Voles vs. Moles: Identifying the Damage and How to Eliminate Them

Have you ever spotted a small, furry animal scurrying through your garden and wondered if it was a vole or a mole? Though these two creatures appear similar, they can both create significant problems. Despite their size, they make a noticeable impact by damaging your garden and lawn.

It can be tricky to figure out which animal is behind the destruction, but identifying the culprit is key to figuring out the best way to get rid of it. In this guide, we’ll explain how to distinguish between moles and voles and provide expert advice on handling them safely.

Differences Between Moles and Voles

Though moles and voles may appear alike, they are actually quite distinct animals. There are several ways to figure out whether your garden is being invaded by voles or moles.

Voles

Voles, members of the rodent family, are “smaller and comparable in size to mice,” explains Roger Dickens of Terminix. They have short, blunt noses resembling those of hamsters, and their fur is typically brown. Dickens notes that voles consume vegetation, seeds, and even the roots of certain landscape plants.

Unlike moles, “voles create visible paths or ‘runs’ on the surface of the ground,” according to Dickens. (You might even spot a vole running out of its hiding place if it's disturbed.) These runs are most evident after the snow melts in spring or when objects are lifted from the ground, revealing the trails they’ve left behind.

Voles are widely distributed across the continental U.S., often inhabiting meadows, grasslands, and fields. What’s even more surprising is that voles are among the quickest breeding animals in North America. They breed throughout the year and can have up to 10 litters annually, with three to six offspring per litter!

Moles

One major distinction between voles and moles, according to Dickens, is their size: Moles are significantly larger than voles. “Moles are about the size of a person’s hand across,” he explains. They also have a longer snout and darker gray fur. Additionally, moles belong to the shrew family, not the rodent group.

Since moles spend most of their time underground, spotting them is rare, Dickens points out. Although several species of moles are found throughout the U.S., most are located to the east of the Rocky Mountains. Moles typically reproduce once a year, with litters of three to five young, born around March or April.

Recognizing the damage caused by voles compared to moles.

Moles and voles inflict damage primarily based on their eating habits. Moles are meat-eating animals, while voles consume plants. If you spot damage to your plants, you’re likely dealing with voles, not moles. Both creatures can cause various forms of damage.

Burrows and Pathways

Moles can harm your lawn by digging tunnels in search of food or a mate. A raised patch of turf that flattens when walked on is often a telltale sign. Dickens also observes that people may see freshly dug soil mounds where moles have been active.

Voles occasionally burrow underground, but they are more commonly seen creating visible pathways on the surface of your lawn. While these tracks are unsightly, they don’t cause the same underground damage as the tunnels created by moles.

Soil Piles and Digging Marks

Moles create distinctive volcano-shaped mounds called molehills. Voles, however, don’t form mounds; they usually dig small holes underground, often near the base of trees. This underground burrowing can damage roots, leading to the death of plants and trees. As a result, you might notice plants wilting, turning brown, or even falling over due to voles eating the roots.

Ways to Eliminate and Prevent Moles and Voles

There are various methods for controlling both moles and voles. These include using traps, planting specific species, and employing natural remedies that work on other animals like deer and squirrels. Pesticides are another option, but it’s advisable to explore other methods first, to protect the rest of the wildlife in your garden.

Setting Traps

As Dickens mentions, moles can be caught using a specialized trap. Voles, on the other hand, can be trapped by positioning mouse traps along their "runs" or trails. Additionally, moles and voles prefer different baits: voles are drawn to peanut butter, while moles are more likely to be lured by grubs or worms.

Vegetation

One way to repel moles and voles from your garden is by planting specific repellent plants. Moles are known to dislike the scent of garlic, shallots, allium, marigolds, and daffodils. Voles, on the other hand, can be kept away with allium. To effectively keep these pests out, it’s best to plant a barrier of these repellents along the edges of your garden.

Castor Oil

Both moles and voles are repelled by the scent of castor oil. You can find several castor-oil-based solutions at garden centers, or use pure castor oil directly. It also comes in granular form, which is more convenient for spreading around the garden. Since pure castor oil is thick, it’s advisable to dilute it with water before application.

Chemical Solutions

To keep voles away from your landscaping beds, capsaicin-based repellents are a great option. If moles are causing issues, you can use a pesticide specifically designed for moles, which tends to be highly effective. However, it’s important to note that pesticides carry certain risks and can be harmful to pets and wildlife. If you choose this route, you may want to consult a pest control professional for guidance.