn or around the bases of trees. ... Spaces where the grass of the lawn is suddenly very short.Noticeable gnaw marks on the stems of woody plants and young trees.More items...•

Is it mole or vole tunnels?

A mole tunnels underground, lifting the soil upwards and making your yard “squishy” when you walk on it. Voles tunnel under the snow pack in winter, but remain above ground and create those “highways” in the grass you see when it melts. They consume that grass and also use it to build nests.

What kills voles in your yard?

If you're wondering how to kill voles instantly, mouse traps such as the Snap Traps by Victor® will do the trick. For maximum effectiveness, bait the traps with peanut butter or oatmeal. Then, place them in front of any holes you can spot around your garden.

Can a vole hurt you?

Voles look very similar to mice and are about 5-8 inches long. They have a shorter, stockier build with short legs and a short, furry tail. Their eyes are small; and their fur can be light brown, dark brown, or black. They do have teeth, but it is rare for them to bite a human.

Are voles worse than moles?

In terms of damage done to your garden, voles are the real culprit. Although moles can cause some havoc on your lawn with their tunneling and mounding, they're insectivores, feeding mostly on earthworms and bugs. Voles, on the other hand, eat plant roots, bulbs and the bark of young trees (especially fruit trees).

How does Dawn dish soap get rid of moles?

InstructionsHeat water in kettle.Pour castor oil into jar.Pour 3 quarts of hot water into the jar.Add Dawn Dish Soap.Shake or stir the mixture together.Pour the mixture into a garden sprayer.Spray lawn.Pour extra directly onto mole holes.

What is the fastest way to get rid of voles?

0:001:01Trapping voles with simple snap traps will be a very successful way to get rid of moderate voleMoreTrapping voles with simple snap traps will be a very successful way to get rid of moderate vole populations fallen winter is a good time to begin trapping. Not only because food sources are dwindling.

What attracts voles to your property?

Any property with vegetation or greenery will attract them. They often choose properties with moist areas or that are near lakes, swamps, or other water sources. Not only will meadow voles damage your yard, but they are known for spreading diseases, as well.

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles in your yard?

You'll have the most luck killing moles in your yard if you use traps or bait in the spring or fall. Both products should be placed in a main, or active, runway. These are usually the straight tunnels in your lawn or the tunnels that follow the perimeter of your yard.

What time of day are voles most active?

Voles are active day and night, year-round, with peak activity occurring at dawn and dusk. They do not hibernate. Their home range is usually ¼ acre or less, but this range varies with season, population density, habitat, and food supply.

Can voles infest a house?

Although they do not infest houses often or on purpose, they can sometimes be found indoors. One or two of them may find their way into your house by accident. Voles are not the kind of animals that sleep when it is dark, and therefore, they can be active whether it is day and at night.

Where do voles hide during the day?

Voles are active day and night, year-round. You'll normally find them in areas with dense vegetation. Voles dig many short, shallow burrows and make underground nests of grass, stems, and leaves. In areas with winter snow, voles will burrow in and through the snow to the surface.

What does vole damage look like in a yard?

Runways: Voles leave unmistakable scars in your yard called runs or runways — grassless depressions crisscrossing your yard like little sidewalks leading to and from their burrow openings. Gnaw marks: If it's voles, you'll see patches of gnaw marks with irregular patterns about 1/16th to 1/8th inches wide.

How does vinegar get rid of ground moles?

To use vinegar to get rid of moles, simply mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. You may need to reapply every few days or so until the moles are gone. If you have pets or children, be sure to keep them away from the treated area until it dries completely.

What do I do if I find a mole above ground?

If you see a mole above ground, it is generally best to leave it alone and give it a chance to burrow back under the soil, but if you sense the animal might be hurt, call your local wildlife rescue center. Moles are unfortunately often considered to be pests, as they dig up yards and gardens.

How far down do voles dig?

12 inchesSome voles burrow and create many shallow tunnels, while other types dig down to a depth of 12 inches. The tunnels give soil a spongy feel when you walk on it. Voles also happily inhabit mole and chipmunk tunnels.

Do voles come in the house?

Although they do not infest houses often or on purpose, they can sometimes be found indoors. One or two of them may find their way into your house by accident. Voles are not the kind of animals that sleep when it is dark, and therefore, they can be active whether it is day and at night.

Can voles get big?

Voles are mouselike rodents somewhat similar in appearance to pocket gophers. They have a compact, heavy body, short legs, a short-furred tail, small eyes, and partially hidden ears. Their long, coarse fur is blackish brown to grayish brown. When fully grown they can measure 5 to 8 inches long, including the tail.

How big is a full grown vole?

Voles are small rodents that grow to 8–23 cm (3–9 in), depending on the species.

What does a large vole look like?

Voles are rodents and are about the same size as moles (4 to 6 inches in body length) with relatively large black eyes, small ears, a blunt face, and prominent orange front teeth for gnawing.

What is the difference between a mole and a vole?

Sarah Scott is a fact checker and researcher. A mole is a pest that uses tunnels and causes damage in your lawn. But so is a vole.

What are some animals similar to moles?

Similar Animals. Two other mammals that beginners sometimes confuse with moles and voles are pocket gophers and shrews. Like the vole, the pocket gopher ( Thomomys) is a rodent and looks like a mouse, but with bigger teeth.

What is the name of the animal that is based on body size and the color of its fur?

People untrained in identifying these creatures may initially think the same thing about moles, such as the Eastern mole ( Scalopus aquaticus ), based on body size and the color of the fur. But if you take a really good look at a mole's face, you will see the difference right away.

What mammals are confused with moles?

Two other mammals that beginners sometimes confuse with moles and voles are pocket gophers and shrews.

What do moles eat?

The preferred diet of the mole is a carnivorous one. The mole will eat worms, grubs, and adult insects. They are not rodents, which, having a vegetarian diet, often attack our garden plants. So if a pest is taking bites out of your plants, you can rule out moles.

Do voles like peanut butter?

If you realize that the mole is mainly a meat eater, whereas the vole is mainly a vegetarian, you'll know that they will not necessarily be attracted to the same baits (should you decide to try to catch one of these garden pests). A vole may be attracted to peanut butter as bait; a mole most likely will not.

Do voles leave dirt behind?

The runways they leave behind in the process make for an unsightly lawn, although voles do not leave behind big mounds of dirt the way moles do. Voles can also accidentally damage trees and shrubs by burrowing into their root systems, causing young specimens to experience die-back or to begin to lean. 2.

What are the Differences Between Moles & Voles?

As the snow gradually melts away here in the northern U.S., we're getting increased calls for Vole control. Often confused with moles, these rodents are entirely different.

Help, I've Got Trails In My Yard!

As the snow gradually melts away here in the northern U.S., we're getting increased calls for Vole control. Often confused with moles, these rodents are entirely different.

What does a vole look like?

A Vole Looks Like a Mouse. Voles are nocturnal and timid, so there’s not much chance that gardeners will see them while weeding on a sunny spring morning. And even if they do, the vole might easily be mistaken for a mouse; they’re both rodents, with a similar shape and coloring.

How big are voles?

In fact, voles are tiny in general; woodland voles, the smallest species, are less than 4 inches long and weigh no more than 1 ounce—about the same as five grapes. They have soft, thick, dense fur and eyes that could be described as “bright.” (Although exasperated gardeners might use the term “beady” instead!)

What does a molehill mean?

Aside from serving as the foundation of many a metaphorical mountain, molehills are a clear sign that this critter has moved in—or rather, under. Moles live an entirely subterranean existence, and their hills only hint at what’s beneath the surface: an expansive system of tunnels, “larders” where moles can store their earthworm provisions, and sleeping dens.

What do moles eat?

Moles Eat Earthworms, Beetles, and Grubs. Moles are insectivores, and voracious ones at that. They can consume up to 100 percent of their own body weight every day, totaling an average of 50 pounds of earthworms, grubs, and beetle larvae annually.

How deep do moles live?

Moles’ subsoil living spaces are generally 8 to 12 inches deep, with one exception. When a mole is actively searching for a mate, it will tunnel just beneath the surface, enabling it to pop up at intervals and scan the surroundings for potential partners. A solo mole’s territory can comprise more than 2 ½ acres.

How many yards can a mole dig?

Averaging a mere 7 inches long, moles are incredible diggers. In just one day, a mole is capable of digging more than 200 yard s, and in so doing, displacing an astonishing 540 times its own body weight in soil.

Do voles live in low vegetation?

Voles Like to Live in Low Vegetation. When it comes to unwelcome visitors, voles are arguably among the cuter nuisances. Much like their country-mouse cousins, they have something of a Beatrix Potter vibe, and their garden-ravaging antics would give Peter Rabbit a run for his money.

Why Voles and Moles Are Harmful?

Voles prefer to chomp on plants and tree bark. Moles nibble on insects and anything else that moves. It’s their digging that destroys the surfaces of your turf, leaving behind unseemly holes and mounds. Moles leave damage to grass and garden plants. There’s also the risk of gaping holes that humans can step into.

Comparing Vole vs Mole

Let’s take a look at some of the differences between these animals in terms of appearance, behavior, and other factors.

The 7 Key Differences Between Moles and Voles

Here are significant traits about the mole and the vole that distinguishes the two creatures.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Moles are carnivores but in their constant search for food, they leave a lot of damage in their wake. It’s the constant burrowing that reveals the creature’s presence. Voles dig as well but you’ll see their work in the destruction of your garden and lawns.

What color are voles?

Voles have reddish brown and black bodies with a gra y underside.

What is a mole?

Moles are solitary predators that aggressively defend their territory.

What is a mole's face?

However, much can be deduced by the animal’s use of the landscape (see slideshow photos). Mole: A mole's face is all nose and mouth. Moles also have huge forefeet. (Photo courtesy of thespruce.com) Moles: Moles have a pointed snout, as well as eyes and ears so tiny that they are not visible.

Do voles make exit holes?

Voles make several exit holes in flower beds and lawns.

Do voles live in North Carolina?

If you garden, then you may have experienced the feeling of having moles or voles underfoot, even during winter months. These crit ters are very common in North Carolina, and they enjoy a good landscape with lots of flora and fauna as much as we do. At some point, as a gardener, you will likely ask the question: "What is happening to my lawn?"

Do moles have a pointed snout?

Moles have a pointed snout, as well as eyes and ears so tiny that they are not visible.

Do moles dig in tunnels?

Mole Run: Moles prefer to dig and then live in underground tunnels; see this example of a mole run on a lawn.

Voles or Moles

Just like peanut butter and jelly and stars and stripes, moles and voles always seem to go together. In fact, the only similarities between these two critters is the rhyming of their names and the realization that they both dig underground.

Another Option For How to Get Rid of Moles: Grub Control

Since moles are meat eaters, their presence might also be a sign that you have grubs.

Need Some Professional Help?

There you have it: The vole vs. mole debate solved! Now you can identify what’s messing with your lawn or your plants in Central and Southern Maryland and start eliminating these nuisance pests from your yard.

Where do voles live?

Voles prefer to live in low-lying or creeping vegetation, and make trails through the grass or snow.

What do moles eat?

Moles live underground in tunnels, and are predatory in nature. Moles primarily feed on earthworms, grubs, beetles and other animals or arthropods found in the soil. Voles prefer to live in low-lying or creeping vegetation, and make trails through the grass or snow.

How to tell a mole from a shrew?

A mole has a pointed snout, enlarged front feet, and eyes and ears so tiny that they are not visible. A vole, also called a meadow mouse, has rounded ears and body and is reddish or brown and black in color with a gray underside. And finally, a shrew has a pointed snout, but unlike the mole, a shrew’s front feet are not enlarged. Also, a shrew’s eyes are tiny, but they are visible in most species.

How to manage a mole?

Managing moles, voles and shrews can be challenging, so using an integrated pest management approach with tools such as trapping, baiting and habitat modification will give the best chance for success. If you’re experiencing a problem in your yard or lawn with moles, voles or shrews, be sure to contact an Ehrlich pest control expert for assistance.

How to keep voles away from my house?

To help keep voles from becoming a problem, mow your lawn and minimize vegetation that’s against the structure. Pick up vegetables or fruit that has fallen in your garden. If voles or mice have taken up residence at your property, it’s best to contact a pest control professional, like Ehrlich.

What is a mouse in landscape?

Oftentimes our customers call us to report seeing a small, mouse-like creature scurrying around their landscape. Typically, customers notice burrows in their mulch, or runways that part the grass or in the snow. The culprits are little creatures commonly referred to as moles, but in reality, they may actually be a mole, vole or a shrew.

Do moles live underground?

These basic characteristics can help you determine voles vs. moles and voles and moles vs. shrews. Moles live underground in tunnels , and are predatory in nature.

Differences and Characteristics

How Voles and Moles Damage Lawns

• Moles are carnivores. They are not rodents like voles. A mole will eat worms, grubs, and adult insects. Voles eat a vegetarian diet and often attack garden plants. So if a pest takes bites out of your plants, you can rule out moles. Signs of a vole in your yard are similar to a field mouse—eaten vegetation, runways, and small hideout holes by the b...

See more on thespruce.com

Voles and Moles vs. Mice, Gophers, and Shrews

What Is A Vole?

What Is A Mole?

Voles vs. Moles: Holes and Tunnels

• You probably have moles if you see long dirt tunnels across your yard with piles at either end. Moles create shallow tunnels on the surface and mounds of soil from deeper tunnels. When you walk in your yard, the surface will feel squishy. “Voles also dig dime-sized entrances to their burrows around the roots of plants,” Pearson says. “Following sur...

See more on familyhandyman.com

Vole and Mole Control