If your lawn has unsightly patches of dead grass, uneven terrain, or mysterious tunnels, you may be dealing with an underground pest. Two common culprits are voles and moles, and while their names sound similar, they are very different creatures. Understanding the differences between these two pests is essential to diagnosing the problem and finding the right solution. Let’s break down how to identify whether voles or moles are damaging your lawn and what you can do about it.
What Are Voles?
Voles are small rodents that look similar to field mice but have stouter bodies, shorter tails,
and smaller eyes and ears. Often mistaken for shrews or even baby rats, voles primarily feed
on vegetation. They are notorious for gnawing on roots, stems, and bark, which can kill plants,
trees, and shrubs. Voles are especially active in lawns and gardens, where they create shallow
runways close to the surface of the soil.
Signs of Vole Activity:
- Surface Runways: Voles create narrow, winding runways in the grass. These pathways are
about 1-2 inches wide and close to the soil’s surface, often visible when the grass above
dies. - Gnaw Marks: If you notice chewed stems of perennial shrubs, vegetable plants or gnawed
tree bark (particularly at the base), voles may be responsible. This damage can girdle
young trees, eventually killing them. - Dead Spots in Lawns: Voles clip grass very close to the roots, leaving behind dead
patches or thin strips of bare soil where they’ve been foraging.
What Are Moles?
Moles, unlike voles, are insectivores. These small mammals have velvety fur, pointed snouts,
and large, paddle-like front paws that they use to dig through the soil in search of insects,
grubs, and earthworms. Moles spend most of their time underground, creating tunnels and
burrows that disrupt the surface of your lawn.
Signs of Mole Activity:
-
Raised Ridges: Moles create raised, visible ridges on the surface of the lawn as they
tunnel just beneath the ground. These ridges are often more noticeable than vole
runways. -
Molehills: A classic sign of mole activity is the presence of molehills—mounds of soil
pushed up from their deeper tunnels. -
Minimal Plant Damage: Unlike voles, moles don’t feed on plants or roots. The primary
damage caused by moles is the disruption of soil, which can uproot plants, but they don’t
directly consume vegetation.
Conclusion
While both voles and moles can wreak havoc on your lawn, understanding the differences
between these pests is key to finding the right solution. Voles leave visible surface runways
and gnaw on plants, while moles create raised ridges and molehills as they tunnel in search of
insects. By identifying the specific pest causing damage, you can take targeted steps to
protect your lawn and garden.
Sources:
(1) https://www.bobvila.com/articles/mole-vs-vole-damage/
(2) https://www.backyardfocus.com/voles-vs-moles-whats-the-difference